Daytona Beach has hosted the NCA & NDA Collegiate Cheer and Dance Championship for more than 30 years, drawing thousands of athletes, spectators, and tourists annually. This year, the event, scheduled for April 9-13, will bring nearly 500 teams and 11,000 competitors to the city’s Ocean Center and Bandshell, with an estimated 20,000-30,000 additional spectators attending. The competition contributes an estimated $40-$60 million to the local economy.
However, as the city faces accommodation shortages and competition from other potential host cities, the future of the event in Daytona Beach beyond 2026 remains uncertain.
Challenges with Accommodations
The availability of hotel rooms has become a key issue in recent years. Damage from Hurricanes Ian and Nicole in 2022 left two major properties, the Plaza Resort & Spa (323 rooms) and the Comfort Inn & Suites (112 rooms), unavailable for event participants. The situation resulted in limited lodging options for teams and fans, increasing costs and logistical challenges.
Varsity Brands, which owns the National Cheerleaders Association (NCA) and National Dance Alliance (NDA), has stated that Daytona Beach remains a strong contender for future hosting, but logistics and infrastructure will be factors in the upcoming site selection process.
“Daytona Beach has become iconic in terms of venue location,” said Bill Boggs, senior vice president of Varsity Brands. “We do not want to leave, but we have to evaluate all available options that meet the needs of the event and its growth.”
Host City Bidding Process Begins
Daytona Beach is currently in the second year of a three-year contract to host the championship through 2026. As part of standard procedures, Varsity is accepting bids from cities nationwide for the 2027-2030 contract.
Competing cities are offering expanded hotel accommodations, larger venues, and financial incentives as potential alternatives to Daytona Beach. Varsity has not disclosed the names of cities that have submitted bids, but Daytona Beach’s ability to accommodate the increasing number of participants and spectators will be a key factor in the decision.
Tourism Board Increases Financial Support
To address concerns and strengthen its bid, the Halifax Area Advertising Authority (HAAA) board recently approved an additional $35,000 in sponsorship funding, bringing its total financial commitment to $135,000 for 2025. The board has also increased its financial package for the 2027-2030 bid cycle, allocating $112,500 per year, which will be matched by the county-run Ocean Center.
Officials from the Daytona Beach Area Convention & Visitors Bureau (CVB) have emphasized the economic and promotional benefits of the event.
“Not only is the economic impact vital for our community’s businesses, but this event also attracts positive nationwide media coverage,” said Lori Campbell Baker, executive director of the CVB.
The championship has been part of Daytona Beach’s rebranding strategy as a “Spring Family Beach Break” destination, shifting focus from traditional spring break crowds to family-friendly events.
Next Steps in Site Selection
Varsity is expected to evaluate bids over the next year before making a decision on the 2027-2030 host city. The selection process will consider venue capacity, lodging availability, financial incentives, and long-term event growth potential.
The 2025 NCA & NDA Collegiate Cheer and Dance Championship will proceed as planned in Daytona Beach, with tourism officials and event organizers working to manage accommodations and transportation for participants and attendees.
Ongoing Developments
With the bidding process underway, Daytona Beach’s ability to address lodging challenges and present a competitive offer will be a determining factor in whether the championship remains in the city beyond 2026.
Varsity has not set a definitive timeline for announcing the host city for the 2027-2030 contract, but updates are expected in the coming months.
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