College Basketball Powerhouses Descend on South Florida for 2025 AutoNation Orange Bowl Basketball Classic

Defending National Champion Florida Gators and Florida State Seminoles Headline Exciting Doubleheader at Amerant Bank Arena

MIAMI LAKES, Fla., [July 10, 2025] – The AutoNation Orange Bowl Basketball Classic is set to return to Amerant Bank Arena on Saturday, December 13th for its 31st annual edition. This year’s exciting doubleheader will feature the defending national champions, the Florida Gators, taking on the George Washington Revolutionaries, and a high-stakes showdown between the Florida State Seminoles and the UMass Minutemen. Game times and order of play will be announced at a later date.

The AutoNation Orange Bowl Basketball Classic is the only Division I basketball event in Broward County, offering fans and families an unforgettable experience during the holiday season. Enjoy exciting matchups, pregame entertainment outside Amerant Bank Arena, and a festive atmosphere that’s perfect for all ages.

“We’re proud to welcome four outstanding basketball programs and their passionate fan bases to South Florida for this year’s AutoNation Orange Bowl Basketball Classic,” said Henri Crockett, Orange Bowl Committee President & Chair. “Thanks to the continued support of our partners at AutoNation and Amerant Bank Arena, this event remains a highlight of the season, delivering top-tier college hoops and a memorable experience for all.”

“The AutoNation Orange Bowl Basketball Classic is a true celebration of community; we are proud to be part of it,” said Mike Manley, Chief Executive Officer of AutoNation. “It brings families together during the holiday season and highlights our shared commitment to community impact with the Orange Bowl through meaningful initiatives like the Big Buddy Program. The event also showcases the pursuit of excellence through elite sports — a reminder of how dedication and teamwork can uplift individuals and communities alike.”

Tickets

Fans can purchase tickets online at orangebowl.org/basketball or by contacting the Orange Bowl Ticket Office at (305) 341-4701 or tickets@orangebowl.org.

The Matchups

University of Florida vs. George Washington

The defending national champion Florida Gators make their return to the AutoNation Orange Bowl Basketball Classic following a historic NCAA Tournament, claiming their third national title. Head coach Todd Golden has rapidly turned the Gators into a powerhouse, and this year’s squad returns a strong core alongside a group of highly touted newcomers. Florida enters the 2025 Classic with high expectations and will look to make a statement in their first major non-conference test of the season.

Facing off against the champs are the George Washington Revolutionaries, making their first-ever appearance in the Classic. Under head coach Chris Caputo, George Washington is coming off a promising season in the Atlantic 10 Conference and returns a dynamic backcourt along with a strong class of underclassmen. With a focus on defensive pressure and up-tempo play, the Revolutionaries are eager to make their mark on South Florida basketball fans.

Florida State University vs. University of Massachusetts

The Florida State Seminoles return to the AutoNation Orange Bowl Basketball Classic with fresh momentum under new head coach Luke Loucks. A former Seminole standout and NBA assistant, Loucks brings championship experience and a modern approach to rebuilding the program. With a reloaded roster featuring size, athleticism, and a mix of veteran transfers and young stars, FSU aims to re-establish itself as a force to be reckoned with.

On the other side, the UMass Minutemen make their return to the Classic for the first time in over a decade. Led by veteran head coach and Miami native Frank Martin, the Minutemen embody a physical, high-effort style of play. With several key returners and a strong incoming class, UMass is eyeing a breakout season in the Mid-American Conference and will look to secure a statement win in this nationally relevant non-conference matchup.

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Thank you to our sponsors: AutoNation, Amazon, American Airlines, Amerant Bank, Amerant Bank Arena, Dunkin’, Toyota, Visit Lauderdale, and Zoo Miami Foundation.

About Orange Bowl

Orange Bowl is a primarily volunteer non-profit sports organization with more than 400 members that promotes and serves the South Florida community. With its primary mission since being created in 1935 to bring tourism to South Florida through an annual football game and events, it has also maintained a legacy of charitable contributions and community outreach. Orange Bowl’s community outreach is embodied by the four pillars of its Orange Bowl Cares program: Youth Sports, Education, Community Engagement, and Legacy Programs. For more information about Orange Bowl events, including promotional inquiries and volunteer opportunities through the Ambassador Program, log on to orangebowl.org or follow @OrangeBowl on social media.

About AutoNation, Inc.

AutoNation, one of the largest automotive retailers in the United States, offers innovative products and exceptional services as part of a portfolio of comprehensive solutions for our customers and their automotive needs. With a nationwide network of dealerships strengthened by a recognized brand, we offer a wide variety of new and used vehicles, customer financing, parts, and expert maintenance and repair services. Through DRV PNK, we have raised over $40 million for cancer-related causes, demonstrating our commitment to making a positive difference in the lives of our Associates, Customers, and the communities we serve. Please visit www.autonation.com, investors.autonation.com, and www.x.com/autonation, where AutoNation discloses additional information about the Company, its business, and its results of operations.

About Amerant Bank Arena

Florida’s premier sports and entertainment venue, Amerant Bank Arena is Florida’s largest indoor arena and the second largest sports and entertainment venue in South Florida. Home of the NHL’s 2024 & 2025 Stanley Cup Champion Florida Panthers, the state-of-the-art Amerant Bank Arena continues to host hundreds of major concerts, events, and performance acts each year, which have included the likes of Elton John, Harry Styles, Beyonce, Childish Gambino, WWE, Billboard Latin Music Awards and more. Located in Sunrise, Florida across from the Sawgrass Mills Mall, which attracts upwards of 30 million visitors annually, the Broward County-owned Amerant Bank Arena is one of the top-ranked venues of its kind in the world, servicing Broward, Collier, Miami-Dade, Monroe and Palm Beach Counties and beyond. For more information about Amerant Bank Arena and upcoming events, games, and concerts, visit AmerantBankArena.com and follow @AmerantBankArena on Facebook and Instagram and @AmerantArena on X.