The University of Akron’s men’s basketball program is heading to central Florida for the 2026 ESPN Events Invitational, a three‑day showcase that will run from November 23 to 25 at State Farm Field House in Kissimmee. The Zips will be one of seven teams competing in the tournament’s Adventure group, a bracket that blends mid‑major powerhouses with programs riding recent NCAA tournament appearances.
Akron’s recent résumé reads like a study in consistency. The Zips have earned NCAA tournament berths in three straight seasons and four of the past five, culminating in a 29‑6 record last year. Under first‑year head coach Dustin Ford, who spent nine years as an assistant before stepping into the role, the team hopes to translate that momentum into a fresh start.
The Adventure Group
The Adventure group also features Appalachian State, Belmont, St. Bonaventure, Wright State and Yale. Each brings a distinct narrative: Appalachian State under coach Dustin Kerns posted a 19‑13 record last season and has maintained a winning conference slate for five of the last seven years; Belmont, a program that has logged 29‑6 records in 16 of the past 17 seasons; St. Bonaventure, now guided by former alum Mike MacDonald, who returns after a stint that produced over 100 wins at every NCAA level; Wright State, which captured a 23‑12 season and a first‑round NCAA win; and Yale, a perennial 20‑win team that reached the NIT a year ago.
A New Era for the Zips
All games will be staged at State Farm Field House, a venue that has hosted NBA playoff contests and elite youth tournaments, lending a professional sheen to the event. The arena’s reputation for crisp competition makes it a fitting backdrop for a tournament that promises both surprise and tradition.
Ticket Access and Travel Logistics
Fans eager to secure seats can sign up for pre‑sale access through the ESPN Events Invitational website, with general ticket sales slated for later this summer. The tournament’s location near Orlando International Airport (MCO) provides nonstop flights to more than 100 domestic destinations, while Kissimmee’s reputation as the ‘Vacation Home Capital of the World®’ offers a spectrum of lodging options, from resort stays to private vacation homes.