University of Southern Mississippi Athletics
Golden Eagles Set to Return to Pensacola Invitational
9/8/2026 2:35:00 PM | Men's Basketball
HATTIESBURG -- Southern Miss men's basketball will return to the Pensacola Invitational at the Pensacola Bay Center after winning the event last year. The Golden Eagles beat both North Florida and UT Martin on their way to hoisting the trophy.Â
"We are excited to be participating in the Pensacola Invitational again this year," said Southern Miss head coach Jay Ladner. "I think it gave us an advantage last year that we were able to play two games at the Pensacola Bay Center before going there in March for the Sun Belt Tournament. I expect it to be the same way this year, and so does our team. It's a short trip for our fans to come support the Golden Eagles, so I'd expect a lot of people there to see us play."
The Golden Eagles will take on Nicholls on Saturday, Nov. 21 at 4 p.m., and Valparaiso on Sunday, Nov. 22 at 5 p.m. Southern Miss is no stranger to the Pensacola Bay Center, going 3-1 there during the Sun Belt Tournament last season. Overall, the Golden Eagles went 5-1 in the arena last year. Isaac Taveras scored 32 points in Southern Miss' semifinal game against Troy.Â
Ticket Information:
Tickets will go on sale to the general public at 10 a.m. CT on Friday, September 11, at Pensacola Bay Center | Pensacola Invitational. More information for the Pensacola Invitational will be announced in the coming weeks. For updates, visit www.pensacolabaycenter.com, or follow @russpottsproductionsinc and @pensacolainvitational on socials.
ABOUT RUSS POTTS PRODUCTIONS, INC.
RPPI, a Virginia-based sports and entertainment company, has organized over 900 major college and professional sporting events in over 40 years in the industry. For the 2026-27 season, RPPI is organizing over a dozen high-profile events featuring 40+ men's college basketball programs across the country. RPPI specializes in the organization and promotion of live sports and entertainment content, including college basketball, college football, and college hockey as well as concerts. For more info: www.rppi.net
ABOUT THE PENSACOLA BAY CENTER
The Pensacola Bay Center is a versatile, multi-use event facility located in Pensacola, Florida, serving as a central hub for a wide range of entertainment, sports, and community events. Opened in 1985, this indoor arena is operated by Legends Global and is one of the Gulf Coast's premier venues. The Pensacola Bay Center has taken its place as the number one entertainment and sports venue in the region and the home of the Pensacola Ice Flyers, a professional ice hockey team competing in the Southern Professional Hockey League (SPHL). The Ice Flyers have won multiple SPHL championships, making them a key part of the Pensacola sports scene.
"We are excited to be participating in the Pensacola Invitational again this year," said Southern Miss head coach Jay Ladner. "I think it gave us an advantage last year that we were able to play two games at the Pensacola Bay Center before going there in March for the Sun Belt Tournament. I expect it to be the same way this year, and so does our team. It's a short trip for our fans to come support the Golden Eagles, so I'd expect a lot of people there to see us play."
The Golden Eagles will take on Nicholls on Saturday, Nov. 21 at 4 p.m., and Valparaiso on Sunday, Nov. 22 at 5 p.m. Southern Miss is no stranger to the Pensacola Bay Center, going 3-1 there during the Sun Belt Tournament last season. Overall, the Golden Eagles went 5-1 in the arena last year. Isaac Taveras scored 32 points in Southern Miss' semifinal game against Troy.Â
Ticket Information:
Tickets will go on sale to the general public at 10 a.m. CT on Friday, September 11, at Pensacola Bay Center | Pensacola Invitational. More information for the Pensacola Invitational will be announced in the coming weeks. For updates, visit www.pensacolabaycenter.com, or follow @russpottsproductionsinc and @pensacolainvitational on socials.
ABOUT RUSS POTTS PRODUCTIONS, INC.
RPPI, a Virginia-based sports and entertainment company, has organized over 900 major college and professional sporting events in over 40 years in the industry. For the 2026-27 season, RPPI is organizing over a dozen high-profile events featuring 40+ men's college basketball programs across the country. RPPI specializes in the organization and promotion of live sports and entertainment content, including college basketball, college football, and college hockey as well as concerts. For more info: www.rppi.net
ABOUT THE PENSACOLA BAY CENTER
The Pensacola Bay Center is a versatile, multi-use event facility located in Pensacola, Florida, serving as a central hub for a wide range of entertainment, sports, and community events. Opened in 1985, this indoor arena is operated by Legends Global and is one of the Gulf Coast's premier venues. The Pensacola Bay Center has taken its place as the number one entertainment and sports venue in the region and the home of the Pensacola Ice Flyers, a professional ice hockey team competing in the Southern Professional Hockey League (SPHL). The Ice Flyers have won multiple SPHL championships, making them a key part of the Pensacola sports scene.
Players Mentioned
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