Ocean Center and Daytona Beach Bandshell to Host the Premier Collegiate Cheer and Dance Competition in the World on April 8-12
DAYTONA BEACH, Fla., April 2, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — The NCA & NDA Collegiate Cheer and Dance Championship, produced by the National Cheerleaders Association and National Dance Alliance, celebrates its 30th year in Daytona Beach from April 8-12. Varsity Spirit – a division of Varsity Brands and a leader in cheerleading, dance team and band apparel, camps, competitions, and yearbooks – will be hosting the collegiate cheer and dance competition at the Ocean Center and the Daytona Beach Bandshell.
The NCA & NDA Collegiate Championship continues to draw the nation’s top college cheer and dance programs, with close to 480 teams heading to Daytona Beach this year. Participating schools are utilizing 41 hotel partners throughout the area, contributing to the vibrant, high-energy atmosphere that defines this iconic championship experience.
“The NCA & NDA Collegiate Cheer and Dance Championship continues to shine as a treasured tradition in Daytona Beach, and we love hosting the athletes, coaches and family who return to the destination year after year,” said Lori Campbell Baker, Executive Director of the Daytona Beach Area Convention and Visitors Bureau. “Every championship is the culmination of years of dedication, teamwork and passion from student-athletes across the country, and there is nothing quite like the moment when the winning teams raise that coveted golden trophy and run into the waters of the Atlantic Ocean. We hope competitors and their families also take time while they’re here to explore the beautiful beaches, local dining, and attractions, and discover why Daytona Beach continues to be such a special place for visitors.”
“The Ocean Center is proud to once again host the NCA & NDA Collegiate Cheer and Dance Championship,” said Ocean Center General Manager Lynn Flanders. “For three decades, this event has featured extraordinary performances, school spirit, and passionate fans while bringing thousands of visitors to the Daytona Beach area. We’re honored to continue being part of such an iconic tradition.”
In between their competition at the Daytona Beach Bandshell and the Ocean Center, athletes, coaches, and their fans will be able to enjoy the restaurants, shops and unique offerings that are distinctive to the Daytona Beach community.
“We encourage our community to give the athletes and visitors a warm Daytona Beach welcome,” Baker said. “This event has become an important part of our destination’s Spring Family Beach Break, and the enthusiasm and hospitality shown by the community helps make the championship experience unforgettable for the participants.”
“The journey to Daytona is one of the most well-known events in the world of competitive cheerleading,” said Justin Carrier, vice president of event operations at Varsity Spirit. “The entire community has played a huge role in making sure every generation experiences an incredible event on and off the mat and we are so thankful to be connected to the incredible teams that have made it all happen each and every year.”
The NCA & NDA Collegiate National Championship is open to the public and will be live streamed on Varsity TV. For more information about the event and to purchase tickets, visit https://www.varsity.com/nca/school/competitions/college-nationals/.
About the Daytona Beach Area | #LoveDaytonaBeach
Often called home of the world’s most famous beaches, Daytona Beach, Florida, continues to delight and surprise visitors with its diverse and growing array of attractions. The Daytona Beach area includes several cities and towns including Ormond Beach, Daytona Beach, Daytona Beach Shores, Ponce Inlet, Holly Hill and South Daytona. The destination has long been known for its iconic beaches and rich auto racing history but today a slate of exciting new attractions, upscale lodging, a vibrant arts scene and an amazing collection of parks, preserves and outdoor activities are all part of Daytona Beach’s year-round appeal.
To receive a complimentary Daytona Beach Destination Guide, find a place to stay, or book your next adventure, visit DaytonaBeach.com. #LoveDaytonaBeach.
About Varsity Spirit
Memphis-based Varsity Spirit, the driving force behind cheerleading’s dynamic transformation into the high-energy, athletic activity it is today, is the leading global source for all things spirit, including cheerleading, dance team, performing arts and yearbook. A division of Varsity Brands, Varsity Spirit is a leader in uniform innovation, as well as educational camps, clinics and competitions, impacting more than a million athletes each year. Focused on safety, entertainment and traditional school leadership, Varsity Spirit’s employees have been dedicated to celebrating spirit through its brands since 1974. For more information about Varsity Spirit or Varsity Brands, please visit varsity.com or varsitybrands.com.
Media Contact:
Andrew Booth, Daytona Beach Area Convention and Visitors Bureau
abooth@daytonabeach.com | (386) 255-0415, ext. 125
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SOURCE Daytona Beach Area Convention & Visitors Bureau
