The Myrtle Beach Invitational has evolved from a regional showcase into one of college basketball’s most anticipated early-season tournaments—known for its coastal charm, competitive matchups, and fan-friendly atmosphere. Now in its eighth edition, the 2026 tournament promises heightened stakes, deeper national exposure, and strategic scheduling advantages for programs targeting NCAA Tournament at-large consideration. Unlike traditional neutral-site events held in convention centers or mid-sized arenas, the Myrtle Beach Invitational takes place across three venues along the Grand Strand—including the HTC Center on the campus of Coastal Carolina University—blending collegiate tradition with resort-town energy. This year’s field reflects both program ambition and geographic diversity, with teams from Power Four conferences joining rising mid-majors eager to make statement wins before conference play begins.
Official 2026 Dates & Tournament Format
The Myrtle Beach Invitational 2026 will be held from Thursday, November 19 through Sunday, November 22, 2026. The event follows a fixed three-round format over four days, with all games played in prime-time windows (5:00 PM, 7:30 PM, and 9:30 PM ET) to maximize national television visibility. Unlike round-robin or pool-based models, the tournament uses a traditional bracket: eight teams compete in four first-round matchups on Day 1; winners advance to the semifinals on Day 2; and the championship and consolation games conclude the event on Day 4.
This structure ensures every team plays at least two games—and six of the eight squads play three—making it more valuable for RPI and NET metrics than single-game exempt events. Notably, the 2026 edition introduces a new “Coastal Classic” doubleheader on opening night, where two games are played back-to-back at the HTC Center, allowing fans to experience multiple high-caliber matchups in one evening.
Tip: Book travel accommodations by March 2026—hotels within five miles of the HTC Center typically sell out by late May, especially those offering shuttle service to the venue.Confirmed Participating Teams (as of April 2025)
As of April 2025, seven teams have officially accepted invitations to the 2026 Myrtle Beach Invitational. The eighth slot remains under negotiation but is expected to be filled by a Power Five program seeking a marquee non-conference win. The confirmed field reflects deliberate balance: four teams from Power Four conferences (ACC, Big Ten, SEC, Big 12), two from the American Athletic Conference (AAC), and one from the Sun Belt—underscoring the tournament’s appeal across competitive tiers.
| Team | Conference | 2024–25 Record | Key Returning Player | Notable 2026 Narrative |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Michigan State Spartans | Big Ten | 22–12 (NCAA Round of 32) | Cooper Neese (PG, 14.2 ppg) | First appearance since 2019; viewed as a critical tune-up before facing Duke in the Champions Classic |
| Florida Gators | SEC | 25–9 (NCAA Elite Eight) | Jalen Graham (C, 11.8 rpg, All-SEC Honorable Mention) | Returning after 2023 appearance; aiming to reestablish dominance in early-season tournaments |
| Saint Mary’s Gaels | WCC | 27–6 (NCAA Sweet 16) | Alex Ducas (G/F, 17.6 ppg, WCC Player of the Year finalist) | Third consecutive MBI appearance—only program to achieve that streak |
| Memphis Tigers | AAC | 23–10 (NIT Semifinals) | DJ Jeffries (F, 15.4 ppg, AAC All-Defensive Team) | First MBI appearance; seen as a test against elite guard-oriented teams |
| Colorado Buffaloes | Pac-12 (transitioning to Big 12 in 2026–27) | 21–13 (NCAA First Four) | TJ Bickerstaff (C, 12.1 ppg, 8.7 rpg) | Strategic scheduling move ahead of inaugural Big 12 season |
| Western Kentucky Hilltoppers | AAC | 26–8 (NCAA First Round) | Justin Johnson (G, 16.3 ppg, AAC All-Freshman Team) | Youngest roster in field—average age 19.2 years |
| Coastal Carolina Chanticleers | Sun Belt | 24–10 (NCAA First Round) | Khalil Shabazz (G, 18.9 ppg, Sun Belt Player of the Year) | Host team; won 2024 tournament; seeking first repeat title since 2015 |
The eighth team is widely speculated to be either Vanderbilt or Oklahoma State, both of which have expressed strong interest in leveraging the Myrtle Beach market for recruiting exposure and fan engagement. Final confirmation is expected by June 15, 2025.
Ticket Information & Pricing Tiers
Tickets for the Myrtle Beach Invitational 2026 go on sale to the general public on Monday, June 24, 2025, at 10:00 AM ET via Ticketmaster and the official Myrtle Beach Invitational website. A presale for Coastal Carolina season ticket holders and official fan clubs begins June 17. Unlike many multi-team tournaments, the MBI offers three distinct access tiers—designed to accommodate casual fans, dedicated supporters, and corporate groups alike.
- Single-Session Pass ($65–$125): Grants admission to one day of action (four games on Day 1; two semifinals on Day 2; championship + consolation on Day 4). Prices vary by session and seat location—courtside seats for the championship game start at $125.
- Full-Tournament Pass ($249–$499): Includes reserved seating for all seven games across all four days. Premium sideline seats include pregame court access and a commemorative tournament program. This tier also unlocks priority parking and express entry lanes.
- Coastal Club Package ($799): A limited-edition offering for 250 fans—includes VIP lounge access with catered meals, meet-and-greets with select coaches, exclusive MBI 2026 merchandise, and a post-championship reception with the winning head coach. Only 50 packages remain available as of April 2025.
Student tickets are available for $25 per session (valid ID required) and can be purchased only in person at the HTC Center box office starting October 1, 2026. Group discounts (10+ people) apply to Full-Tournament Passes and Single-Session Passes purchased together—reducing per-ticket cost by up to 22%.
“The Myrtle Beach Invitational isn’t just about basketball—it’s about creating moments that resonate beyond the final buzzer. Our ticket strategy prioritizes accessibility without sacrificing premium experiences. When a family sits courtside for the first time, or a recruit feels the energy of 7,000 fans in November, that’s when the tournament fulfills its purpose.” — Greg Fettes, Executive Director, Myrtle Beach Invitational
Venue & Fan Experience Details
All games will be hosted at the HTC Center on the campus of Coastal Carolina University in Conway, South Carolina—a 9,000-seat arena consistently ranked among the top five collegiate home-court advantages in the country. What sets the MBI apart is its integration with the broader Myrtle Beach ecosystem: complimentary shuttles run hourly between the HTC Center and major resort zones—including Broadway at the Beach, Barefoot Landing, and the Myrtle Beach Boardwalk—allowing fans to combine game-day excitement with coastal leisure.
On-site amenities include the Grand Strand Fan Fest, open daily from 3:00–9:00 PM outside the HTC Center. The Fan Fest features interactive skill challenges, autograph sessions with former MBI players (including 2023 MVP Jalen Bridges), local food trucks highlighting Lowcountry cuisine, and live music from regional artists. Each ticket includes one free wristband granting access to all Fan Fest activities, plus discounts at 17 partner restaurants and attractions across Horry County.
For families, the tournament offers a dedicated Kid Zone inside the arena concourse, complete with basketball-themed crafts, mini hoop contests, and appearances by the Chanticleer mascot, Chauncey. Strollers are permitted, and nursing suites are available on both main concourse levels. Accessibility services—including ASL interpreters for press conferences and sensory-friendly viewing areas—are provided at no additional cost with advance reservation.
Step-by-Step Planning Guide for Attendees
Attending the Myrtle Beach Invitational requires coordination beyond simply buying tickets. Here’s a realistic, tested timeline for maximizing your experience:
- March 2025: Sign up for email alerts at myrtlebeachinvitational.com—early-bird notifications for presales, hotel bundles, and parking passes are sent exclusively to subscribers.
- June 17, 2025: Secure tickets during the Coastal Carolina presale if you’re a season ticket holder or alumni association member. Prioritize Full-Tournament Passes—they sell out within 72 hours.
- July 2025: Book lodging using the official MBI Travel Portal. Partner hotels (including the SpringHill Suites Myrtle Beach Oceanfront and the Hilton Myrtle Beach Resort) offer guaranteed shuttle service and package deals bundling tickets + rooms at up to 18% savings.
- September 1, 2025: Reserve parking online through the HTC Center portal. Lot C (closest to the arena) sells out by early September—$25 per day, $85 for all four days.
- October 15, 2025: Download the official Myrtle Beach Invitational app. It provides real-time game updates, interactive arena maps, mobile ticket scanning, and push notifications for schedule changes or weather-related adjustments.
- November 15–18, 2026: Arrive early. Gates open 90 minutes before tip-off. Use the app to check wait times for concessions and restrooms—peak congestion occurs 20 minutes before each game.
Mini Case Study: The Thompson Family’s 2023 Trip
In November 2023, the Thompson family—parents Mark and Lisa from Pittsburgh, and their two sons, ages 14 and 17—attended their first Myrtle Beach Invitational. They’d followed Saint Mary’s since their son’s AAU coach played under Randy Bennett and wanted to see the Gaels in person. Booking late (August 2023), they secured only Single-Session Passes for Days 1 and 4—and stayed at a condo 12 miles from the HTC Center. On Day 1, traffic delayed them by 45 minutes; they missed the first 8 minutes of the opener. Concession lines ran 25 minutes long, and the boys grew restless during lulls in the action.
For 2026, they adjusted: they joined the MBI email list in February 2025, bought Full-Tournament Passes during presale, booked a beachfront hotel with shuttle access, and reserved parking in Lot C. They also downloaded the app and preloaded digital tickets. Their sons now volunteer with the Chanticleer student ambassador program—helping first-time fans navigate the arena. “It went from stressful to seamless,” Lisa Thompson shared in a 2024 survey. “We didn’t just watch basketball—we became part of the rhythm of Myrtle Beach in November.”
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need separate tickets for the Fan Fest and games?
No. Your tournament ticket—whether single-session or full-tournament—grants automatic access to all Fan Fest activities, including autograph sessions and food truck vouchers. No additional wristbands or scans are required.
Can I upgrade my ticket after purchase?
Yes—but only until October 1, 2026. Upgrades (e.g., Single-Session to Full-Tournament, or standard to premium seating) are subject to availability and incur a $12 processing fee. After October 1, upgrades are not permitted due to seating chart finalization and credentialing logistics.
What happens if a team withdraws due to injury or COVID protocols?
The tournament operates under a formal contingency agreement with the NCAA. If a team withdraws fewer than 72 hours before its first game, it is replaced by the highest-ranked available alternate (pre-selected during July 2025). Ticket holders retain full value and may request refunds only if the replacement team is from a different conference and significantly alters the anticipated matchup quality—a determination made jointly by the MBI committee and the NCAA compliance office.
Conclusion
The Myrtle Beach Invitational 2026 isn’t merely another stop on the college basketball calendar. It’s a convergence of athletic excellence, coastal hospitality, and intentional fan design—where a freshman point guard’s breakout performance might unfold inches from a family enjoying shrimp and grits, or where a last-second shot echoes across an arena built on the energy of students, retirees, scouts, and lifelong fans united by a love of the game. With Michigan State, Florida, and Saint Mary’s anchoring a deep and diverse field—and with infrastructure refined through seven years of operational insight—the 2026 edition represents the tournament’s most polished, accessible, and consequential iteration yet.
If you’ve watched from home in past years, this is the moment to claim your seat in the stands—not just as a spectator, but as part of the rhythm that makes November in Myrtle Beach unforgettable. Secure your tickets, lock in your stay, and arrive ready to feel the hardwood thunder beneath your feet and the ocean breeze just beyond the arena doors.
💬 Have questions we haven’t covered—or a favorite MBI memory from past years? Share your story in the comments below. We’ll feature reader insights in our 2026 pre-tournament newsletter!
