UWF Breaks Ground On New Stadium
February 12, 2026
The University of West Florida reached a historic milestone on Wednesday, officially breaking ground on the Darrell Gooden Stadium, a multi-use football and events facility that represents UWF’s growth and a significant investment in the community.
University leaders, student-athletes, donors, community partners and elected officials gathered on campus to celebrate the start of construction on the project that will enhance the student experience and serve as a hub for community engagement.
“We are celebrating a milestone that represents not just the start of construction, but the continuation of an extraordinary journey that began long before I arrived here,” said UWF President Manny Diaz Jr. “The Darrell Gooden Stadium represents an important step forward for the University of West Florida, creating a place where students, alumni and the community can come together around shared traditions and feel proud to be Argonauts. I would like to thank the Tourist Development Council, the Gooden family and our generous donors for their long-term commitment to the growth and future of UWF.”
Designed to expand seating capacity from approximately 3,800 to 7,500, the new stadium will include premium seating, club areas and suites, along with modern amenities that enhance the game-day experience and allow the facility to host a wide range of events beyond football.
“This groundbreaking marks a transformative era for Argonaut Athletics, providing our student-athletes with a championship-caliber home that matches their dedication on the field and ‘builds champions for life,’” said UWF Athletics Director Dave Scott. “By bringing football and major events directly to the heart of our campus, we are creating an unmatched game-day environment that will strengthen the bond between our University and the entire Pensacola community for generations to come.”
The stadium is funded through a combination of institutional investment and donor support, including a lead gift in excess of $9 million that secured the facility’s name. The project also received a $2 million grant from Escambia County’s Tourist Development Council through the Tourist Development Tax, recognizing the stadium’s impact on tourism and economic activity.
“The stadium is a whole new game changer, and I think it will really change the program for the betterment of the University,” Gooden said. “I’m just blessed and proud, and I feel very honored that the stadium is going to be named after me. I think that’s just a great honor, and I’m really excited to see this thing move forward and get the new stadium done.”
The first kickoff at Darrell Gooden Stadium is planned for Fall of 2027. Construction on Darrell Gooden Stadium will continue while the Argos compete during the 2026 season. As part of the phased development, a new state-of-the-art LED video board — measuring 85 feet wide by 30 feet tall — will be installed in the end zone opposite the Darrell Gooden Center and will be in place for the 2026 season. The video board will enhance the game-day experience for fans while supporting future media, marketing and community event opportunities as the stadium project moves toward full completion.
“This stadium changes what’s possible for our program,” said Head Football Coach Kaleb Nobles. “It enhances recruiting, allows us to attract quality opponents, and gives our student-athletes a first-class environment that reflects the direction of UWF Athletics. Most importantly, it gives our fans and community a place they can truly call home.”
Economic impact studies from the UWF Haas Center project substantial benefits from the new stadium. Over a five year period, the football program alone is expected to generate $23.3 million in economic output and contribute $8.7 million to Escambia County’s gross regional product, excluding construction costs. Historically, UWF Athletics has generated $248.6 million in total economic output over a five year period, while the University contributes approximately $1.4 billion annually.
Barrineau Park Historical Society Donates To Northview Lady Chiefs Softball
February 12, 2026
The Barrineau Park Historical Society (BPHS) presented a $500 donation on Wednesday to the Northview High School Lady Chiefs softball team.
BPHS is a Northview partner in education. The donation was presented by Craig Exner to Northview coach Amy Holland.
According to the school, BPHS believes in “investing in the youth of today who will be the leaders of tomorrow.”
Photo for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Baseball Season Openers: Northview Falls To Catholic; Tate Blanks Pine Forest
February 11, 2026
Pensacola Catholic 5, Northview 3
The Northview Chiefs dropped their season opener to the Pensacola Catholic Crusaders 5-3 on Tuesday night in Bratt.
Catholic took a 1-0 lead into the top of the fourth on a fly-out. A Jase Portwood sacrifice fly tied the game at 1-1 in the bottom of the sixth. Catholic regained the lead in the top of the seventh.
At the plate, Portwood led with one RBI. Taylor Curtis went 2-3, while Dane King and Luke Chavers were both 1-3.
For a Catholic at Northview photo gallery, click here.
Grayson Burns was first on the mound for Northview, giving up four hits and one run in six innings while striking out nine and walking three.
On Friday, the Chiefs will travel to Milton at 7 p.m.
Tate 23, Pine Forest 0
Tate blanked the Pine Forest Eagles on Tuesday night, 23-0, in the season opener for the Aggies.
At bat, Kannon Ham led Tate going 3-4 and Griffin Cook went 2-2.
On the mound, Bryton McLellan earned the win, allowing one hit and no runs while striking out four. Keelan Beasley pitched one, allowing no hits and no runs while striking out three.
The Aggies will return home Friday night at 7 p.m. to host the Pace Patriots.
Pictured: Pensacola Catholic defeated Northview Tuesday night. NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Tuesday Preseason Softball: Night Ends With Losses for Tate And Northview
February 11, 2026
Niceville 14, Tate 6
In preseason action Tuesday night, the Niceville Eagles defeated the Tate Lady Aggies 14-6.
Kaylie Mitchell hit a solo home run to left field for the Lady Aggies in the bottom of the fourth.
At bat, the Aggies were led by Sarah Mitchell with two RBIs as she went 1-3. Taylor Robinson went 3-4, while Brelynn Morries and Kayleigh Burt each had multiple hits.
Mykamia Padgett went three innings for the Aggies, giving up three runs (two earned) on three hits while striking out five and walking three.
Up next, Tate will take on West Florida on Thursday.
Pace 6, Northview 2
It was a preseason battle between two runner-ups from last year as 6A Pace defeated Rural Division Northview 6-2 on Tuesday night in Pace.
Daviona Rudolph and Avery Stuckey both had one hit for Northview. Peyton Womack and Rudolph each had an RBI.
Mikayla McAnally was first in the circle for the Chiefs, giving up two hits and no runs in two innings, striking out four and recording no walks. Womack threw three innings in relief, surrendering nine hits and six runs (three earned), striking out three and walking zero.
At 4 p.m. Thursday, Northview will take on Navarre in Pace.
Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
A Week Of Championship Basketball As Sunbelt Tournament Returns To Pensacola
February 11, 2026
Basketball fever returns to Pensacola as the 2026 Visit Pensacola Sun Belt Conference Men’s and Women’s Basketball Championships, presented by Air Force Reserve, tip off Tuesday, March 3, at the Pensacola Bay Center. For one high-energy week, the city will host nonstop college basketball as the Sun Belt’s best teams compete for conference titles and NCAA Tournament berths.
All 14 Sun Belt Conference schools will compete in a single-elimination tournament running March 3 through March 9, with both the men’s and women’s championships held at the Pensacola Bay Center. Each game brings high stakes, as teams battle for an automatic berth to the 2026 NCAA Division I Men’s and Women’s Basketball Tournaments.
“The Sun Belt Conference’s student-athletes, coaches, and fans always look forward to starting the road to March Madness in Pensacola,” said Sun Belt Conference Commissioner Keith Gill. “We are excited to once again showcase our competitive spirit and growing national profile of Sun Belt basketball in a community that continues to welcome us with open arms.”
Sun Belt Conference teams include App State, Arkansas State, Coastal Carolina, Georgia Southern, Georgia State, James Madison, Louisiana, ULM, Marshall, Old Dominion, South Alabama, Southern Miss, Texas State, and Troy.
By the end of play on Monday, March 9, one men’s team and one women’s team will emerge as conference champions, earning automatic bids to the NCAA Tournament and the opportunity to compete on college basketball’s biggest stage.
“Championship week brings an incredible level of excitement and energy to Pensacola,” said Darien Schaefer, president and CEO of Visit Pensacola. “We are proud to host the Sun Belt Conference once again and invite fans to experience great basketball alongside our beaches, downtown attractions, and outstanding local restaurants.”
Beyond the games, fans can take part in several free, family-friendly events throughout the week:
- Sun Belt Fan Fest: Join us outside the Bay Center on Saturday, March 7, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. for a free family-friendly celebration featuring a DJ, spirit teams, bands, games, and food and drinks. Early arrivals can even snap photos with the Championship Trophy inside the Bay Center Arena.
- 2026 Sun Belt Dribble Drive: On Saturday, March 7, at 2 p.m., kids ages 3-12 can participate in this free event at the Bay Center. Children are encouraged to dribble around the venue and receive a free t-shirt, basketball, and two tickets to the Women’s quarterfinal game at 2:30 p.m. Registration is required as spots are limited to 650 participants!
The full schedule of Sun Belt Basketball Championship games, entertainment and events can be found at visitpensacola.com/sunbelt.
All Games, One Ticket, Plus a Free Tournament Cooler
Now through February 15, fans can purchase an All-Session Ticket Book for the 2026 Sun Belt Basketball Championships and receive one free official tournament cooler with each ticket book purchased. The offer includes access to every men’s and women’s game. Instructions for picking up your cooler voucher will be provided with purchase so you can redeem it at the merchandise stand during the tournament, March 3–9. More info: https://www.visitpensacola.com/sunbelt/sun-belt-january-cooler-promo/
Tickets are available online here at Ticketmaster. Group tickets start at $5 per person.
Beulah Middle, Ernest Ward Split Monday Volleyball Matches
February 10, 2026
Beulah and Ernest Ward split volleyball matches on Monday night at Beulah.
The Ernest Ward Middle School Eagle junior varsity earned a win before the Beulah Varsity Bears came out on top.
On Thursday, Ernest Ward will host the Ransom Middle School Tigers at 5:30 p.m., and Beulah Academy of Science will host Beulah Middle at 5:30 p.m.
Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Ransom Middle School Cheerleaders Take Second In The Nation
February 9, 2026
The Ransom Middle School Cheerleaders finished second in the nation over the weekend.
Ransom took second in the Large Junior High Intermediate division at UCA Nationals, the newest intermediate division.
It was the first trip to Nationals for Ransom Cheer in 13 years. Coaches are China Purifoy and Brittany Settle.
Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Tate Aggies Cheerleaders Place In The Top 10 Nationally; JV Ranks Top 5
February 9, 2026
The Tate High School Aggie varsity and junior varsity cheerleaders finished among the top squads in the country this weekend in Orlando.
The varsity Aggies finished in 10th place out of 113 teams at the UCA High School Nationals.
“These athletes put in countless hours of practice, early mornings and late nights, endless lifting sessions, and showed up week after week on the sidelines at football and basketball games, always bringing energy and pride to Tate,” Coach Morgan Norwood said. “Their dedication, discipline, and teamwork never wavered—and it showed on the national stage.”
The junior varsity Aggie cheerleaders earned fifth place in the nation.
Pictured top: The varsity Tate Aggie cheerleaders at nationals. Pictured below: The JV squad. Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Tate Aggies Finish Season as 6A District 1 Runner-Up
February 8, 2026
The Tate Aggies took the runner-up spot in 6A District 1 with a 72-55 loss to the Milton Panthers on Saturday night in Milton.
It was a season-ender for the Aggies, with a 16-11 recordnwhile the Panthers (24-3) advance to regionals.
NorthEscambia.com file photo.
Ice Flyers Fall To Knoxville Ice Bears
February 8, 2026
The Ice Flyers fell 2-1 to the Knoxville Ice Bears in overtime on Saturday night at the Hangar in front of 6,253 fans.
The game remained scoreless through the first period, with both goaltenders keeping things tight. Knoxville broke through in the second period when Carson Vance scored to give the Ice Bears a 1-0 lead. The Ice Flyers battled back, and the deadlock finally broke in the final minutes of the third period when Sam Rhodes tied things up, rejuvenating the crowd and breathing some life into the home team.
The game would go on to overtime, where Cam Gaudette ended up with another costly penalty with a holding call that set up Knoxville’s Tim Kent for a powerplay goal, giving the Ice Bears a 2-1 victory.
The Ice Flyers now head to Knoxville for another set of games before coming home for Lilo and Stitch Night on Sunday, February 15.
