ATLANTA - On Wednesday, Atlantic Sun Conference Commissioner Jeff Bacon announced that the league's office is relocating from Atlanta, Ga., to Jacksonville, Fla., in the fall of 2024.
"I am more than thrilled to be announcing our relocation to Jacksonville, a market that is growing exponentially in a location that will allow us to access and engage with our student-athletes, coaches and administrators at an unprecedented level," said Commissioner Bacon. "As the only NCAA Division I conference headquartered in Florida, we have a unique opportunity to capitalize on the value that our membership brings to one of the fastest-growing states in the country. Thank you to the City of Jacksonville and to VisitJAX for their support, and thank you to our Atlantic Sun Conference Presidents for their vision and support of this move. We look forward to the continued growth of the Atlantic Sun and our phenomenal institutions."
Established in 1978 as the Trans America Athletic Conference, the ASUN currently has a membership of 12 institutions that provide a diverse range of collegiate experiences. Operating in the country's fastest-growing region, ASUN Conference broadcasts to over 16 million homes. The league's footprint extends into nine of the nation's top 80 media markets, including six within the top 50. In the classroom, 36 ASUN programs have recorded perfect graduation success rates in the last two years while on the field of competition, they have produced 13 national postseason wins.
"As the Atlantic Sun continues to rise, this move is important for the continued growth and expansion of the Conference," said ASUN Conference President Dr. Susan Donovan. "With four members in Florida and a strong presence throughout the south, our new headquarters in Jacksonville will give our members new opportunities for collaboration in service of our student-athletes."
"We are so excited as a member of the conference to welcome the Atlantic Sun to Jacksonville. We have an incredibly collaborative environment in North Florida where businesses, area teams, educational institutions, government entities and nonprofits all work together to support and grow the sports industry," said University of North Florida President Moez Limayem. "The ASUN’s relocation and the announcement of the new Jacksonville Sports Foundation both reflect our community’s commitment to a robust sports environment. We know the ASUN will be a great addition to Northeast Florida, as we continue to grow and provide amazing sports experiences for our residents and visitors.”
"The establishment of the Jacksonville Sports Foundation underscores our city's dedication to becoming a premier destination for people, businesses, academics, sports and entertainment," said Jacksonville University President Tim Cost. "This initiative aligns with Jacksonville University's mission of promoting economic growth, community engagement, innovation, and a healthy, active lifestyle. Together, with our city partners and Visit Jacksonville, we are excited to elevate Jacksonville's status as a vibrant hub for sports and entertainment, benefiting our university, the Arlington community, and the entire region."
Wednesday's announcement was coupled with the news of the Jacksonville Sports Foundation officially launching. The 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization is committed to harnessing the power of sports to unite people and elevate the city's profile as Florida's Championship City.
“The vision for the Jacksonville Sports Foundation is to not only leverage sports tourism to enhance the economic prosperity of Jacksonville, but to expand the appeal of the area,” said Michael Corrigan, President and CEO of Visit Jacksonville. “By doing that we not only attract competitive sports events, but also sports-related entities like the Atlantic Sun Conference, to further the $178 million estimated economic impact that sports had in Jacksonville in 2023 alone.”
"I’ve seen first-hand the impact of sports tourism in Jacksonville,” said Mayor of the City of Jacksonville Donna Deegan. “Having an organization dedicated to attracting sport events to Jacksonville is a game-changer and I’m excited to see what the Jacksonville Sports Foundation brings here.”
About the Atlantic Sun Conference
The ASUN, a Division I conference member of the NCAA, boasts a membership of institutions that share visionary leadership, bold ambition, and creative innovation. As an agile, adaptive conference unafraid to blaze a national pathway for better service to our student-athletes, teams, and institutions, the ASUN has a proud history of firsts, national academic and athletic achievements, and a conference culture that walks the walk with its four ASUN Beams. Students First! Rise. Connect. Impact. #ASUNBuilt by Austin Peay (Clarksville, Tenn.), Bellarmine (Louisville, Ky.), Central Arkansas (Conway, Ark.), EKU (Richmond, Ky.), FGCU (Fort Myers, Fla.), Jacksonville (Fla.), Lipscomb (Nashville, Tenn.), North Alabama (Florence, Ala.), North Florida (Jacksonville, Fla.), Queens (Charlotte, N.C.), Stetson (DeLand, Fla.), and West Georgia (Carrollton, Ga.).
About Jacksonville Sports Foundation
The Jacksonville Sports Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to making Jacksonville Florida’s premier sports destination to enhance the city’s economic prosperity and contribute to the overall well-being and unity of the community. For more information visit jacksonvillesportsfoundation.com.