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CITY GUIDE

Visiting Daytona Beach for a Game?

2 venues · 2 sports

Getting There

The nearest major gateway is Orlando Sanford International Airport (SFB), located approximately 40–48 miles from downtown Daytona Beach. The drive takes roughly 50–60 minutes under normal traffic conditions, and rideshare services such as Uber average around $67 for the trip. Pre-booked private transfers and shared shuttle services (costing roughly $70–90) are also widely available and can drop you directly at your hotel or venue.

Getting Around

Daytona Beach is served by Votran (Volusia County's public transit system), a bus network with routes fanning out from the Transfer Plaza hub at N. Palmetto Avenue and M.M. Bethune Boulevard in downtown, with single rides at $2 and a 24-hour pass at $4. However, full service only runs Monday through Saturday and is limited on evenings, Sundays, and holidays, making Votran impractical for many game-day schedules. A rental car or rideshare is strongly recommended for visiting sports fans, especially for events at Bethune-Cookman's campus or the Daytona International Speedway area.

Where to Stay

Fans attending Bethune-Cookman games at Moore Gymnasium should look for hotels along the Midtown/downtown corridor, which puts them close to campus and within easy reach of the Votran Transfer Plaza. The Speedway District on West International Speedway Boulevard offers a dense cluster of budget-to-midrange hotels (from roughly $65–120/night on non-event nights) and is convenient for multi-venue sports trips. Oceanfront properties along Atlantic Avenue and the Boardwalk area provide a livelier atmosphere and range from around $75 to $165+/night depending on season and demand. Note that rates spike sharply during NASCAR Speedweeks, Bike Week, and Biketoberfest, so book well in advance if your visit overlaps with those events.

Sports Fan Notes

Daytona Beach is one of America's most layered sports destinations: it's home to Bethune-Cookman University's Wildcats competing in MEAC (both men's and women's basketball at Moore Gymnasium), and the city sits in the shadow of the Daytona International Speedway, home of the Daytona 500 and a year-round schedule of NASCAR, sports car, and motorcycle racing events. Jackie Robinson Ballpark on City Island, one of the most historically significant minor league ballparks in the country, adds a baseball dimension to any sports trip. The HBCU atmosphere surrounding Bethune-Cookman games brings a distinct fan culture, including vibrant band and homecoming traditions that are unlike any Power Five college experience.

Venues in Daytona Beach

Moore Gymnasium (FL)

College Basketball
Bethune-Cookman Wildcats
Women's College Basketball
Bethune-Cookman Wildcats

Ocean Center

College Basketball

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I get from SFB to downtown Daytona Beach?

Orlando Sanford International Airport (SFB) is roughly 40–48 miles from downtown Daytona Beach. An Uber averages about $67 and takes approximately 56 minutes. Pre-booked private transfers run $70–90 and shared shuttles are available but take longer. There is no direct public bus connection between SFB and Daytona Beach, so rideshare or a rental car is your best bet.

What is the best neighborhood to stay in Daytona Beach for a sports trip?

For Bethune-Cookman games at Moore Gymnasium, the Midtown/downtown area keeps you close to campus and walkable to the Votran Transfer Plaza. If you're combining a college basketball trip with NASCAR or Speedway tours, the Speedway District on West International Speedway Boulevard offers convenient, affordable options. Fans who want evening dining and a lively scene should look at the Boardwalk/Atlantic Avenue corridor.

Which sports teams play in Daytona Beach?

Daytona Beach is home to the Bethune-Cookman Wildcats women's basketball team (NCAAW) and the Bethune-Cookman Wildcats men's basketball team (NCAAB), both playing at Moore Gymnasium on the Bethune-Cookman University campus. A multi-sport visit can also include touring or attending events at the iconic Daytona International Speedway and catching a Daytona Tortugas minor league baseball game at historic Jackie Robinson Ballpark on City Island.

Is Daytona Beach a World Cup 2026 host city?

No, Daytona Beach is not hosting any 2026 FIFA World Cup matches. The tournament is played exclusively across the United States, Canada, and Mexico. The nearest host city to Daytona Beach is Miami, FL, which is one of the official U.S. host venues.

Sports cities near Daytona Beach

Close enough to pair with a Daytona Beach trip — or to catch a game on the drive in.

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