Getting There
The primary gateway for DeLand is Orlando Sanford International Airport (SFB), roughly 23 miles south of downtown, making it the most convenient option for visiting fans. The drive takes approximately 37-40 minutes via I-4, and on-demand airport transfer services like those booked through Mozio typically run $35-$50. Orlando International (MCO), about 41 miles away, offers far more flight options but adds significant drive time, so SFB is the better pick when available.
Getting Around
DeLand is a small, car-dependent city with no traditional fixed-route urban rail or metro system. Volusia County's Votran transit authority operates VoRide, a curb-to-curb on-demand rideshare service within the DeLand zone for a flat $2 per ride, running Monday through Saturday from 6 a.m. to 9 p.m., which can get you between the Stetson campus area and downtown. Uber and Lyft operate in DeLand but availability can be limited on game nights, so renting a car at SFB is the most reliable option for visiting fans.
Where to Stay
Downtown DeLand, centered around Woodland Boulevard, is the most walkable base for visiting fans, with restaurants and bars within easy reach of the Stetson University campus and Insight Credit Union Arena at Edmunds Center. The Comfort Inn DeLand and Hampton Inn & Suites DeLand are among the closest hotel options to the arena, with typical rates in the $100-$160 per night range for standard rooms. For bigger events, book early as DeLand's hotel inventory is limited given the city's size. Some fans opt to stay in nearby Daytona Beach (~23 miles east) or the Sanford/Lake Mary corridor (~25 miles south, closer to SFB) for more lodging variety.
Sports Fan Notes
DeLand is a true college-town sports experience built around Stetson University, a member of the Atlantic Sun Conference, offering both men's and women's basketball at the intimate, 5,000-seat Insight Credit Union Arena at Edmunds Center. The Hatters men's program put themselves on the national map with a memorable Cinderella run in the 2024 NCAA Tournament, and fan loyalty on campus runs deep. The arena's small size means you're extremely close to the action regardless of your seat, and tickets are affordable, making this an accessible and authentic college basketball experience. Fans looking to extend a sports trip can easily combine a Hatters game with a visit to Daytona International Speedway or a NASCAR-related experience, located just a short drive east on I-4.
Venues in DeLand
Insight Credit Union Arena at Edmunds Center
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I get from SFB to downtown DeLand?
Orlando Sanford (SFB) is roughly 23-30 miles from downtown DeLand depending on your route. The fastest and most practical option is driving or renting a car, taking about 37-40 minutes via I-4 north and US-17. On-demand airport transfer services (bookable through platforms like Mozio) run approximately $35-$50 for the trip. There is no direct public transit connection from SFB to DeLand, though a taxi-to-bus combination is possible but slow and impractical for most travelers.
What is the best neighborhood to stay in DeLand for a sports trip?
Stay in or near downtown DeLand, along Woodland Boulevard. This puts you within easy reach of the Stetson University campus, Insight Credit Union Arena at Edmunds Center, and the best concentration of bars and restaurants for pre- and post-game activity. It's a walkable small-city downtown, which is rare in Central Florida, and the Comfort Inn DeLand and Hampton Inn & Suites DeLand are among the closest hotels to the arena.
Which sports teams play in DeLand?
DeLand is home to the Stetson Hatters men's basketball team (NCAAB) and the Stetson Hatters women's basketball team (NCAAW), both playing at Insight Credit Union Arena at Edmunds Center on the Stetson University campus. The men's program gained national attention with a 2024 NCAA Tournament run, and a single trip can cover both programs during overlapping home stand weekends, offering strong multi-sport value for college basketball fans.
Is DeLand a World Cup 2026 host city?
No, DeLand is not hosting any 2026 FIFA World Cup matches. The nearest host city is Miami, approximately 250 miles south, where matches are being played at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens. Other relatively nearby host cities include Orlando and Tampa if you want to combine a DeLand sports trip with World Cup attendance.
Sports cities near DeLand
Close enough to pair with a DeLand trip — or to catch a game on the drive in.