It's the final countdown

SPARTANBURG, S.C. – “SoCon Week” is swiftly approaching. From March 6-10, Asheville, North Carolina will host both the 2025 Ingles SoCon Basketball Championships and the 2025 Explore Asheville SoCon Wrestling Championships.  

The Southern Conference today announced its special event lineup that will serve to add to the excitement surrounding the championships. 

Special events include: 

• Hometown Heroes presented by Hedrick Industries – Throughout the basketball tournament Hedrick Industries will recognize the Heroes Among Us, first responders; individuals involved in community recovery efforts; and other deserving individuals, to celebrate the resilience, strength, and spirit of Asheville and Western North Carolina. Hometown Heroes Night will be held on Monday, March 10^th.  

• Ingles Mascot Challenge - Ingles is awarding $1,000 to the winning Mascot’s Athletic Scholarship program to be announced at the men's championship of this year's Ingles Southern Conference Basketball Tournament and donating another $1,000 on behalf of that school to Hoops Against Hunger. Visit Ingles Markets to vote for your favorite mascot. 

• SoCon Business Leadership Forum presented by Explore Asheville – The first ever SoCon Business Leadership Forum will take place on Friday, March 7, from 3:15 p.m. – 4:45 p.m. at the Haywood Park Hotel in Battery Park Hall. This event will feature a presentation by Bob Delaney surrounding the topics of leadership, mental health and recovery in the workplace —essential topics for many in the workplace dealing with the aftermath of Hurricane Helene. Admission is free. In the spirit of giving back, attendees will have the opportunity to donate to the Always Asheville Fund. Use the following link to register for the Business Leader Forum: Business Leader Forum. 

• Downtown Dribble presented by Champion Credit Union – The Southern Conference and the Asheville Buncombe Regional Sports Commission are excited to announce the Downtown Dribble & KidsFest to the 2025 Ingles Southern Conference Basketball Championships on Saturday, March 8, 2025. Featuring inflatables, pep bands, cheerleaders, and the parade, this year's event will take place at Roger McGuire Green at Pack Square Park (80 Court Plaza, Asheville, NC 28801). For Downtown Dribble registration and ticket information, please visit: Downtown Dribble Kids Fest. 

• Education Days – Education Days will be hosted during the Thursday and Friday 11 a.m. games. Students from local schools will have the chance to attend these games, cheer for their favorite teams, and learn about teamwork and community, all while enjoying the fast-paced action on the court. 

• Fan Parking (Basketball) – The SoCon will be offering free parking trolleys once again this year that travel to and from the arena from the Buncombe County, Coxe Avenue, and Wall Street parking garages, as well as the Renaissance Hotel. A general public parking map and trolley route can be found here: Parking Map. 

2025 Explore Asheville SoCon Wrestling Championships Schedule:  

Friday, March 7 

Noon: Pig Tails – 10 matches   

12:30 PM: First Round – 40 matches 

3:00 PM: Consolation First Round – 10 matches    

3:30 PM: Consolation Quarterfinals – 20 matches 

5:00 PM: Semifinals – 20 matches 

7:30 PM: Consolation Semifinals – 20 matches 

Saturday, March 8 

Noon: Consolation Finals – 10 matches 

2:30 PM: Finals – 10 matches 

4:30 PM: True 2^nd – 3 matches 

2025 Ingles SoCon Basketball Championships Schedule:  

Thursday, March 6: 

11 a.m. - Women’s Basketball Quarterfinal Round Game #1 (Education Day Game) 

1:15 p.m. – Women’s Basketball Quarterfinal Round Game #2 

3:30 p.m. – Women’s Basketball Quarterfinal Round Game #3 

5:45 p.m. – Women’s Basketball Quarterfinal Round Game #4 

Friday, March 7 (Family Day – Dollar Hot Dogs) 

11 a.m. – Women’s Basketball Semifinal Round Game #1 (Education Day Game) 

1:15 p.m. – Women’s Basketball Semifinal Round Game #2  

3:15 p.m. – 4:45 p.m. – Business Leadership Forum presented by Explore Asheville (Haywood Park Hotel) 

5 p.m. – Men’s Basketball First Round Game #1 

7:30 p.m. – Men’s Basketball First Round Game #2 

Saturday, March 8 

10 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. - KidsFest at McGuire Park (presented by Champion Credit Union) 

11:30 a.m. – 11:45 a.m. – Downtown Dribble Parade (from McGuire Park to HCCA presented by Champion Credit Union) 

Noon – Men’s Basketball Quarterfinal Round Game #1 

2:30 p.m. – Men’s Basketball Quarterfinal Round Game #2 

6 p.m. – Men’s Basketball Quarterfinal Round Game #3 

8:30 p.m. – Men’s Basketball Quarterfinal Round Game #4 

Sunday, March 9 

Noon – Women’s Basketball Championship Game 

4 p.m. – Men’s Basketball Semifinal Round Game #1 

6:30 p.m. – Men’s Basketball Semifinal Round Game #2 

Monday, March 10 (Hometown Heroes presented by Hedrick Industries) 

7 p.m. – Men’s Basketball Championship Game 

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For more information on AlwaysAshevilleFund.com, accommodations, or to purchase tickets: 

• Ingles SoCon Basketball Championships: www.SoConHoops.com 

• Explore Asheville SoCon Wrestling Championships: www.SoConWrestling.com 

• Always Asheville Fund: www.AlwaysAshevilleFund.com 

• Hotel Information: www.SoConTravel.com 

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About the Southern Conference 
Founded in 1921 and the fifth-oldest league, the Southern Conference (SoCon) is a NCAA Division I collegiate athletic conference that includes 10 institutions competing in a wide range of sports. The SoCon is committed to enhancing the student-athlete experience and expanding its reach through championship events and partnerships across the region. It’s All Here.  

About Explore Asheville and the Buncombe County Tourism Development Authority 
Explore Asheville is the official destination marketing and management organization for one of the most deeply-rooted, creative communities in the southeast. Explore Asheville is powered by the Buncombe County Tourism Development Authority, a public authority that has been investing in and building community since 1983. The authority has committed $96 million to more than 50 community capital projects including sports venues.  

About The Asheville Buncombe Regional Sports Commission 
The Asheville Buncombe Regional Sports Commission was formed in the fall of 2010 by a handful of civic-minded leaders who had a vision to impact the local economy by bringing more sporting events to the region. The Sports Commission attracts sports events and related meetings to enhance the health, wellness, and quality of life for area residents and sports enthusiasts and will generate a positive economic impact by promoting our region as a recognized sporting destination.