diverse range of events, from sports competitions and graduations to concerts and conventions.
One of the center’ s signature events is the NCA & NDA Collegiate Cheer and Dance Championship, made famous by the Netflix show Cheer. Since 1996, the competition has been held at the Ocean Center and the Daytona Beach Bandshell. In 2025, 10,000 competitors from 470 teams will participate, bringing over 20,000 friends and family and generating between $ 40 million and $ 60 million in economic impact.
Another long-standing tradition is the National High School Drill Team Championships, which has been a staple at the Ocean Center since its inaugural year. Today, the event hosts more than 100 schools representing all four military service branches, along with two independent service championship events.
“ The Ocean Center is honored to be the longtime host of such notable events that bring both entertainment and economic impact to our community,” said Sales Manager Tim Buckley.“ These events allow us to welcome thousands of competitors, along with their friends and family, to both our facility and the surrounding destination.”
The facility also hosts major sporting events, including competitive volleyball, Division I college basketball and USA Gymnastics competitions.
Lynn Flanders Each July, several religious youth
Photo credit: Ocean Center
groups hold week-long retreats, drawing thousands of attendees to the area.
In recent years, there has been renewed interest in expanding community-focused events and live performances. Recent highlights include Bert Kreischer, Pablo Cruise, Big Boi( of Outkast), Hot Wheels Monster Trucks, AMA Motocross, bull riding and Jeff Dunham.
“ In alignment with our mission to Go Beyond, we prioritize enriching our community by hosting events that resonate with locals and visitors alike,” said Flanders.“ In 2024, over 513,000 attendees experienced everything from trade shows to sports tournaments to live entertainment. Each event we host enhances community life and bolsters the local economy, strengthening our region’ s position as a hub for tourism and engagement.”
While county-owned and operated, the Ocean Center does not receive money from the General Fund. Instead, it operates as an enterprise fund, relying on event-generated revenue and the Tourist Development Tax( TDT). In fiscal year 2025, Volusia County collected $ 32 million in Lodging Tax, allocating $ 16 million to the Ocean Center for facility enhancements, programming
| 16 | EVOLVE MAGAZINE | Evolve-Success. com