Gulf Coast State College Men’s Basketball team set to host the 2025 Richard Sanders Fall Classic

The Gulf Coast State College men’s basketball program will host the 2025 Richard Sanders GCSC Fall Classic on Nov. 7–8 in the Billy Harrison Field House. 

This year’s event will feature a strong lineup, including preseason No. 21 Chipola College, South Georgia State, Indian River State College, and preseason No. 14 Gulf Coast State College. Fans can look forward to two exciting days of competitive basketball as these talented teams take the court. 

During the event, Gulf Coast State College Athletics will recognize Richard Sanders for his many years of dedication to promoting local sports and supporting Gulf Coast State College Athletics. 

Since 1998, Sanders has worked to make Panama City Beach a top destination for sports and special events. He helped add new fields at Frank Brown Park, led several renovations, and played a major role in building the $42 million Publix Sports Park. 

In 2008, Sanders brought in a consultant who said the area needed more athletic fields—especially rectangular ones—and an indoor sports facility. Ten years later, that vision became reality when the Publix Sports Park opened in 2019 on Chip Seal Parkway. The park includes 13 fields that can be configured for multiple sports, nine fields with turf, and two championship fields. 

Even after retiring, Sanders continues to contribute to the community. His next project involves helping plan a new 130,000-square-foot indoor sports complex that will be built next to the Publix Sports Park. 

In 2024, Sanders was honored by the Florida Sports Foundation for his hard work and commitment to growing sports tourism in Florida. 

Full Schedule of Events: 

2025 Richard Sanders GCSC Fall Classic 

• Friday, Nov. 7
  • 5 p.m. — South Georgia State vs. Chipola
  • 7 p.m. — Indian River vs. Gulf Coast State 

• Saturday, Nov. 8
  • 2 p.m. — Chipola vs. Indian River
  • 4 p.m. — South Georgia State vs. Gulf Coast State 

Admission: $10 per person or $20 per family. Free entry for Gulf Coast employees and students with valid GC ID