Gainesville is gearing up for an enormous event that brings together some of the world’s most talented and dedicated athletes: the World Masters Athletics (WMA) Championships. This is the first time the WMA’s will be held in the United States, and it’s all happening at Celebration Pointe.
If you know the Gators, you know Gainesville has long been a hub for sports and athletics, with world-class facilities and a strong community of athletes and fans. Celebration Pointe, known for a vibrant mix of entertainment, dining and accommodations, is excited to welcome thousands of visitors who will be attending this global competition. The excitement is already building as we count down the days to this historic event.
Local sports fans, athletes, or anyone looking for an exciting event to attend in March probably have questions about what to expect. Here’s what you need to know.
Over 4,000 athletes from around the world will converge at Celebration Pointe to participate in 24 events, including track and field, cross country, road race and outdoor throwing.
The World Masters Athletics Championships Indoor (WMACi) will take place from Sunday, March 23, to Sunday, March 30, 2025. Throughout the week, competitions will be divided by event type and age category, leading up to the highly anticipated finals. The doors open at 5:30 pm on March 22nd and entertainment will go until 11:00 pm.
The Alachua County Sports & Events Center at Celebration Pointe will serve as the primary host for the indoor competitions. Keep these addresses in hand when looking over the week-long schedule.
Indoor Events:
Alachua County Sports & Events Center
Address: 4870 Celebration Pointe Avenue, Gainesville, FL 32608
Outdoor Events:
Newberry Facility
Address: 12830 W Newberry Road, Newberry, FL 32699
Absolutely! Spectators are welcome to attend free of charge. Whether you’re cheering for a friend, a family member or simply want to witness a world-class competition, everyone is invited to watch and experience the excitement.
However, if you’re thinking about competing, keep in mind competitors need to be aged 35 and older to participate.
The World Masters Athletics organization was created to provide a competitive space for older athletes to continue thriving in their sport. Unlike traditional track and field competitions that focus on younger age groups, WMA ensures that experienced athletes—many of whom have been competing for decades—still have opportunities to train, race, and challenge themselves on a global stage. Past editions have taken place in major cities worldwide, and Gainesville is honored to be the first U.S. city to host this prestigious event.
The competition features a wide range of track and field events, divided between indoor and outdoor championships:
Indoor Events:
Outdoor Events (in addition to the indoor events):
For a complete breakdown of the championship events, visit the World Masters Athletics rules page extract.
To compete, you must be 35+ and registered and validated by your national Masters athletics organization, which must be a member of WMA. If you meet the eligibility requirements, you’ll receive an official invitation letter. Learn more about the registration process here.
Yes and no. The official Opening Ceremony is scheduled for March 22, 2025, at 6:00 PM EST. However, there are no other formal athlete parties hosted by WMACi25.
That said, Celebration Pointe and the surrounding Gainesville area will have unofficial social events where athletes can connect, celebrate and enjoy their time off the track. Athletes village will be open March 22-30, 2025, and will host music and entertainment daily, along with a Kids Zone with hands-on activities and an adult area with lawn games; food truck and vendors also on site daily.
For a detailed breakdown of the music and entertainment scheduled throughout the event, check out the official WMACi25 Event Music Lineup page.
Take a look at things to do in Alachua County, courtesy of the WMACi25 website. Some teams may organize their own private gatherings, which would be coordinated through each country’s National Masters Athletics Organization.
Yes! Medals will be awarded daily at the Promenade stage between 9:30 am – 8:00 pm March 23-29, 2025. Awards on March 30th will end at 6:00 pm.
If you’re not competing in the main championships but still want to be part of the action, check out the Celebration Pointe 5K.
This community-friendly race takes place on Saturday, March 29, at 10:30 AM, immediately following the World Masters Athletics 10K event. It’s an exciting opportunity for family members, friends and local runners to hit the same course as world-class athletes and enjoy the experience.
Race Details:
Celebration Pointe has two dedicated parking garages each with five levels of parking spaces. The North Parking Garage is closest to the Alachua County Sports & Events Center, but both are free to park. Signs for the event will welcome you at the front of the garage.
Every great sporting event should have fan-favorite food options. At Celebration Pointe, take your pick from upscale steaks to juicy, comfort burgers. Walkable dining options include Spurrier’s Gridiron Grille, MidiCi’s Neapolitan Pizza, Prime & Pearl, Texas Roadhouse, Miller’s Ale House, Ohana Sushi & Asian Cuisine—there’s something to eat for everyone.
If you’re traveling to Gainesville for the event, you’ll want to stay close to the action. Luckily for you, Celebration Pointe offers convenient accommodations, including two hotels within walking distance of the Alachua County Sports & Events Center:
Hotel Indigo is steps away from the competition venue, making it a top choice to stay. The hotel is pet-friendly, offers great rates and features boutique-style guestrooms with spa-like bathrooms, a 24-hour fitness center and an outdoor pool and patio. Guests can dine at the hotel’s GATHER Social Lounge or try all the exciting restaurants nearby.
Be sure to book before rooms fill up!
Located a bit farther down the road, Hom Hotel is within closer access to I-75. The hotel is also pet-friendly and features a gourmet breakfast, a refreshing outdoor pool and a fully stocked cocktail bar. Book your room here.
For additional travel information, including airport details and transportation options, visit the official World Masters Athletics travel accommodations page.
The Alachua County Sports & Events Center isn’t just home to the World Masters Athletics Championships—it’s a premier venue for tournaments, competitions, and community events throughout the year. This state-of-the-art facility boasts 90,000 sq. ft. of uninterrupted floor space and 18,000 sq. ft. of additional multi-functional areas, making it the perfect venue for events of scale.
If you’re looking for a high-quality, spacious, and well-equipped venue, Celebration Pointe is ready for you. Contact us today to learn more about hosting your event here!
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