Alachua County to Host International Judo Competition and Olympic Qualifier

​More than 400 judo athletes from over 40 countries are expected at the Alachua County Sports & Events Center (4870 Celebration Pointe, Gainesville) from Oct. 28 through Nov. 1 for an international competition and official qualifier for the 2028 Olympic Games.

The competition includes the Panamerican Cadet Cup Florida 2026 on Oct. 28, the Panamerican Junior Cup Florida 2026 on Oct. 29, and the Panamerican Open Florida 2026 on Oct. 31 and Nov. 1. Preliminaries begin at 9 a.m., with finals at 4 p.m. each competition day.

The Sports and Events Center is a 130,000-square-foot facility that opened in 2023 as part of the county's effort to attract major sporting events, increase visitation, and support local businesses through tourism-related spending. Visiting athletes, coaches, officials and families are expected to contribute to the local economy through spending at hotels, restaurants and other businesses.

"Alachua County's investment in the Sports & Events Center is an investment in our community's economic future," said Alachua County Manager Michele Lieberman. "These events attract visitors who support local hotels, restaurants and businesses while generating tourism-related economic activity."

Following the competition, approximately 100 athletes from around 12 countries are expected to remain in Gainesville for an international judo training camp on Nov. 2-3. The camp will be led by Israel Hernández, a two-time Olympic bronze medalist and head coach of the USA Judo National Resident Team.

The event is organized by USA Judo in partnership with Alachua County and the Gainesville Sports Commission, under the sanction of the International Judo Federation and the Panamerican Judo Confederation.

"Hosting this competition gives our community the opportunity to experience world-class judo as athletes compete for a place on the road to the 2028 Olympic Games," said Alachua County Sports & Events Manager Stephen Rodriguez. "Welcoming competitors from around the world demonstrates the Center's ability to host international sporting events."

Event Schedule

• Wednesday, Oct. 28: Panamerican Cadet Cup Florida 2026 (under 18)
• Thursday, Oct. 29: Panamerican Junior Cup Florida 2026 (under 21)
• Saturday, Oct. 31-Sunday, Nov. 1: Panamerican Open Florida 2026 (senior competition and official Olympic qualifier)
• Monday, Nov. 2-Tuesday, Nov. 3: International Judo Training Camp

For more information, contact Stephen Rodriguez at 352-264-6547 or [email protected]​.

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