LAKELAND, Fla. – Through the support and partnership of Visit Central Florida Sports and Polk County Public Schools, the 2026 Florida High School Competitive Cheerleading State Championships will return to Lakeland and the RP Funding Center this week. Taking place within Jenkins Arena, this will be the fourth time in the event’s history that the RP Funding Center has hosted the championships.

Taking place over two-days, the competitive cheerleading state championships will crown eleven divisional champions over two classifications (1A & 2A). All class 2A divisions will compete on Thursday, and all 1A divisions will compete on Friday. An awards ceremony will be conducted following competition each day.  

Tickets are currently on sale for $14.00 plus applicable service fees via the RP Funding Center Box Office. For a complete event schedule, facility information, and even where to watch if you are unable to attend, please see the information below or visit the cheerleading sport page.
 
2026 Competitive Cheerleading State Championships (Thursday, Jan. 22 - Friday, Jan. 23)

Defending champions by division & classification:

• Class 1A:
  • Game Day – Clearwater Central Catholic
  • Small Varsity – North Bay Haven (Panama City)
  • Small Coed – Calvary Christian (Clearwater)
  • Small Non-Tumbling – Bishop Snyder (Jacksonville)
  • Medium Varsity – Lourdes (Miami)
  • Medium Coed – Clay (Green Cove Springs)
  • Medium Non-Tumbling – West Nassau (Callahan)
  • Large Non-Tumbling – Foundation Academy (Winter Garden)
  • Large Varsity – St. Brendan (Miami)
  • Extra Large Varsity – Ponte Vedra
  • Extra Large Non-Tumbling – Oak Hall (Gainesville)
     
• Class 2A:
  • Game Day – Freedom (Orlando)
  • Small Varsity – Windermere
  • Small Coed – Western (Davie)
  • Small Non-Tumbling – Hagerty (Oviedo)
  • Medium Varsity – Winter Park
  • Medium Coed – Strawberry Crest (Dover)
  • Medium Non-Tumbling – Plant City
  • Large Varsity – Niceville
  • Large Coed – Hudson
  • Large Non-Tumbling – Olympic Heights (Boca Raton)
  • Extra Large Varsity – Lake Mary
  • Extra Large Non-Tumbling – Wellington

Know Before You Go:
Where: RP Funding Center – Jenkins Arena (Lakeland)
When: Thursday, Jan. 22^nd & Friday, Jan. 23^rd
Results: 2026 Tournament
Event Schedule: Class 2A | Class 1A
Facility Information*: Event Details | A-Z Guide | Clear Bag Policy | Directions to Facility

• *RP Funding Center is a cashless facility*

Host: RP Funding Center
Admission: $14.00 per day via RP Funding Center Box Office (plus any applicable service fees)
Parking: $12.00 (all proceeds retained by the Host)
Official Merchandise: Team IP
Event Photography: iDeal Photos
Live Webcast: NFHS Network
Lodging & Event Information: click here*

*This is a collection of resources provided by the host organization to better assist you in your travel and stay within Polk County. All lodging and attractions will need to be contacted for more information, and are not directly affiliated with the FHSAA or Local Organizing Committee.