Battle at The Villages,

About the event

The Battle at The Villages is a premier high school basketball tournament held annually in The Villages, Florida. Known for attracting some of the top high school programs and elite talent from across the United States, the tournament has gained national recognition for its high level of competition and professional organization. Hosted during the winter holiday season, typically around late December, the event provides a platform for rising stars to showcase their skills in front of scouts, college recruiters, and basketball fans.

The tournament is played at The Villages High School in the state-of-the-art gymnasium within The Villages Charter School campus. It features an eight team bracket format with teams playing three games. Past participants have included nationally ranked programs and future NCAA Division I and NBA players, elevating the profile of the event year after year.

What sets the Battle at The Villages apart is its blend of community involvement and elite competition. The Villages community—one of the largest retirement communities in the U.S.—actively supports the event, with large crowds, enthusiastic volunteers, and local sponsors helping to create a unique atmosphere that combines small-town charm with big-time basketball energy.

Beyond the games, the tournament often includes player meet-and-greets, media coverage, and community outreach, offering young athletes a chance to grow both on and off the court. For scouts and recruiters, it's an invaluable opportunity to evaluate talent in a competitive setting.

Overall, the Battle at The Villages has become a must-attend event for basketball fans and professionals alike, celebrated for its high-caliber play, strong organization, and the electric environment that makes it one of the most respected high school basketball showcases in the country.

Why should you sponsor?

Sponsoring the Battle at The Villages offers businesses a unique opportunity to gain high-impact exposure, connect with a passionate community, and align their brand with excellence and youth development. Here are several compelling reasons why a business should consider becoming a sponsor:

1. Brand Visibility to a Wide Audience

The tournament draws thousands of attendees, including local residents, families, basketball fans, and visitors from across the country. Sponsorship offers consistent brand exposure through banners, digital media, printed programs, and game broadcasts. For businesses looking to boost local and regional visibility, this is a prime marketing opportunity.

2. Targeted Demographics

The Villages community is home to an affluent, engaged, and supportive population, while the tournament also attracts younger audiences, student-athletes, and traveling families. This creates a unique multi-generational marketing platform that appeals to both older consumers and families with strong purchasing power.

3. Support of Youth and Education

Sponsoring the Battle at The Villages shows a business’s commitment to youth development, education, and athletic excellence. This builds goodwill in the community and strengthens the sponsor's image as a socially responsible brand that invests in future generations.

4. Community Engagement

The tournament is deeply rooted in community involvement, with local media coverage and volunteer participation. Sponsorship offers a way for businesses to become an integral part of this community tradition, forging stronger connections with potential customers.

5. Networking and B2B Opportunities

With local leaders, school officials, and other sponsors in attendance, the event provides valuable networking opportunities. It's a great place for businesses to connect with other organizations, build partnerships, and foster B2B relationships.

In short, sponsoring the Battle at The Villages isn't just good advertising—it's a strategic investment in visibility, reputation, and community impact.

Marty Dzuro

Marty Dzuro graduated from The Villages High School in 2012. While at VHS, he played for basketball for three years (2008-2011) and golf for two years (2008-2009). During the 2011-2012 season, he served as Senior Manager and Student Assistant Coach. From 2012-2016, Marty attended Stetson University in Deland, Florida while also serving as a high school basketball official with A-1 Officials Association in Daytona Beach, FL. In the Summer of 2021, Marty finished his Bachelor of Arts degree online with Arizona State University, majoring in Liberal Studies. Marty and his wife, Jennifer, live in Oxford Oaks and are parents to one cat, Faust and one dog, Lufa. Marty started full-time for the Buffalo Stampeders in August of 2021 after working for The Villages for 5 years. He is also employed by The Villages Charter School as their Event & Venue Operations Manager. Marty is excited to be organizing the logistics, marketing, and facilities for the Buffalo Stampeders.

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