
destination guide
ACU & HSU Basketball Season 2026-27: Game Weekends in Abilene and Where to Stay
Published by BB Hosting Services Team on Nov 2, 2026
College basketball brings a fresh rhythm to Abilene each winter, with energetic crowds, campus traditions, and opportunities to watch multiple teams in one trip. If your search is “acu basketball 2026 abilene where to stay,” this guide will help you compare campus locations, organize your game-day schedule, and choose a comfortable home base.
Abilene Christian University, Hardin-Simmons University, and McMurry University give basketball fans three programs to consider when building a weekend itinerary. With BB Hosting Services and its collection of affordable Abilene vacation rentals, you can stay close to the action while enjoying more space and flexibility than a traditional hotel room.
Build a Three-Campus Abilene Basketball Weekend
Abilene's college basketball venues are located in different parts of the city, so it helps to understand the basic geography before choosing accommodations. ACU is in northeast Abilene, Hardin-Simmons is north of downtown, and McMurry is south of the central business district.
The three primary venues to keep on your radar are:
- Moody Coliseum: Home to ACU basketball on the Abilene Christian University campus.
- Mabee Complex: The basketball venue at Hardin-Simmons University.
- Kimbrell Arena: McMurry University's home basketball court.
Schedules and tipoff times can change, so confirm each program's official 2026-27 schedule before booking tickets or creating a multi-game itinerary. Do not assume all three teams will be home on the same weekend, but check both men's and women's schedules because campus doubleheaders may create additional opportunities to see a game.
A practical weekend could begin with Friday check-in and dinner in downtown Abilene. Reserve Saturday for your primary ACU or HSU game, then add a second campus contest if schedules and travel times align. Sunday can remain flexible for breakfast, a later game, or a local attraction before departure.

Cedar Clearing Near ACU, HSU, Hendrick/Data center | B&B Hosting sleeps up to four guests in Abilene. Its stated proximity to ACU and HSU makes it a relevant option for a couple, family, or small group attending games at both campuses.
ACU Basketball 2026 Abilene Where to Stay Near Moody Coliseum
For an ACU-focused weekend, prioritize lodging that gives you a straightforward route to Moody Coliseum. Staying in northeast or central Abilene can also make it easier to reach restaurants and continue to Hardin-Simmons or McMurry if you add another game.
Plan to arrive on campus 45 to 60 minutes before tipoff. That gives you time to follow current parking directions, walk to the venue, find your seats, and enjoy the pregame atmosphere without rushing. Build in extra time when a popular matchup, alumni gathering, or another campus activity could increase traffic.
A vacation rental is especially useful when several relatives or alumni are traveling together. Instead of coordinating multiple hotel rooms, your group can gather in one place, prepare a pregame meal, and set a shared departure time. Kitchens, washers, essentials, hair dryers, and shampoo are among the top amenities found across the Abilene portfolio.
For couples making a quick basketball getaway, a smaller property may offer the right balance of comfort and simplicity.

The Hideout - A Sayles Ranch Guesthouse | B&B Hosting is an Abilene guesthouse that sleeps up to two. It is a practical home base for two fans who want private accommodations during an ACU basketball weekend.
Moody Coliseum Abilene Lodging and Hardin-Simmons Weekend Tips
The best lodging choice is not always the property closest to a single arena. If you plan to attend games at both ACU and Hardin-Simmons, compare driving routes to Moody Coliseum and the Mabee Complex, then select a location that keeps both trips manageable.
For a Hardin-Simmons basketball weekend, staying near central or north Abilene can put you in a convenient position for the HSU campus and downtown dining. It can also simplify travel if your group includes alumni who want to revisit familiar parts of the city between games.
Keep these booking priorities in mind:
- Choose the right capacity. Count every adult and child before reserving, and confirm that the property's stated guest limit fits your group.
- Look for a kitchen. Breakfast, snacks, and pregame meals can reduce restaurant waits on a busy weekend.
- Check parking information. Confirm the rental's parking setup and review each university's current game-day guidance.
- Allow schedule flexibility. A Friday night arrival or Sunday departure makes it easier to accommodate varying tipoff times.
- Map every venue. Check routes to Moody Coliseum, the Mabee Complex, and Kimbrell Arena before finalizing your stay.
BB Hosting Services has Abilene options ranging from guesthouses to townhouses and entire homes. Families and groups can begin by comparing affordable entire homes in Abilene, especially when shared living space and a kitchen are important.

Royal Estate Manor de Luxe | B&B Hosting sleeps up to six guests in Abilene. Its capacity makes it an option for families, alumni friends, or basketball fans sharing a weekend stay.
Fill the Hours Between Abilene College Basketball Games
A strong basketball itinerary leaves room for meals, conversation, and a little exploration. Downtown Abilene is a useful gathering point between campus activities, with local restaurants, coffee stops, public art, and cultural attractions within the central area.
If you have several hours before tipoff, consider visiting The Grace Museum or exploring the storybook sculptures around downtown. Families with children can also set aside time for the Abilene Zoo, while adults may prefer a relaxed lunch followed by browsing local shops.
Avoid scheduling a large meal immediately before a game. A late breakfast or early lunch gives your group more time to park and enter the arena, while a postgame dinner lets everyone discuss the best moments without watching the clock.
Basketball season may also overlap with other sports travel and campus occasions. If your group is combining court time with postseason football, review these 2026 Abilene high school football playoff lodging tips. Families extending their visit into December can also use this guide to Abilene graduation weekend stays.
Book Your 2026-27 Abilene College Basketball Vacation Rental
Once your preferred game appears on the official schedule, reserve lodging early, especially if you need several bedrooms or space for a larger family. Popular weekends can draw visiting fans, parents, alumni, and travelers attending unrelated events elsewhere in Abilene.
Before confirming, review the cancellation policy, guest capacity, check-in time, and driving routes to each campus. Send the itinerary to everyone in your group, save ticket information in more than one place, and decide who will handle parking and transportation on game day.
If you are still researching acu basketball 2026 abilene where to stay, focus on three things: the campuses you plan to visit, the number of guests traveling, and the amenities that will make the weekend comfortable. Explore BB Hosting Services' Abilene properties and book a convenient home base for your 2026-27 ACU, Hardin-Simmons, or McMurry basketball getaway.
