2024 Hercules Tires MAAC Basketball Championships Digital Program

WELCOME LETTERS

WELCOME LETTERS

March 12, 2024

March 12, 2024

On behalf of the New Jersey Casino Reinvestment Development Authority, (CRDA), we welcome the MAAC student athletes, families and coaches back to Atlantic City and historic Jim Whelan Boardwalk Hall for an action-packed 2024 Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference Basketball Championship. We are excited to have the tournament return to our venue again this year. We are confident that our building management team, Oakview Group, will provide a safe and friendly environment to play this championship event. We look forward to our continued partnership with MAAC and we invite the athletes, coaches, fans and families to experience all the amenities that our destination has to offer. From world class accommodations to dining, shopping, attractions and entertainment, we are sure you’ll find plenty to do during your time here. Visit our website at www.atlanticcitynj.com for a listing of all upcoming events and attractions.

MAAC Basketball Fans, On behalf of the Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference (MAAC), I'd like to welcome you to Atlantic City and the iconic Jim Whelan Boardwalk Hall for the 2024 Hercules Tires MAAC Basketball Championships! This marks the fifth year that the men’s and women’s basketball championships will be held in Atlantic City. For 43 years, the basketball championships have served as a prominent stage for the Conference's storied basketball programs. The automatic bids earned through the MAAC have ignited some of the most unforgettable runs in the history of March Madness. Just two short years ago, the Saint Peter’s University men’s basketball team captured the nation's attention with victories against Kentucky, Murray State, and Purdue, securing a coveted spot in the Elite 8. On the women’s side, Marist set the bar as the first MAAC basketball team, men or women, to make a Sweet 16, during an unforgettable run in the 2007 NCAA Women’s Basketball Tournament. A decade later, Quinnipiac battled past the University of Miami to become the second program in MAAC history to reach the Sweet 16. While the spotlight this week will undoubtedly be on the court, there’s been an incredible amount of work that’s been done behind the scenes to create a first-class event for our student-athletes, coaches, administrators, and fans. I’d like to thank the Casino Reinvestment Development Authority (CRDA), the City of Atlantic City, Jim Whelan Boardwalk Hall, the Atlantic City Sports Commission, Visit Atlantic City, the MAAC staff and our co-hosts Rider University and Saint Peter’s University who have all worked diligently toward making this a memorable experience. The support from our corporate partners plays a pivotal role in enhancing the success of the basketball championships. Our sincere thanks go to Van Wagner College and all our corporate partners for their continued commitment to the MAAC and the basketball championships. I'd also like to acknowledge our hotel partners at the Ocean Casino Resort, Hard Rock Hotel & Casino, Tropicana Atlantic City, Showboat Hotel, and The Claridge. These properties will host more than 1,000 administrators, coaches, staff members, student-athletes, bands, spirits squads and Esports competitors who will be traveling to Atlantic City.

Sincerely,

Maisha Y. Moore Interim Executive Director Casino Reinvestment Development Authority

In addition to the action on the court, there will be numerous events happening throughout the week for fans to enjoy. The annual Band Jam and Spirit Squad Showcase will feature talented students from our 11 member institutions. We’re also excited to be joined during the women’s basketball semifinals by more than 950 students from Atlantic City schools for Kids Day presented by Gourmet Dining. For fans who can’t attend the event, our long-time partner ESPN will broadcast all 20 games on their family of networks – ESPNU, ESPNews and ESPN+. This collaboration between the MAAC and ESPN ensures that the excitement of the championships will be shared with a national audience. Throughout my first year as Commissioner, I've observed the passion and dedication that defines the essence of the MAAC. This has driven my enthusiasm for the future of the Conference and the exciting success that lies ahead. Thank you for your continued support of the MAAC this season. Your support is integral to our success, and I'm looking forward to an exciting week of MAAC basketball in Atlantic City!

March 12, 2024

Welcome to the 2024 Hercules Tires MAAC Men’s and Women’s Basketball Championships at Jim Whelan Boardwalk Hall. It's with great pleasure that we once again host this esteemed event, and we're excited to have the student-athletes, alumni, their families, and friends back in Atlantic City. Jim Whelan Boardwalk Hall has a rich legacy of hosting unforgettable events, and this week promises to be no exception. Witness the intense competition as 22 men’s and women’s teams battle it out for a chance to secure a spot in the NCAA Tournament. We extend our sincere gratitude to you for being part of this week's festivities and giving us the opportunity to showcase both our exceptional facility and the charm of Atlantic City. There's much to explore, so we hope you make the most of your free time and immerse yourself in the unique experiences this city has to offer. To all the student-athletes and coaches, we wish you the best of luck in this week's competition as you compete for a coveted spot in the big dance. Enjoy the week with us, and we eagerly look forward to hosting you at future events.

Sincerely,

Travis Tellitocci Commissioner

Sincerely,

Jim McDonald General Manager

6 JIM WHELAN BOARDWALK HALL | ATLANTIC CITY

2024 | HERCULES TIRES MAAC MEN’S & WOMEN’S BASKETBALL CHAMPIONSHIPS 7