MAAC_Program_2025_V4_Pages

WELCOME LETTERS

March 11, 2025

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 2025 MAAC Basketball Championships! This marks the sixth year that the men’s and women’s basketball championships will be held in Atlantic City. For 44 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 three 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 partner Bally’s Atlantic City that will host our bands, spirits squads and fans who will be traveling to Atlantic City.

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 13 member institutions. We’re also excited to be joined by more than 950 students from Atlantic City schools for Kids Day presented by Gourmet Dining on Thursday, March 13 for the first women’s basketball quarterfinal game. For fans who can’t attend the event, our long-time partner ESPN will broadcast all games on their family of networks. This collaboration between the MAAC and ESPN ensures that the excitement of the championships will be shared with a national audience. Throughout my tenure 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!

Sincerely,

Travis Tellitocci Commissioner

4 JIM WHELAN BOARDWALK HALL | ATLANTIC CITY