MAAC_Program_2026_V11_Pages

WELCOME LETTERS

March 5, 2026

MAAC Basketball Fans,

On behalf of the Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference (MAAC), I'd like to welcome you to Atlantic City and Jim Whelan Boardwalk Hall for the 2026 MAAC Basketball Championships! This marks the seventh year that the men’s and women’s basketball championships will be held in Atlantic City. For 45 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 four 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), Visit Atlantic City, the Atlantic City Sports Commission, Jim Whelan Boardwalk Hall, 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 our title sponsor, Air Force Reserve, and all our corporate partners for their continued commitment to the MAAC and the basketball championships. 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 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 Friday, March 6 for the women’s basketball quarterfinal session. 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. 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

2026 | AIR FORCE RESERVE MAAC MEN’S & WOMEN’S BASKETBALL CHAMPIONSHIPS 5