March to be "NCAA March Madness Month" in Albany
ALBANY, NY - The Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference (MAAC) and the County of Albany New York has declared March "NCAA March Madness Month" in the Capital District as part of the lead up to the NCAA Women's Basketball Albany Regional on March 24 and 26.
The MAAC and Siena College are set to co-host the 2018 NCAA Women's Basketball Albany Regional at the Times Union Center.
The County of Albany's Executive Director Daniel McCoy said at a press conference held before the MAAC Women's Basketball Championship game, "It is exciting to be hosting the NCAA Women's Basketball Tournament here at the end of the month. I try to tell the players to take their time and look around and enjoy it. The memories that you will make with your teammates that is what it is all about. Again, this is exciting to be hosting the NCAA and the MAAC in the same month."
"I am grateful to be here today. We have the opportunity to have the best of the best end up in this building. If you have the chance to see the best in any sport that is a special opportunity," said Siena women's basketball head coach Ali Jaques.
"We certainly enjoy being here for the MAAC Championships, but very much look forward to hosting the NCAA Regional," said MAAC Commissioner Rich Ensor. "I know first-hand what great teams we will have advance to the Sweet 16 round. The local fans and community have a unique opportunity to see some of the top teams in the country."
Ticket are available for both the Sweet 16 round on March 24 and the Regional Final on March 26 at NCAA.com/WBBTickets. The Albany Regional leads the other regional sites (Kansas City, Lexington, and Spokane) in sales and is close to selling 5,000 for both sessions.
About the Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference:
With 11 institutions strongly bound by the sound principles of quality and integrity in academics and excellence in athletics, the Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference (MAAC) is in its 37
th year of competition during the 2017-18 academic year. Current Conference members include: Canisius College, Fairfield University, Iona College, Manhattan College, Marist College, Monmouth University, Niagara University, Quinnipiac University, Rider University, Saint Peter’s University, and Siena College.