ALBANY, N.Y. - The MAAC Men's and Women's Basketball Championships, playing at the Times Union Center in Albany from March 5 - 9, has organized some fun events for students and families in the community.
The first event is a College Fair on Thursday, March 5 from 9:30 to 11 a.m. at the Empire State Plaza. All 11 MAAC schools will be offering academic information for the high school students in attendance, mostly juniors. This event will also feature keynote speaker Jimmy Patsos, head coach of the Siena Men’s Basketball team, and a panel of admissions representatives.
On Friday, March 6, local elementary school students will participate in the giant Bus Brigade. At 11 a.m. buses will bring students who have been participating in the MAAC Gives Back program to the Empire State Plaza where they will hear a really informative anti-bullying message. To wrap up the day, the students on the trip will then be able to watch the women’s basketball quarterfinal games at the Times Union Center.
Recognized during the women’s sessions will be the student winner of the MAAC Gives Back essay contest, "What does Sportsmanship mean to me?" MAAC Gives Back is a year-long program designed to connect student-athletes with elementary students in the Albany/Schenectady area. Along with the essay contest, the program also provides each participating student with a pen-pal from one of the MAAC teams.
Two events will take place on Saturday, March 7. First, at 10 a.m., is Bounce to the Arena, where those participating will start off bouncing a basketball at the Palace Theater and continue on dribbling as they walk to the Times Union Center. Groups of dribblers will be joined by bands, mascots and cheer and dance squads from the MAAC schools. Outside the arena on the South Pearl Street plaza, the excitement for the Championships grows with FanFest which starts at 11:30 a.m. and allows everyone to participate in their own tournament-like experience with interactive games, bounce houses, music and MAAC Band Jam at noon on Sat. and more. FanFest will also be held on Sunday March 8 from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Post Season Awards Show on Friday March 6 will be broadcast on MAAC TV from 5 to 7 p.m.
For more on the conference basketball game schedule, please visit, maacsports.com. Follow the MAAC on Facebook and Twitter: @MAACSports. Follow MAAC Basketball on Twitter using the hashtag #MAACHoops.