Tournament returns to Times Union Center in Albany, NY, March 3-7
Hannaford MAAC-N-Cheese Fest celebrates the return of MAAC Basketball Championships to downtown Albany on Friday, March 4
ALBANY, NY; – Flex ticket packages and individual-session tickets are available as the one week countdown begins to the start of the 2016 Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference (MAAC) Men’s and Women’s Basketball Championships, March 3-7 at Times Union Center in Albany, NY. The popular basketball tournament features top National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) Division I programs Canisius, Fairfield, Iona, Manhattan, Marist, Monmouth, Niagara, Quinnipiac, Rider, Siena and St. Peter’s.
Tournament seeding’s for the men’s and women’s championships will be finalized on Sunday, February 28 following the conclusion of the regular season and will be available online at www.maacsports.com.
“We’re thrilled to offer multiple ticket options for fans of MAAC basketball who attend the men’s and women’s tournament,” said MAAC Commissioner Richard Ensor. “An exciting regular season is coming to a close and we look forward to a memorable conference tournament at Times Union Center.”
“Flexible ticket packages and individual session passes will provide MAAC basketball fans an opportunity to truly customize their conference tournament experience,” said Bob Belber, general manager of Times Union Center. “We’re excited to present fans with more options than have ever been available for the MAAC Basketball Championships.”
Flex ticket packages feature four tickets redeemable for any open seat, including available seating in the premium lower level, during any session of the MAAC Men’s and Women’s Basketball Championships, as well as both championship games. The tickets may be utilized for four seats to one session, one seat for four sessions, or any ensuing combination to enable fans to tailor the tournament experience to meet their needs. Flex ticket holders will be able to select any available seats within the arena.
Fans who purchase a flex ticket package will receive additional incentives, including food and drink vouchers to the Hannaford MAAC-N-Cheese Fest; a complimentary beverage with a beverage purchase at Angelo’s 677 Prime, downtown Albany’s premier restaurant; and the opportunity to win two tickets to Jerry Seinfeld at the Palace Theatre, also in downtown Albany, on Thursday, March 3 at 7 p.m.
Flex ticket packages, comprised of four tickets, are available for $150.
Individual session passes grant pass holders access to one of 10 sessions during the tournament including the men’s and women’s championships, which are designated as individual sessions.
Individual session passes for men’s basketball are $18.50, $25, $37.50 and $50. Individual session passes for women’s basketball are $18.50, $25, $30. There are also $8 student individual session passes for men’s and women’s games.
All ticket options can be purchased in-person at the Times Union Center box office, by phone at 1-800-745-3000, and online at www.timesunioncenter-albany.com.
The Hannaford MAAC-n-Cheese Fest will take place prior to the men’s quarterfinals session on Friday, March 4, from 4 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. at 90 State Events – within convenient walking distance from Times Union Center.
During the pre-game event, fans will have the opportunity to sample gourmet mac-n-cheese dishes from numerous Albany-area restaurants, including: Allie B’s Cozy Kitchen; Ama Cocina; Angelo’s 677 Prime; The Capital American Eatery & Lounge; The Hollow Bar & Kitchen; Jack’s Oyster House; Parish Public House; and Wellington’s.
Multiple varietals of craft beer from New York breweries will also be available, including: Adirondack Brewery; Brown’s Brewing Co.; Brooklyn Brewery; Captain Lawrence Brewing Company; Ithaca Brewery; Keegan Ales; Lake Placid Brewery; Long Trail Brewing Company; Magic Hat Brewing Company; and Saranac.
Tastings for the Hannaford MAAC-n-Cheese Fest are available at the door for $10 for 10 sampling tickets, which can be used in any combination for selections of mac-n-cheese and craft beer. A set of 10 sampling tickets may also be purchased in advance and reserved online at www.albany.org for $8, a 20 percent discount on the door price. Capacity for the event will be capped at 800 guests.