Albany County Executive Daniel P. McCoy, left, and MAAC Commissioner Rich Ensor, right, present the Capital District YMCA team (far right in gray t-shirts) with the inaugural I LOVE NEW YORK 3-on-3 MAAC Corporate Basketball Challenge championship trophy following the game at the Times Union Center on Sunday, March 4. The Capital District YMCA won the championship game with a 21-17 victory over City Rocks from Odyssey Energy Solutions, which was honored with a finalist trophy (center).
Wellington’s Executive Chef David Gibson serves Buffalo Chicken Mac and Cheese for guests during the Hannaford MAAC-n-Cheese Fest on Friday, March 2 at the Albany Capital Center. Wellington’s was awarded the Hannaford MAAC-n-Cheese Fest People’s Choice Award for the second consecutive year. The City Beer Hall was named second most popular while Philly Bar and Lounge took third place based on total fan votes.
Hannaford MAAC-n-Cheese Fest People’s Choice Award goes to Wellington’s for second consecutive year
ALBANY, NY; – The Capital District YMCA was crowned champion of the inaugural I LOVE NEW YORK 3-on-3 MAAC Corporate Basketball Challenge on Sunday, March 4. The championship game was played prior to the men’s semi-finals of the 2018 Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference Men’s and Women’s Basketball Championships at the Times Union Center in Albany, NY.
The Capital District YMCA came out on top with a 21-17 victory over City Rocks from Odyssey Energy Solutions. Following the game, all players were presented with commemorative championship trophies.
Both teams advanced to the finals following wins during the semi-final round at the Hannaford MAAC-n-Cheese Fest on Friday, March 2 at the Albany Capital Center. City Rocks from Odyssey Energy Solutions overtook Northwestern Mutual during the first matchup, while the Capital District YMCA advanced with a hard fought victory against AYCO during the evening’s second game.
“The championship game of the I LOVE NEW YORK 3-on-3 MAAC Corporate Basketball Challenge was a tremendous success and we congratulate the Capital District YMCA on their victory and hard work throughout the entire tournament,” said MAAC Commissioner Rich Ensor. “The competition was outstanding among the 14 teams and we would like to thank each of them for participating during the first year of this competition.”
The following businesses and organizations participated in the I LOVE NEW YORK 3-on-3 MAAC Corporate Basketball Challenge: AYCO; Berkshire Bank; The Bonadio Group; CAP COM Federal Credit Union; Capital District YMCA; CDTA; City Rocks; Hannaford Supermarkets; National Grid; Northwestern Mutual; Pioneer Bank; and the Times Union Center.
The corporate tournament was supported by I LOVE NEW YORK and was run and administered by the Capital District YMCA.
Wellington’s receives second consecutive People’s Choice Award at Hannaford MAAC-n-Cheese Fest
In addition to hosting the corporate basketball tournament, the Hannaford MAAC-n-Cheese Fest welcomed guests to enjoy gourmet mac-n-cheese dishes from numerous Albany restaurants and vote for their favorite recipe.
For the second consecutive year, Wellington’s was named the winner of the People’s Choice Award for Chef David Gibson’s interpretation of Buffalo Chicken Mac and Cheese. The City Beer Hall took second place honors, while Philly Bar and Lounge came in third place based on total fan votes. Other participating restaurants included Ama Cocina; Allie B’s; Angelo’s 677 Prime; Cider Belly; Excelsior Pub; Parish Public House; and Public House 42.
“We congratulate Wellington’s for once again being named the People’s Choice Winner of the Hannaford MAAC-n-Cheese Fest and would like to thank all of the participating restaurants for serving up some truly memorable and delicious dishes,” said Hannaford Supermarkets Community Relations Specialist Brian Fabre. “We’d also like to thank all of the basketball fans who joined us on Friday evening to celebrate the return of the MAAC tournament to downtown Albany.”
Sponsors of the Hannaford MAAC-n-Cheese Fest include Hannaford Supermarkets, I LOVE NEW YORK, Pioneer Bank, Dunkin’ Donuts, Discover Albany, Capital Region Sports Foundation, Capital District YMCA and the MAAC.
The I LOVE NEW YORK 3-on-3 MAAC Corporate Basketball Challenge and Hannaford MAAC-n-Cheese Fest were developed to extend the excitement of the MAAC Men’s and Women’s Basketball Championships throughout the Capital Region.