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April 19, 2017MAAC Slated to Host Four Future NCAA Championships
The NCAA announced today that the Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference (MAAC) will host four NCAA Championships starting in 2019. A total of 613 sites were selected by the NCAA during this bid cycle.
Along with Canisius College and Niagara University, the MAAC will host the 2019 Men’s Frozen Four from April 11-13, 2019 at the KeyBank Center along with the Men’s Basketball First and Second Rounds on March 17 & 19, 2022. The 2019 Frozen Four marks the second time Buffalo will serve as the host city for the NCAA DI Men’s Ice Hockey Championship. The KeyBank Center recently held the 2017 Men’s Basketball First & Second Rounds and will do so again in 2022.
“The MAAC membership and staff are very excited to again host the Frozen Four in Buffalo, which is rapidly becoming the center for amateur ice hockey in the northeast,” MAAC Commissioner Richard J. Ensor said. ”I want to single-out the Buffalo Sabres and Pegula Sports and Entertainment for their commitment to the bidding process. The return of the NCAA Division I Men’s Basketball Tournament to Buffalo is equally as exciting. The MAAC looks forward to working with our co-hosts Canisius and Niagara to present these premier championships that will again showcase the City of Buffalo as a great destination site for NCAA Championships.”
“This is an exciting day, not only for the City of Buffalo, but for Canisius, the MAAC and Niagara,” Canisius Director of Athletics Bill Maher said. “Hosting NCAA championship tournaments of this magnitude, which shine the national spotlight on our region, is a source of tremendous pride. This area has embraced NCAA events each time we have hosted. That pattern of success is a key factor in the NCAA’s continued willingness to have Buffalo serve as a host city for its marquee championship events.”
“Western New York has proven on multiple occasions that it is an ideal host location for elite sporting competitions,” Niagara Director of Athletics Simon Gray said. “Having the Frozen Four and NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament returning to this region is a testament to the incredible fan base in this area. Niagara is proud to partner with the MAAC and Canisius on hosting two of the most exciting NCAA events.”
Along with Siena College, the MAAC will serve as the host for the 2019 Women’s Basketball Regional from March 29- April 1 as well as the 2020 Men’s Basketball First & Second Rounds on March 19 & 21.
Siena Vice President and Director of Athletics John D’Argenio said, “To be selected as the host for the Women’s Regional and Men’s First and Second Rounds is a great testament to everyone in the Capital Region community. Siena looks forward to continue to work with the MAAC and Times Union Center on these two events, so that the Capital Region can shine when the games are played.”
“It’s great to see Albany awarded the 2019 Women’s Basketball Regional and the 2020 Men’s Basketball First and Second Rounds, reflecting its commitment to hosting tremendous events at the Times Union Center,” notes Ensor. “The difference between now and 2003, in regards to men’s basketball, is the Times Union Center has updated it systems, a renovated atrium entrance, media support areas, along with the brand-new Albany Capital Center, which is available for use by the NCAA for its premier event.”
“The Times Union Center is honored to be selected to host the 2019 Division I Women’s Basketball and 2020 Division I Men’s First and Second Rounds. The Times Union Center has a long history with the NCAA and we are excited to continue the tradition of hosting outstanding championships. Thanks to the capital investment made by Albany County, the Times Union Center is currently undergoing major renovations which helped us to earn these selections and will be sure to enhance the student-athlete and visitor experience,” notes Bob Belber, SMG Regional Manager of the Times Union Center.
For more information on the NCAA Championships Site selections, visit www.ncaa.com/site-selections
