ATLANTIC CITY — Carly Thibault-DuDonis made special memories in the resort, especially the past two seasons.
The Fairfield University women’s basketball coach has led the Stags to back-to-back Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference titles at Jim Whelan Boardwalk Hall.
The 2026 MAAC women’s and men’s tournaments will return to Atlantic City for the seventh straight season March 5-10 at Boardwalk Hall.
The MAAC is in the last of a three-year contract extension it signed in 2023, so this potentially could be the final opportunity for MAAC coaches and players to make memories in the resort.
“We really enjoyed our time here,” Thibault-DuDonis said Tuesday at a preseason event at Ocean Casino Resort. “We love that we are able to root on our men at the same time and be here at the same time with them. We love that it’s a destination for friends and families, and we love it here.”
The MAAC came to Boardwalk Hall in 2020 and has slowly established itself in the resort and generated a lot of enthusiasm.
MAAC Commissioner Travis Tellitocci said 24 arenas from Boston to Philadelphia are in contention to host the tournaments from 2027-29. He said talks have already begun and a final decision should be made in the winter.
“Obviously Atlantic City has been a great partner for us over the past seven years,” said Tellitocci. “I think we have done a good job establishing roots here, obviously building some more engagement in the local community. I think if you look at last year’s tournament, just a lot of excitement around that event. We are looking to build off that momentum this year.”
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The men’s championship will be played March 10, 2026, a Tuesday night, and televised nationally in primetime on ESPN or ESPN2. The women’s final will be a standalone event Monday, March 9, 2026, and shown nationally on ESPN+ or ESPNU.
Both championships have been held on a Saturday night since the tournament began here in 2020.
Boardwalk Hall general manager Jim McDonald said his venue “has developed a great relationship” with the MAAC.
“It belongs in Atlantic City,” McDonald said. “We think we have an opportunity with the format change and the finals nights being on primetime. We look forward to hosting this year’s tournament and tournaments to come. It’s the right-sized tournament for our building. Here in Atlantic City, the community has embraced it. We feel very comfortable and confident it will continue to be here. We feel this is the right place, right location for the MAAC tournament.”
Brent Bland and Dan Geriot are very fond of Atlantic City.
Bland is a four-year guard on the Saint Peter’s University men’s basketball team, and celebrated the Peacocks’ two MAAC championships at Boardwalk Hall in 2022 and 2024.
Geriot, the first-year Iona men’s coach, was a member of the Richmond team that won the Atlantic 10 title at Boardwalk Hall in 2011.
“Atlantic City means a lot to me,” Bland said. “Every year Atlantic City has played a big role in my college journey. So for this to be the last year in Atlantic City, it is sad. I would definitely want to play here again. Overall, Atlantic City has done a lot for me throughout my college career and will always hold a special place.”
The Metro Athletic Atlantic Conference college basketball tournaments and the state individual high school wrestling championships will trade places at Jim Whelan Boardwalk Hall in Atlantic City next year.
He said he hopes future Saint Peter’s teams can play here.
Geriot just joined the MAAC, but he also wants his future squads to compete at Boardwalk Hall, not just this season.
“I love Boardwalk Hall,” said Geriot, of Delaware County, Pennsylvania. “I have a lot of fond memories of what we did at Richmond, and building that environment and building that success was critical.
“Boardwalk Hall, to me, and Atlantic City overall, is special. My family, we shared a lot of memories here. For me, I love the venue. I love the city. It was great for the Atlantic 10 when I played. We had great support. I think the city and the people show support. It’s my first year in the MAAC, our last year contractually, but I love Boardwalk Hall. I’d be excited to keep it going.”
Stags junior Meghan Andersen was named the women’s preseason player of the year, which was special for Thibault-DuDonis. The first time she saw Andersen play was at an AAU tournament in Atlantic City. So it has almost become full circle, Thibault-DuDonis said.
“I got to see her as a rising senior in high school, and now here we are four years later,” she said. “We have enjoyed it here. I obviously trust the MAAC and look forward to what comes next. This is a special place. I love we can get a great atmosphere.”
Quinnipiac senior forward Amarri Monroe played all four years in Atlantic City, saying he “can’t see himself playing anywhere else.”
“I definitely like Atlantic City,” he said. “I think it’s pretty convenient for all the schools in the conference. I don’t mind the drive. The area is pretty nice. Obviously, this is my only location in the tournament, so I am kind of used to it.
“I loved it. Every time February or March comes around, I get excited to come back to Atlantic City.”
Contact Patrick Mulranen:
609-272-7217
PMulranen@pressofac.com
X @ACPressMulranen
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