Tickets are currently on sale for the inaugural Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference Esports Championships. The inaugural MAAC championships are sponsored by the New Jersey Army National Guard. As the sponsor, the New Jersey Army National Guard will feature prominently in the branding and signage on both the MAAC’s social media platforms and at Boardwalk Hall.

“The MAAC is excited to inform the public that the New Jersey Army National Guard is the title sponsor of the inaugural Esports Championships,  stated  MAAC Commissioner Rich Ensor. “We are proud to represent the New Jersey Army National Guard. We look forward to this partnership as the league expands its interest in esports. We are looking to run very successful championships this March at Boardwalk Hall.”

MAAC Esports Coordinator Kiernan Ensor added , “Signing on the New Jersey Army National Guard as a title sponsor for the upcoming MAAC Esports Championships brings both resources and credibility to the conference’s desire to stage a high-level competition this March in Atlantic City. I want to sincerely thank the New Jersey Army National Guard for their unwavering support of the MAAC student-athletes who will compete in the championships.”

The fun begins on March 13-14 at the Adrian Phillips Theater in Jim Whelan Boardwalk Hall in Atlantic City. The distinctive Boardwalk Hall was built in 1926, and can be found at 2301 Boardwalk, Atlantic City, New Jersey. The Hall can be reached by NJ Transit buses 505, 507, 508, 509 from Atlantic Avenue.

 

Who’s Playing

 

The following eSports sports events will be held in conjunction with the MAAC men’s and women’s basketball tournaments. You can join in on the March 10-14 eSports event at Boardwalk Hall.

The competition will play out in four video games entitled, Overwatch, League of Legends, Super Smash Bros. Ultimate and Rocket League. The players will be Manhattan, Canisius, Marist, Quinnipiac, Niagara, Saint Peter’s and Siena.

“Esports is much more than just a campus activity; it’s become a tool for student recruitment, engagement, and retention. Likewise, it’s become an important marketing tool for colleges across the country, remarked Siena College Vice President and Director of Athletics John D’Argenio. “The MAAC’s embracing of esports and providing a big platform at our conference basketball championships, has given every college an opportunity to showcase our programs and further our efforts to recruit students.”

The winner of the “League of Legends” MAAC game will be seeded in the College League of Legends Championship quarterfinals. The League of Legends winners will ultimately compete for the chance to win the national title as well as scholarships. The other MAAC champions will likewise compete in national tournaments across the country.

“Atlantic City is an amazing magnet for online sports, gaming convention and esports events as the first state that has encouraged and fought to legalize online gaming. It is no surprise that we’re seeing this tournament take place in our amazing city” said Kate Huber, editor at NJGamblingFun, a gaming and gambling watchdog publication. 

MAAC esports coordinator Kiernan Ensor also noted  that, “The MAAC Esports Championships is a unique opportunity for all of our fans to fully experience everything the MAAC has to offer. A single ticket gives access to both the eSports and basketball, allowing the attendees to interact with not only the vendors, but to also take part in the MAAC Fan Fest and MAAC ‘n Cheese Fest. This not only provides a good value for the fans, but it’s also an awesome atmosphere for play.”

Fans should be aware that the MAAC’s “League of Legends” play begins on Saturday. Likewise, competition for the three other three games will begin during the first week of February.

Tickets for the event are available on ticketmaster.com. Single-session adult tickets are just $20 and an all-session ticket package is just $35. Discount student prices are $15 and $25, respectively.