Local Organizing Committee to Host Atlantic Slam Pre-Event Festivities 2023-11-15
The City of Moncton is pleased to announce that pre-event activities will be held during the Atlantic Slam Tournament from Nov. 17 to 19. The festivities are being coordinated by the Atlantic Slam Community Activation Committee, tasked with enhancing the Atlantic Slam fan experience through community engagement events.
The Ian Fowler Oval, outside the Avenir Centre, will offer an opportunity for entertainment beyond the basketball court. The community is invited to test their basketball skills at the outdoor nets with Moncton Minor Basketball and groove to beats curated by DJ Mobaws.
"We wanted to create an inclusive and free experience for the community, extending beyond the tournament arena," says Roberto Di Donato, co-chair of the Atlantic Slam Community Activation Committee. "Whether you're a basketball pro or a casual fan, the Ian Fowler Oval is the place to be from Nov. 17 to 19."
The Atlantic Slam Tournament is funded in part by the Government of Canada, through the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA), and the Government of New Brunswick, with each level of government providing $50,000.
“We are so excited to welcome over 200 international athletes to the Greater Moncton area for the Atlantic Slam. Our government is proud to support events like this that showcase Atlantic Canada’s famous hospitality, traditions, and heritage on the global stage,” says the Honourable Ginette Petitpas Taylor, Minister of Veterans Affairs and Associate Minister of National Defence, and Member of Parliament for Moncton-Riverview-Dieppe, on behalf of the Honourable Gudie Hutchings, Minister of Rural Economic Development and Minister responsible for ACOA.
The tournament marks the National Collegiate Athletic Association’s (NCAA) first appearance in Atlantic Canada and the participating teams represent the highest level of competition among the NCAA’s three divisions.
“We recognize the importance of supporting major sporting events in our province, and we are really looking forward to playing a part in welcoming the first ever Atlantic Slam Tournament,” says Tammy Scott-Wallace, Minister of Tourism, Heritage and Culture. “The ripple effect from a tournament of this caliber will have a positive impact on the Greater Moncton area and the sport of basketball across New Brunswick. We hope those in attendance participate in the activities offered and take in the full experience of top-level college basketball.”
Atlantic Slam – NCAA Division 1 College Basketball Tournament
Hosted by On Ice Entertainment, Events Moncton, and the City of Moncton, Atlantic Slam will be held from Nov. 16-19, 2023 at the Avenir Centre.
Moncton will witness exceptional matchups and fierce competition featuring renowned teams, including Gardner-Webb University (North Carolina), Weber State University (Utah), Yale University (Connecticut), and Colgate University (New York).
Basketball fans are invited to visit the Atlantic Slam website to buy tickets for the tournament.
For more detailed information about the Atlantic Slam Tournament, including the full schedule and pre-event activities, visit the City of Moncton website.
Information:
Communications, City of Moncton
communications@moncton.ca