Just over a month to go before college basketball takes over downtown Moncton.

For the first time ever the NCAA comes to Atlantic Canada. Atlantic Slam will be held from November 16 to 19 at the Avenir Centre.

The City of Moncton is partnering with On Ice Entertainment Inc. and Events Moncton, to host the event.

It is a National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) Division 1 College Basketball tournament.

The Atlantic Slam 2023 Tournament Roster, four Division 1 teams will take part in the inaugural tournament.
” Yale University Bulldogs, Connecticut
” Garner-Webb University Runnin’ Bulldogs, North Carolina
” Weber State University Wildcats, Utah
” Colgate University Raiders, New York

Community Activation Committee Spokesperson Norval McConnell has been involved in basketball since he was a child. He says this is a great opportunity for everyone, especially youth, “Basketball always played a big role in us finding something that we loved and enjoyed and increased our circle of friends learning a little bit about competition. How to win, how to lose, those kinds of things. I’ve always felt that sport gives youth a real opportunity to deal with adversity and to develop some skills to overcome that adversity.”

Moncton’s Deputy Mayor Shawn Crossman highlighted the importance for a city like Moncton to host a sanctioned event with the Big South.
“We are known for successfully welcoming some of the largest sporting organizations in the world. To be adding an NCAA Division 1 event to our list is phenomenal and a testament to the city’s commitment to large events,” he says. “This is a unique opportunity for the teams, but also an excellent opportunity for our community, especially our youth, to see some of the NBA’s future players.”

Tickets are on sale now.