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Since March and basketball go together like half-smokes and chili, start the season’s madness with the Coastal Athletic Association (CAA) Championships at Entertainment & Sports Arena in Congress Heights. Events DC hosts men’s and women’s competitions, with the winner of each granted an automatic bid in the NCAA Tournament. We’ve listed some reasons why both avid supporters and casual fans can enjoy the action.
While the CAA is considered a “mid-major” college basketball conference, its teams consistently punch above their weight. Both tournaments promise to be ultra-competitive, and every favorite should be on upset alert. Just last year, the women’s side saw Monmouth University, which went .500 in the conference during the regular season, defeat the top three seeds on their way to the conference title. Each CAA champion will also be an underdog in the NCAA Tournament, so hop on the bandwagon for the underdog of your choice now.
DC hosts the CAA women’s basketball championship for the first of four consecutive years just in time for Women’s History Month. Action takes place inside Entertainment & Sports Arena, which is the home of DC’s WNBA team and 2019 champions, the Washington Mystics (their season starts on May 14). Make sure to check out additional ways to celebrate Women’s History Month in DC.
Opportunities to catch win-or-go-home college basketball in-person come few and far between. The CAA tournaments are even upping the ante with great discounts that allow for an exciting, fun-filled family outing in the nation’s capital. Tickets for men’s second-round games start as low as $10, and seats for Sunday’s quarterfinal games, featuring the top four seeds, are available for just $15. Tickets to the women’s tournament begin at just $7 for a full day of play. (Prices do not include applicable fees)
Before, after or in-between games at the Arena, make a visit to Sycamore & Oak in Congress Heights. The Retail Village, which stretches more than 20,000 square feet, showcases Black entrepreneurs and local small businesses such as The Museum, Soufside Creative and The Fresh Food Factory. Read up on future plans for the space so you can check back in on your next visit to DC.
You’ve picked a wonderful time to be in Washington, DC. The calendar is incredibly packed for March, so you will have plenty of options for filling any free time you may have (Awesome Con takes place over at the Convention Center from March 8-10). We also highly recommend extending your stay, as the National Cherry Blossom Festival officially starts on March 20.