MAAC and Heritage Financial Park Ink Three-Year Deal for Baseball Championship

The Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference (MAAC) today announced a three-year agreement with Heritage Financial Park in Fishkill, N.Y., as the host site for the MAAC Baseball Championship. The deal will make Heritage Financial Park the home of the MAAC Baseball Championships for 2026, 2027 and 2028.

"We are thrilled that the MAAC Baseball Championship will return to Heritage Financial Park for the next three years," said MAAC Commissioner Travis Tellitocci. "Having hosted more MAAC Baseball Championships than any other venue, the ballpark holds a special place in our conference's history, and we are eager to experience the significant upgrades since our last visit to Dutchess County. Our renewed partnership with the Hudson Valley Renegades, along with their affiliation with the New York Yankees, ensures a premier experience for our coaches and student-athletes. With millions invested in state-of-the-art turf, upgraded hospitality areas, and enhanced clubhouse facilities, Heritage Financial Park stands as a first-class venue that reflects our commitment to delivering outstanding championship experiences."

The MAAC Baseball Championship returns to Dutchess County for the first time in a decade, last hosting the conference tournament at Heritage Financial Park (formally known as Dutchess Stadium) in 2016. The MAAC championship has been held at the ballpark a league-most 13 times, which includes a streak of 10-straight years from 1998 through 2007. Geographically, eight of the league's 13 member institutions are located within 100 miles of Heritage Financial Park and the average travel distance across the entire MAAC footprint to the ballpark is 140 miles. The upcoming 2026 MAAC Baseball Championship is slated for May 20-23. Future dates for the championship will be May 26-29, 2027 and May 24-27, 2028.

Heritage Financial Park has been home to the Hudson Valley Renegades since 1994 and is one of the premier Minor League Baseball facilities and event venues in the northeast. Over 150 Major League players, such as former American League Rookie of the Year Evan Longoria, American League MVP Josh Hamilton and Yankees rookie sensation Cam Schlittler have called Heritage Financial Park home. In addition to the Renegades Minor League season, the ballpark hosts over 200 events per year, including a growing portfolio of collegiate baseball. Located in Wappingers Falls, N.Y., the ballpark has recently completed a multi-year renovation project which has expanded its capacity to 5,400 fans.

The Renegades have been the High-A affiliate of the New York Yankees since 2021, and have been among the most successful Minor League teams of the past 15 years. They were three-time New York-Penn League champions before moving to the South Atlantic League in 2021, and have won three SAL North Division titles. Off the field, the Renegades' legendary game entertainment has brought joy to nearly five million fans since the ballpark's opening.

"We are thrilled to welcome the MAAC Baseball Championship back to Heritage Financial Park beginning in 2026," said Tom Denlinger, General Manager of the Renegades. "College baseball has a unique and fun atmosphere that only intensifies during the conference championship tournament. We are excited to offer our fans another way to find their fun at the ballpark with this great event."

ABOUT THE HUDSON VALLEY RENEGADES
The Hudson Valley Renegades have served as the High-A affiliate of the New York Yankees since 2021 and are three-time South Atlantic League North Division Champions. Since 1994, the Renegades have provided the Hudson Valley with affordable, family-friendly entertainment through the game of baseball at Heritage Financial Park, part of the award-winning Dutchess County Parks system. Summit Club Memberships for the 2026 season are on sale now, and may be purchased at www.hvrenegades.com or over the phone by calling (845) 838-0094.

About the Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference:
With 13 institutions strongly bound by the sound principles of quality and integrity in academics and excellence in athletics, the Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference (MAAC) is in its 45th year of competition during the 2025-26 academic year. Current conference members include: Canisius University, Fairfield University, Iona University, Manhattan University, Marist University, Merrimack College, Mount St. Mary's University, Niagara University, Quinnipiac University, Rider University, Sacred Heart University, Saint Peter's University, and Siena University.

Stay up to date with the MAAC on social media by following @MAACSports on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram and Threads or visit MAACSports.com for all the latest MAAC news.

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