NORFOLK, VA — The Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference (MEAC) is preparing for an exciting week in Hampton Roads as the 2026 MEAC Basketball Tournament returns to Norfolk with a full lineup of community events, networking opportunities, parties, and championship basketball.
Branded as “MEAC Homecoming 2026,” the week-long celebration runs March 9 through March 15 and will bring together students, alumni, fans, and community leaders from across the conference. The festivities will take place at venues across Norfolk, including the Norfolk Scope Arena, Sheraton Norfolk Waterside Hotel, Harbor Club, and the Norfolk Waterside Marriott.
A Week of Events Leading to Championship Saturday
The tournament festivities begin on Monday, March 9 with Motivation Monday, featuring the MEAC Women in Athletics Workshop at the Norfolk Waterside Marriott. The event highlights leadership, empowerment, and professional development for women working in sports.
On Tuesday, March 10, “Tip-Off Tuesday” kicks off with a Read With MEAC Celebration in partnership with Norfolk Public Schools, followed by the MEAC Basketball Tournament Awards Ceremony honoring the conference’s top teams and athletes.
The community focus continues on Wednesday, March 11 during Community Night, highlighted by a College Fairhosted at the Norfolk Scope Exhibition Hall. The event gives local students the opportunity to connect with colleges and universities from across the MEAC conference.
Networking, Culture and Alumni Celebrations
As the week progresses, the events begin to blend business, culture, and nightlife.
On Thursday, March 12, attendees can participate in the MEAC Hall of Fame Brunch, honoring legendary athletes and contributors to the conference. The evening wraps up with the popular Intimate Friends Game Night event at Chicho’s on Granby.
Friday brings the official MEAC Nation Homecoming Alumni & Greek Night, including educational programming such as the Dr. Dennis E. Thomas Student Leadership Symposium and the MEAC Academic Performance Program Seminar. Later that night, the celebration continues with the “Hey Ma!” R&B Party and the Official MEAC All Black Affair.
Championship Weekend Takes Over Norfolk
The excitement peaks on Saturday, March 14, known as Championship Saturday, with several major fan experiences including:
- 9AM in Norfolk “A&R Beats Breakfast and Brunch Groove”
- MEAC Championship Fan Fest powered by the RNB Block Party
- MEAC Championship Day Party on the Water at Harbor Club
- MEAC Championship Concert at Norfolk Scope Plaza
These events are expected to draw thousands of fans visiting Norfolk for the tournament weekend.
Closing Out with Overtime Brunch
The week concludes on Sunday, March 15 with the Overtime Brunch, a final celebration where fans, alumni, and conference supporters gather to wrap up the tournament festivities.
A Major Economic Boost for Norfolk
The MEAC tournament has long been one of the largest sporting events hosted in Norfolk each year. The influx of visitors supports local hotels, restaurants, nightlife, and businesses across the city.
With basketball, culture, alumni networking, and entertainment all packed into one week, MEAC Homecoming 2026 is shaping up to be one of the biggest tournament celebrations in recent years.
Fans and attendees are encouraged to check the full schedule and secure tickets through the Norfolk Scope Box Office or Ticketmaster.
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