February 13th 2025.
According to an article from Axios, the city of Charlotte has set its sights on reclaiming its title as the host of the Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association's (CIAA) Men's and Women's Basketball Tournament. This highly respected tournament, also known as the CIAA, has been a source of pride for the city and its residents for many years.
City officials have announced their plans to submit a bid in mid-April 2025, with the hopes of securing the tournament for the next three years. This collaborative effort involves the Charlotte Sports organization and the Charlotte Regional Visitors Authority. If all goes well, the week-long event will be back in Charlotte in 2027, 2028, and 2029.
For 15 years, from 2006 to 2020, the CIAA called Charlotte home. It is a celebration of Black culture and a showcase of the talent and pride of Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs). The festivities include festivals, parties, celebrity appearances, and bring a significant economic boost to the city. In fact, the last tournament in 2019, just before the COVID-19 pandemic, brought in a whopping $43.7 million and attracted nearly 140,000 fans.
Unfortunately, in 2021, the CIAA said goodbye to Charlotte after losing the bid to Baltimore. This news was met with disappointment from many HBCU alumni leaders in Charlotte. Malcolm Graham, a city council member and alum of Johnson C. Smith University, described the tournament as "electric" and highlighted its importance as a homecoming for Northeastern HBCUs.
Another city council member, James Mitchell, who attended North Carolina Central University, recalls the positive impact the tournament had on small businesses in the city. He credits the tournament for expanding Charlotte's reach and proving its ability to host large-scale events, such as the Democratic National Convention in 2012.
In a statement from Queen City News, it was revealed that a group of city officials wrote a letter expressing their excitement for the potential return of the CIAA to Charlotte. They described it as an "incredible opportunity" to collaborate and create an unforgettable experience for athletes, fans, and stakeholders.
The bid letter also highlighted Charlotte's impressive venues, thriving cultural attractions, and unmatched hospitality, making it an ideal partner for an event of such magnitude. Additionally, the city's diverse and welcoming community is eager to support and celebrate the CIAA, ensuring that its return is met with the respect and enthusiasm it deserves.
The city's bid for the CIAA Tournament from 2027 to 2029 comes just two weeks before the 2025 tournament is set to take place in Baltimore on February 25th. This news also comes shortly after the WNBA filed a trademark for the Charlotte Sting, a team that played in the league from 1997 to 2006.
As anticipation grows for the potential return of the CIAA to Charlotte, the city is reminded of the impact this tournament has had, not only on its economy but also on its culture and community. It is a fan favorite and a source of pride for many, including the late Abraham Mitchell, also known as "Mr. CIAA," who recently passed away at the age of 95.
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