Charlotte’s CIAA Bid: A Homecoming in the Making?
The City of Charlotte is officially in the race to bring back the Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association (CIAA) Men’s and Women’s Basketball Tournament for 2027-2029. This is a move that could reignite one of the city’s most electric celebrations of Black culture, sports, and HBCU excellence. - What are people saying? Check it out here! 👀
The Legacy of CIAA in Charlotte
At Hillman Day Party, we got our start during the height of CIAA tournament days in 2016, and we can’t deny—we miss the energy it brought to the city. For 15 years (2006-2020), Charlotte was the epicenter of CIAA week, drawing thousands of HBCU alumni, fans, and cultural tastemakers for a mix of basketball, parties, concerts, and networking.
But since Baltimore won the hosting bid in 2021, we’ve also seen Charlotte continue to grow, with new tournaments and major events putting the city on the map. Now, with the Charlotte Regional Visitors Authority, Charlotte Sports Foundation, and city officials preparing a bid, the question remains: Should Charlotte pull out all the stops to reclaim CIAA? (Axios Charlotte).
The Impact of CIAA on Charlotte
📈 Economic Boost: In 2019, the last full tournament before COVID, CIAA generated $43.7 million and brought in 140,000 fans (Axios Charlotte). Local businesses, from Uptown hotels to small Black-owned spots, saw major revenue spikes.
🏀 HBCU Pride & Exposure: CIAA week felt like an HBCU homecoming, bringing alumni and future students together while celebrating Black excellence, education, and culture.
🎉 Festival & Party Culture: The CIAA tournament wasn’t just about basketball—it was a week-long takeover of the city, packed with events that shaped Charlotte’s urban nightlife and entertainment scene.
Can Charlotte Win It Back?
With Bojangles Coliseum and Spectrum Center upgraded, and the city still home to CIAA’s headquarters, Charlotte has a strong case. But Baltimore isn’t letting go easily, branding itself as the “perfect destination” with a strong Black cultural presence and a Mayor who is full on in support of the tournament staying there.
City officials are working behind the scenes to craft a competitive bid, but winning won’t be easy. Some argue Charlotte took CIAA for granted, and issues like unfair hotel pricing and negative rhetoric in the past need to be addressed.
What’s Next?
The bid is due in April, and CIAA will select a host city before 2026. If Charlotte secures the tournament, it could mean a major revival of CIAA culture in the city.
At Hillman Day Party, we’re all about celebrating Black culture and HBCU excellence. Whether Charlotte wins the bid or not, we’ll continue to bring that authentic energy that started back in CIAA’s prime.
Source: Axios Charlotte