Feb 10, 2010
65th Annual CIAA Tournament Returns to the Queen City
The 65th annual Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association (CIAA) Men's and Women's Basketball Tournament will take place February 23 through February 27 in Charlotte, N.C. The five-day Tournament returns for its fifth year in the Queen City with great basketball and countless events and activities.
Basketball action begins with the Food Lion Women's Tournament tipping off Tuesday, February 23 at 5:00 p.m. The Men's Tournament begins play Wednesday at 5:00 p.m. Games continue on Thursday beginning at 8:00 a.m. and Friday beginning at 1:00 p.m. The Tournament concludes on Saturday with the Men's Tournament final at 6:00 p.m. televised on ESPN U and the Women’s Tournament final at 9:00 p.m. televised on ESPNPlus. Fans can purchase tickets by visiting www.ciaatournament.org and clicking the buy tickets tab, on www.ticketmaster.com, and at the Time Warner Cable Arena box office.
"We're excited about this year's Tournament," said Leon Kerry, CIAA Commissioner. "We've added Chowan University as a new member to the conference, signed a new television partner, and created more entertainment at the Arena for our fans. The CIAA has the most loyal fans in the world and their support of the conference and our Tournament shows their passion for the CIAA."
Chowan University was voted as a full member of the CIAA effective July, 1, 2009 and proved to be a perfect match for the CIAA in terms of historical foundation, geography, educational synergies, and commitment to its student athletes. Chowan is positioned in the Northeast region of the state, which is home to CIAA’s Elizabeth City State University and a short distance from the Hampton Roads, Newport News and Virginia Beach areas, a traditional hotbed for CIAA fans and alumni.
For the first time, TV One will serve as a television partner for the CIAA, presenting the men’s quarter-finals and the semi-final rounds of the CIAA Basketball Tournament Thursday, February 25 through Saturday, February 27.
TV One will kick-off its coverage of the men’s quarter-finals with two games on Thursday, February 25 at 1:00 p.m. and 3:00 p.m., and will air two additional quarter-final games on Friday, February 26 at noon and 2:00 p.m. (all times ET). The two men’s semi-final games will air on Saturday, February 27 at noon and 2:00 p.m. "TV One is proud to carry coverage of the CIAA Tournament," said TV One President and CEO Johnathan Rodgers. "TV One is about chronicling African American culture and achievement, and, in addition to being a great sporting event, the CIAA Tournament is a compelling story, with its rich history and heritage."
Charlotte organizers are excited to host the CIAA Tournament through 2011. According to the Charlotte Regional Visitor's Authority (CRVA) research, the Tournament accounted for direct spending of over $25 million and a total economic impact of $38.2 million dollars over the one-week period in 2009.
"Charlotte is delighted to welcome back the CIAA Tournament and all the positive benefits it brings to our region. Along with the high economic impact numbers to be realized this year, the tournament is like a large family reunion, bringing thousands of fans, their families and friends into our region to experience Charlotte’s restaurants, hotels, shopping venues and so much more. We all can be very thankful for this terrific event in our region." said Tim Newman, CEO of CRVA.
The CIAA compasses relationships, fun and pride within its Tournament. It's about the ultimate camaraderie for one week out of the year that draws fans from all across the country. This is what separates the CIAA from any other event of its kind. Because of its popularity, the conference has worked hard to create additional activities for CIAA fans, many of which are free to the public and designed to give fans a true CIAA experience. The CIAA has created new events to add value to the week-long Tournament ticket book. Fans can experience, for the first-time ever, a free CIAA Championship Concert featuring national recording group En Vogue prior to the tip-off of the Men’s Tournament final on Saturday, February 27. Fans will also be able to take advantage of the Food Lion Women's Health & Wellness Symposium Thursday, February 25 – Saturday, February 27 hosted by Nationwide Insurance, Healing Our Village, and Laugh 4 Life in the Time Warner Cable Arena practice court. Both events are free when you purchase a Tournament ticket book.
Tournament attendees can enjoy the returning Ford Fan Experience at the Charlotte Convention Center and McDonald's Super Saturday at the Time Warner Cable Arena FREE of charge. The Ford Fan Experience will feature free concerts by national recording artists Joe, Melanie Fiona, Ginuwine, K’Jon and Laurie Izibor, the Taste of Food Lion Stage, the Steve Harvey Morning Show brought to you by Ford, and the newly added Yolanda Adams Morning Show brought to you by Lowe's.
The McDonald's Super Saturday will showcase event favorites such as the Cheerleading Exhibition, Battle of the Bands, and the Food Lion Miss CIAA pageant. This year Super Saturday will feature a performance by national recording artist Bow Wow and the Laurie Ann Gibson Show.
Other official CIAA events that require purchasing a ticket includes: CIAA Step Show Throwdown at Bojangles' Coliseum followed by a separate Greek and High School After Party, UPTOWN magazine presents the Aristocrat Lounge: Fundraiser for the CIAA General Scholarship at the new Ritz Carlton - Charlotte, and the CIAA Post Tournament After Party featuring the Temptations Review with Dennis Edwards. For more information about how to purchase tickets and a complete list of official events, fans can visit www.ciaatournament.org and click on the schedule of events tab.
Categories: Arts & Entertainment, Lifestyle
