CHARLOTTE, NC– After months of chatter and speculation, the deal is sealed: Charlotte will remain the home of the CIAA Men’s and Women’s Basketball Tournaments for at least six more years.
In 2016, the Queen City will also become home base to the CIAA Conference Headquarters which is now in Hampton, Virginia. CIAA Commissioner Jacqie Carpenter says keeping the tournament grounded in Charlotte is the best move. “The city of Charlotte has been great to us,” says Carpenter. “…It’s their ninth year. You don’t see too many events stay in the same city for nine years.”
In 2013, the tournament brought more than $47 million in economic impact to Charlotte. The city dished out $1 million for tournament expenses and scholarships. But the CIAA wants more financial backing, and as apart of this deal, Charlotte will deliver.
The city is upping its annual funding to $1.4 million, which will be distributed among the 12 conference colleges and universities. Dr. Ronald Carter, President of JCSU, calls the decision a win-win-win for the city, the schools, and the fans. He says he hopes the renewed partnership results in more financial help for education. “We want to see more scholarships available for our students,” says Carter.
CIAA officials say moving their headquarters to Charlotte will help increase visibility and secure future sponsors.
