What Charlotte needs for a successful CIAA bid

Axios

25-03-2025

Charlotte leaders are optimistic about bringing back the Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association's Men's and Women's Basketball Tournament for 2028 through 2030 — but locking down the Spectrum Center as the sole venue is key to the deal.
Why it matters: Tourism officials told Charlotte City Council on Monday night that the CIAA prefers to host the tournament entirely at Spectrum Center, rather than splitting rounds between there and Bojangles Coliseum.
Charlotte Regional Visitors Authority CEO Steve Bagwell said the CIAA wants to be in the heart of Uptown, where it's walkable and centralized. Ideally, the Spectrum Center would be a hub — not just for games, but for step shows, luncheons, day parties and receptions in its newly renovated spaces.
Yes, but: CRVA has not confirmed whether the exclusive use of Spectrum Center is possible. The arena's schedule would need to accommodate the NBA and other events, including the ACC men's championship in 2028.
CRVA must finalize its bid proposal to submit to the CIAA by April 15.
Another potential hiccup: CIAA's request for proposals asks for bids covering 2027 through 2029, but Spectrum Center is already hosting the ACC women's basketball tournament in 2027.
"I've had informal sidebar communications with the league about adjusting that time frame a bit (to host in 2028)," says Mike Butts, CRVA executive director. "I believe they are open to that."
Catch up quick: Charlotte hosted the CIAA tournament for 15 years, from 2006 to 2020, generating $650 million in economic impact, CRVA says. The city lost its bid to Baltimore for the 2021 tournament.
In 2019, the last year before COVID, the tournament's economic splash was $43.7 million.
Zoom out: Charlotte is one of 10 cities invited to bid on the CIAA, but Baltimore and Charlotte are the only known respondents. Charlotte notified the league in January of its intent to bid.
In Baltimore, the 2024 tournament boasts $32.5 million in economic impact and 43,000 fans.
Tourism leaders say Charlotte is well positioned geographically to host this event, with eight CIAA-member schools across the Carolinas, helping to ensure a healthy attendance.
Between the lines: The CIAA's request for proposals makes some strong requests, including guaranteed hotel room rates of $125 for teams, $200 for staff and $225 for fans.
"The hotels are responding at different levels, some within and some not," Butts said. "These rates are in the range that they paid when they were here before."
It also seeks a minimum commitment of $1.5 million for student scholarships.
CRVA plans to invest $1 million to help advance the bid and hopes to achieve funding through the NC Commerce's Major Events, Games, & Attractions Fun. It's looking to the corporate community to fundraise for the scholarships.
What they're saying: Council Member Ed Driggs, while he said he's "generally supportive," raised questions about public safety.
"In the old days, the event was fun," Driggs said. "But we have to acknowledge that in recent years, there has been another element. ... There have been incidents which, I think, concerned the public.
Council Member Malcolm Graham responded that past problematic events were not CIAA-sanctioned. The tournament is concerned about protecting its image, too.
The other side: Baltimore has a strong case to remain the host. The CIAA has called Baltimore the "perfect destination," citing its high Black population and proud amplification of Black culture.