Latest news with #CIAATournament
Yahoo
7 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Charlotte's bold power play to bring CIAA Tournament home
When it comes to HBCU basketball, few events match the energy, culture, and community of the CIAA Tournament. And now, Charlotte is putting on a full-court press to bring the iconic event back to the Queen City—where many believe it truly belongs. After hosting the CIAA Tournament from 2006 to 2020, Charlotte is bidding to reclaim it for the 2028–2030 cycle, challenging current host Baltimore for the future of one of Black college sports' most celebrated weeks. Despite a scheduling conflict in 2027, city leaders are confident that the revamped proposal signals a new era of commitment to HBCU excellence. Advertisement During its original run, Charlotte generated over $650 million in economic impact, drawing fans from across the country. This time, city officials are leaning into even stronger infrastructure: hotel capacity is up 38% since 2020, and major upgrades—like the $245 million renovation of Spectrum Center—highlight Charlotte's readiness to host on a grander scale. 'Charlotte was always the CIAA's spiritual home,' said Councilman Malcolm Graham, a Johnson C. Smith University alum. 'This is more than basketball. It's about culture, equity, and legacy.' The city's pitch also taps into North Carolina's new major events fund, created alongside sports betting legislation, potentially easing financial burdens. Hotel pricing concerns—once a deal-breaker—have been addressed to avoid requiring rigid rate structures. And with everything from fan fests to scholarship galas proposed within city-owned venues, security and experience take center stage. Baltimore, which has hosted the tournament since 2021, brings a strong track record, including a $1.5 million annual scholarship commitment. But Charlotte aims to match that and raise the stakes with a more centralized and culturally immersive experience. Advertisement The CIAA Board of Presidents will vote this summer. If successful, Charlotte could welcome the CIAA back starting in 2028—ready to rewrite history where it all began. Related: HBCU school sparks major buzz with bold talent move Related: HBCU legend makes unique decision on NCAA future
Miami Herald
27-05-2025
- Business
- Miami Herald
Charlotte reacts as CIAA stiff-arms bid
The Charlotte Regional Visitors Authority (CRVA) has issued a statement following the CIAA's decision not to consider Charlotte as a host city for its men's and women's basketball tournaments from 2027 through 2029. "We have been informed by the CIAA that Charlotte will not be considered as a host city for the upcoming tournament cycle," the CRVA said. "While this is not the outcome we had hoped for, we are proud of the strong, collaborative bid submitted by the City of Charlotte, the CRVA, and the Charlotte Sports Foundation." The CIAA Tournament, which called Charlotte home from 2006 to 2020, relocated to Baltimore in 2021. It will remain there through at least 2029, following the latest extension. The Queen City's bid focused on its evolving stature as a major event destination, strong hospitality sector, and proven history with the event. A key issue in the decision was scheduling. When the CIAA requested 2027 dates in early 2025, key venues in the were already booked due to prior commitments. The CRVA noted that this reflected the city's continued rise as a sought-after host for major events. Despite the scheduling challenge, officials emphasized that their proposal highlighted the city's growth and readiness to once again embrace the tournament. "This effort showcased the evolution of our city, the strength of our venues, and the vibrancy of our hospitality community," the CRVA said. While disappointed, the CRVA remains hopeful for future opportunities. "We remain optimistic that Charlotte will have the opportunity to welcome the tournament back in the future." As the CIAA continues its run in Baltimore, Charlotte continues to look ahead, aiming to remain a player in hosting large-scale sporting and cultural events. The post Charlotte reacts as CIAA stiff-arms bid appeared first on HBCU Gameday. Copyright HBCU Gameday 2012-2025
Miami Herald
16-05-2025
- Sport
- Miami Herald
Johnson C. Smith looks to revitilaze hoops legacy with new hires
Johnson C. Smith University (JCSU) is ushering in a new era for its basketball programs. It has announced the appointments of Antwain Banks as the permanent head coach for men's basketball and Vanessa Taylor returning to lead the women's team. These strategic moves aim to revitalize the Golden Bulls' presence in HBCU athletics. Coach Banks, who stepped in as interim head coach in May 2024, has been officially named the 14th head coach in the program's history. Under his interim leadership, the men's team achieved a 15-13 overall record and secured its first CIAA Tournament win since 2020, finishing 8-8 in league play. Banks brings a wealth of experience from his previous roles at IUPUI and Alabama A&M. Banks was instrumental in developing top defensive teams and mentoring all-conference players. The men's basketball program has been a cornerstone of JCSU's athletic success. Under the leadership of Coach Stephen Joyner Sr., who served for 36 years. The Golden Bulls secured three CIAA Tournament Championships in 2001, 2008, and 2009. Joyner's tenure culminated in over 600 career wins, making him the winningest coach in JCSU history and placing him third in CIAA men's basketball history for total victories. On the women's side, Vanessa Taylor returns to JCSU after more than a decade away. She was the head coach from 2001 to 2012, amassing a 215-112 record. Her coaching journey includes a head coaching role at North Carolina Central University. She held assistant positions at Coastal Carolina University, Queens University of Charlotte, and Lander University. Taylor's extensive experience and previous success with the Golden Bulls position her well to lead the women's program back to its former glory. Under Coach Taylor's leadership, the Golden Bulls made five NCAA DII Women's Basketball Championship appearances (2006, 2008, 2009, 2011, and 2012). During the 2010-11 season, Coach Taylor led the program to a 26-5 overall record, the best in school history. The women's basketball program has recently been in the spotlight through HBCU Gameday's 'Brick x Brick' docuseries. The five-part series provided an in-depth look at the team's challenges and triumphs during the 2024-2025 season. The series highlighted the team's resilience as they navigated a season with only nine active players and through a change at head coach. Offering fans unprecedented behind-the-scenes access. Episodes are available on and air Sundays at 7 PM on Fox Soul. With these leadership changes, JCSU looks to strengthen its basketball programs and reclaim its legacy within HBCU athletics. The post Johnson C. Smith looks to revitilaze hoops legacy with new hires appeared first on HBCU Gameday. Copyright HBCU Gameday 2012-2025
Miami Herald
09-05-2025
- Business
- Miami Herald
Charlotte submits bid to bring back CIAA
Charlotte is making a serious bid to reclaim one of the premier events in HBCU sports. Charlotte and Baltimore are the only two cities vying to host future CIAA Basketball Tournaments, according to the conference office via the Charlotte Business Journal. The CIAA, composed of 13 historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs), is looking for a new home beginning in 2027 for its week-long basketball showcase, which includes 24 games and a host of community events. While Baltimore has hosted the CIAA Tournament since 2021 and holds the current contract through 2026, Charlotte's bid covers the 2028–2030 cycle due to existing scheduling conflicts at the Spectrum Center and the convention center in 2027. Despite that, Charlotte's pitch reflects a renewed commitment to HBCU culture, equity, and community impact. The city previously hosted the tournament from 2006 to 2020, generating more than $650 million in economic impact during that stretch. Charlotte's 2028 proposal highlights improved hotel capacity - up 38% since 2020 - enhanced transportation, and upgraded facilities, including the $150 million Hornets training center and a $245 million renovation of Spectrum Center. City officials, including Councilmen Malcolm Graham (a Johnson C. Smith alumnus) and James Mitchell (a North Carolina Central alumnus), have played key roles in shaping the "all-hands-on-deck" effort. The bid also leverages North Carolina's new major events incentives fund, created in conjunction with sports betting legislation. If awarded, this fund could help offset the costs of hosting the tournament. Hotel pricing, a sticking point in past bids, has been addressed without requiring locked-in rates from specific properties. Charlotte's pitch emphasizes centralizing all CIAA-related events - from luncheons to parties - within city-owned venues to enhance security and fan experience. There is also an effort to offer a scholarship package competitive with Baltimore's $1.5 million annual commitment to HBCU students. A final decision is expected this summer via a majority vote by the CIAA's 13 HBCU presidents. If accepted, Charlotte would welcome the tournament back in 2028, potentially following one final year in Baltimore. With its legacy, infrastructure, and renewed focus on HBCU excellence, Charlotte is aiming to re-establish itself as the long-term home of the CIAA Tournament. The post Charlotte submits bid to bring back CIAA appeared first on HBCU Gameday. Copyright HBCU Gameday 2012-2025
Yahoo
20-03-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Charlotte's CIAA bid taking shape
Organizers of a local bid to bring back the CIAA Tournament want to shift many of the tie-in events to Spectrum Center as a way of possibly unlocking more state government incentives funds while boosting attendance at games, CBJ has learned. READ MORE: CIAA bid priorities coming into focus The Charlotte Regional Visitors Authority is leading the bid effort with help from city government, the Charlotte Sports Foundation and representatives from several major employers, among others. The CIAA, a conference of historically Black colleges and universities, or HBCUs, told CBJ last month that incumbent basketball tournament site Baltimore and Charlotte have confirmed their intent to submit bids by April 15. The CIAA has said it plans to select one city as the tournament host for three years beginning in 2027. On Monday, Charlotte City Council will discuss the CRVA's efforts to bring back the CIAA Tournament. The city hosted the tournament from 2006-2020. It will be played in Baltimore through 2026 @wsoctv — Joe Bruno (@JoeBrunoWSOC9) March 20, 2025 Two people involved in the talks confirmed that Charlotte's bid is likely to seek three consecutive years starting in 2028 because the ACC Women's Basketball Tournament and NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament are already scheduled for Spectrum Center in 2027. Read more about the effort on CBJ's website here. VIDEO: CIAA tournament not returning to Charlotte any time soon
