Charlotte is making a critical bid to reclaim one of many premier occasions in HBCU sports activities. Charlotte and Baltimore are the one two cities vying to host future CIAA Basketball Tournaments, in keeping with the convention workplace by way of the Charlotte Enterprise Journal. The CIAA, composed of 13 traditionally Black schools and universities (HBCUs), is searching for a brand new house starting in 2027 for its week-long basketball showcase, which incorporates 24 video games and a bunch of group occasions.
Whereas Baltimore has hosted the CIAA Match since 2021 and holds the present contract by way of 2026, Charlotte’s bid covers the 2028–2030 cycle resulting from present scheduling conflicts on the Spectrum Middle and the conference heart in 2027. Regardless of that, Charlotte’s pitch displays a renewed dedication to HBCU tradition, fairness, and group impression. Town beforehand hosted the match from 2006 to 2020, producing greater than $650 million in financial impression throughout that stretch.
Charlotte’s 2028 proposal highlights improved lodge capability — up 38% since 2020 — enhanced transportation, and upgraded services, together with the $150 million Hornets coaching heart and a $245 million renovation of Spectrum Middle. Metropolis officers, together with Councilmen Malcolm Graham (a Johnson C. Smith alumnus) and James Mitchell (a North Carolina Central alumnus), have performed key roles in shaping the “all-hands-on-deck” effort.
The bid additionally leverages North Carolina’s new main occasions incentives fund, created along side sports activities betting laws. If awarded, this fund might assist offset the prices of internet hosting the match. Resort pricing, a sticking level in previous bids, has been addressed with out requiring locked-in charges from particular properties.
Charlotte’s pitch emphasizes centralizing all CIAA-related occasions — from luncheons to events — inside city-owned venues to reinforce safety and fan expertise. There may be additionally an effort to supply a scholarship bundle aggressive with Baltimore’s $1.5 million annual dedication to HBCU college students.
A ultimate resolution is predicted this summer season by way of a majority vote by the CIAA’s 13 HBCU presidents. If accepted, Charlotte would welcome the match again in 2028, doubtlessly following one ultimate 12 months in Baltimore. With its legacy, infrastructure, and renewed deal with HBCU excellence, Charlotte is aiming to re-establish itself because the long-term house of the CIAA Match.
