The CIAA basketball tourney hits Charlotte: Why it’s more party than bball
The Story
The Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association is a conference of historically black colleges that includes Charlotte’s own Johnson C. Smith University. For years now, it’s held its annual basketball tournament here in Charlotte. Here’s what to expect:
(1) Parties. Big ones, small ones. This is the No. 1 activity during CIAA: partying. It’s a major reunion for a lot of alums, but plenty of friends and fans come along for the fun. The best ones, you just kind of have to know about.
(2) Fashion. To go along with No. 1, it’s all about being seen. And folks do it up right.
(3) Big shows. If you don’t have invites to anything exclusive, there are some pretty big public parties:
– Charlotte Takeover at Oasis Tent (514 N. College St.) with Nicki Minaj, Meek Mill, Ginuwine, Tank, Yo Gotti, Bigga Rankin, Rich Homie Quan and DJ Milk. 9 p.m.-3 a.m., Friday. Cost is $25-$45.
Ready to see HB Saturday #CIAA2015 #VoteNickiMinaj #KCA pic.twitter.com/LLMVFrFkWI
— King Dee Kay™ (@mesinceday1) February 22, 2015
– On Friday and Saturday, there’s are stepshow throwdowns — college groups competing in step contents.
– Tom Joyner will host his popular radio show here Friday from 6-10 a.m. The Rickey Smiley Morning Show will broadcast live Thursday from 6-10 a.m. Free.
2/26 -1p: @OldSchool1053 at @bubblecharlotte Tix: http://t.co/hsMFHPcRow! W/ Tom Joyner @flyjocktomjoyner! #ciaa2015 pic.twitter.com/UGkudtsM4b
— Dana Sidberry (@MotivationMktg) February 22, 2015
(4) Family friendly. If you want just a taste, check out the Fan Fest at the Convention Center, Thursday-Saturday. Activities to include a 3-on-3 tournament, gospel music fest and concerts. Free.
(5) Basketball. We are not kidding when we say this is the secondary activity of CIAA week. But yes, there is men and women’s tournament play at Time Warner Cable Arena.
My #VSU taking the CIAA championship in basketball just like how we took it in football this year #CIAA2015
— Trini Da Plug (@Acquainted_Sins) February 22, 2015
(6) Traffic. Due to all the above, traffic will get crazy around uptown this week. Be patient and know folks are just having a good time.
Photos: David T Foster / Charlotte Observer
This story was originally published February 23, 2015 at 12:35 AM with the headline "The CIAA basketball tourney hits Charlotte: Why it’s more party than bball."