From free events to spending $6,285 -- the ultimate activities guide to CIAA tournament week
The annual CIAA basketball tournament is back again, and while this week features some high quality basketball, there will also be plenty of shows and parties to attend. If you’d like to catch any of the basketball action at Bojangles Coliseum or Spectrum Center, tickets are still available.
Whether you are looking to just have some fun on the cheap or willing to drop some major cash, we’ve got your complete guide to making the most of your CIAA weekend.
Free, but not lacking on the fun
When: Friday and Saturday, Noon-8 p.m.
Where: Charlotte Convention Center
Celebrity appearances: R&B groups Bell Biv DeVoe and Volume 4. Rappers Dave East and DJ Luke Nasty.
If you need even more of a reason to go: There will be a CIAA Big Day party with DJ Kool and three DJs spinning records, a sneaker showcase, over 40 vendors, as well as performances by the Divas of Olive Branch Majorette Team, hip-hop dance troupe Fuzion Force and Charlotte Ultimate Cheer.
Via CIAA Instagram
When: Saturday, 8:30 a.m.-Noon
Where: Charlotte Convention Center
Music performances: Rappers Ayo and Teo
If you need even more of a reason to go: Performances by the Phi Beta Sigma Step Team from Livingstone College and UFIT HS Cheer Champion, as well as the CIAA Cheerleading Exhibition. The queen of the 2018 Food Lion Miss CIAA competition will be crowned.
While this is not an event, every time you use this hashtag on social media, Food Lion will donate five meals, up to 24,000, to local CIAA communities.
Volunteer opportunities: Education Day, 4th Annual Shoes of Hope, Diversity & Inclusion panel, Career Expo and Minority Business & Leadership Symposium
Finding the fun … on a budget
Via CIAA Instagram
When: Thursday, 9 p.m.-1 a.m.
Where: Kate’s Skating Rink
Tickets: $15, not including the skates
Entertainment: Hosted by Old School 105.3’s Olympia D Show and music by DJ Cleve
Tournament Tip Off 1 Dollar Jam
When: Thursday, 9 p.m.
Where: Buffalo Wild Wings, 400 E. Martin Luther King Jr Blvd
Tickets: While the $1 tickets are sold out, you can still get some for only $5
Entertainment: DJ Wizard
Step show competitions
When: College-level show, Friday, 7:30. High school show, Saturday, 6:30
Where: Both are at the Charlotte Convention Center
Tickets: College ($30), High school ($15)
Entertainment: Both shows will be hosted by members of MTV’s “Wild ‘N Out”, with DC Young Fly hosting the college show and Chico Beam and Darren Brand hosting the high school show. DJ Luke Nasty, Ball Greezy and Lyrica will also be performing live at the college competition.
Juvenile 400 Degrees Tournament Party
When: Friday, 9 p.m.
Where: Empire in the Epicentre
Tickets: Early bird tickets are still available for $25
Entertainment: It’s not everyday that you get a chance to party with a rapper the level of Juvenile. Just remember to shake it fast, but watch yo’self.
Tournament Takeover featuring Ludacris
When: Saturday, 9 p.m.
Where: Whiskey River
Tickets: Early bird tickets are still available for $25
Entertainment: Whether you’re a fan of his music, his films or both, you can come and party the night away with Ludacris.
Odell Beckham Jr at White House
Via Odell Beckham Jr’s Instagram
When: Saturday, 10 p.m.
Where: White House Night Club, 4809 Wilkinson
Tickets: $20
Entertainment: Famous New York Giants wide receiver Odell Beckham Jr. will be making his CIAA debut.
When: Saturday, Noon-8 p.m.
Where: Vapiano, 201 S Tryon
Tickets: $20
Entertainment: Biz Markie will be the headlining DJ, while Carolina’s own DJ Phalse ID will also be performing
The Night Cap ft. Michael Vick
Via When: Saturday, 10 p.m.
Where: Ink N Ivy
Tickets: $30
Entertainment: DJ SNS will be performing and the party will best hosted by former NFL quarterback Michael Vick
When: Sunday, 1 p.m.
Where: Bubble in the Epicentre
Tickets: While the free tickets are gone, you can still get some for only $10
Entertainment: This party will help close out the week and feature music from the world famous Breakfast Club’s DJ Envy.
Grand Finale ft. Trina Rockstarr
Via When: Sunday, 4 p.m.
Where: Club Oynx, 5300 Old Pineville
Tickets: $30
Entertainment: Veteran rapper Trina, who’s been a mainstay in music for 20 years, will be performing
Not afraid to drop a dime
Oak Room Parties ft. Lil Wayne, Gucci Mane and Rick Ross
Via When: Friday and Saturday, 9 p.m.
Where: Oak Room
Tickets: Friday, $80. Saturday, $50
Entertainment: Lil Wayne and Gucci Mane will be the featured attendees on Friday night, while Rick Ross will be there on Saturday.
When: Friday, 10 p.m.
Where: World Nightclub at AvidXchange Music Factory
Tickets: $100
Entertainment: World famous rapper Carbi B will be there for a one night only appearance and performance
When: Friday, 9:30
Where: Cameo, 3049 Scott Futrell
Tickets: $100
Entertainment: 21 Savage, Lil’ Boosie and NBA Yongboy will all be the featured attendees.
Whiskey River Celebrity Takeover ft. Fabolous
Via When: Friday, 8:30
Where: Whiskey River in the Epicentre
Tickets: $50
Entertainment: Grammy nominated artist Fabolous, along with DJ Envy, will be in attendance
When: Saturday, 10 p.m.
Where: Cameo Night Club, 3049 Scott Futtrell
Tickets: $90
Entertainment: Rappers Plies and YFN Lucci will be in attendance. There is also a special guest that has yet to be announced.
The Main Event at World Nightclub
Via When: Saturday, 9 p.m.
Where: World Nightclub at AvidXchange Music Factory
Tickets: $62
Entertainment: World famous rappers Lil Wayne and Fabolous will be in attendance
When: Saturday, 8 p.m.
Where: Bojangles Coliseum
Tickets: $61
Entertainment: Comedian Katt Williams is back and ready with a new stand-up set
Real big spenders
Via When: Friday, 10 p.m.
Where: World Nightclub at AvidXchange Music Factory
Most expensive ticket: $6,285
What do you get: Premium seating on the stage with Cardi B. VIP entry for 15 people, five bottles and access to BMW X2 Lounge.
Juvenile 400 Degrees Tournament Party
When: Friday, 9 p.m.
Where: Empire in the Epicentre
Most expensive ticket: $1,000 for the Celebrity Status Section
What do you get: Your table will be in the same section as Juvenile and includes VIP admission, a table for 10 and bottle service from a private server.
Rooftop 210 Tournament ft. Boosie Badazz
When: Friday, 9 p.m.
Where: Rooftop 210 at the Epicentre
Most expensive ticket: $1,000
What do you get: VIP table for Bossie’s performance, including eight tickets, two bottles and mixers and a VIP hostess
Getting Off Day Party ft. Hoodrich Pablo Juan
Via When: Friday, 4 p.m.
Where: The Palace (225 N. Caldwell)
Most expensive ticket: $1,200
What do you get: VIP stage table beside Goodrich Pablo Juan, a table for 10 and two bottles of your choice of liquor or champagne
Whiskey River Celebrity Takeover ft. Fabolous
When: Friday, 8:30
Where: Whiskey River in the Epicentre
Most expensive ticket: $2,000
What do you get: VIP booth section near Fabolous and includes two bottles, eight tickets and VIP access bands.
Saturday Night at Suite ft. YFN Lucci
When: Saturday, 10 p.m.
Where: Suite at the Epicentre
Most expensive ticket: $1,200
What do you get: VIP table for 10 and two bottles of premium liquor
Tournament Takeover featuring Ludacris
Via When: Saturday, 9 p.m.
Where: Whiskey River
Most expensive ticket: $2,000
What do you get: Large booth in Ludacris’ VIP section, eight tickets, two bottles and VIP access bands
Kid Capri Master Mix Day Party
When: Saturday, 1-7 p.m.
Where: World Nightclub at Avid Xchange Music Factory
Most expensive ticket: $1,350
What do you get: VIP entrance and seating for 10 people, two bottles of liquor and a VIP host
Photos: CIAA, Odell Beckham Jr, Michael Vick, Trina, Oak Room, Fabolous, Lil Wayne, World Nightclub, The Palace, Ludacris, Charlotte Observer file
This story was originally published February 25, 2018 at 11:00 PM with the headline "From free events to spending $6,285 -- the ultimate activities guide to CIAA tournament week."