HAMPTON, VA (April 10, 2009) - Even in the midst of tough economic times, the Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association (CIAA) delivered another successful Tournament for the member schools, its fans and sponsors, and the city of Charlotte this past February.  This year's 64^th edition of the Tournament defied sports and entertainment industry attendance and spending trends as loyal fans continued to support the HBCU conference.

According to the Charlotte Regional Visitors Authority (CRVA), the 2009 CIAA Tournament accounted for direct spending of $25.5 million and a total economic impact of $38.2* million over the five-day Tournament period.  While the actual number of CIAA visitors was about the same as last year, median spending per person increased from $695 in 2008 to $760 in 2009, creating the increase in overall economic impact. 

"These results are remarkable and show the great strength of the CIAA fan base and the strong partnership the fans and Charlotte have developed to have such excellent results amid trying economic times," stated Tim Newman, CEO of the CRVA.

In a year where sporting event attendance is down across the board, and where other NCAA conference tournaments experienced double-digit decreases in attendance, the CIAA was able to maintain the momentum through its loyal fan base that view the Tournament week as an absolute must-attend annual event. 

"As I've said before, the CIAA fans are the best in the world and they continue to amaze me with their support for this conference," said CIAA Commissioner Leon Kerry.  "We work very hard to make sure the Tournament and affiliated activities offer something for everyone and we are constantly updating the ‘CIAA Experience' so that fans will attend year-after-year."

The Tournament also proved successful from a corporate standpoint, as sponsor support and activation programs remained as active as ever. 

"We're pleased to continue our sponsorship and support of the CIAA schools and Tournament," said Eric Watson, Vice President of Talent Acquisition and Office of Diversity & Inclusion at Food Lion LLC.  "This year, we enhanced our sponsorship by supporting additional events during the tournament.  We strongly believe in the CIAA's effort to work with its partners to provide internships and other educational opportunities for its students and alumni.  We believe this is a valuable investment in the future workforce of America and the communities we serve."

Industry consultant IEG recently recognized the conference as a model that "has long conducted an exemplary sponsorship and servicing program and continues to offer successful strategies and tactics that other properties can follow." Through such programs, and by "thinking like a sponsor," the CIAA was able to maintain all sponsor relationships and actually welcomed several new sponsors for the 2009 Tournament.

Overall attendance for official CIAA functions remained essentially flat from 2008 numbers at around 180,000** as the multitude of options continued to spread fans throughout the area.  The Tournament is also unique in its ability to bring in fans that just want to be "part of the scene" - much like the Superbowl or NBA All-Star Weekend. 

The CIAA Ford Fan Experience remained a popular attraction with CIAA patrons drawing more than 32,000 fans over the three-day period.  Highlights of the Fan Experience included the Rock the Rim Vendor Street, Steve Harvey Morning Show, the Mo'Nique Show, a concert series featuring national recording artists Robin Thicke, Anthony Hamilton and gospel recording artist Yolanda Adams, Taste of Food Lion Super Stage featuring B. Smith and G. Garvin, Funkmaster Flex Ford car display, and many more interactive activities for people of all ages.

The official CIAA Tournament Web site (http://www.ciaatournament.org/), which serves as a central hub to connect CIAA alumni and Tournament attendees, drew 141,818 unique visitors in 2009; a 37 percent increase from 103,532 in 2008. 

* Economic Impact was derived using the City of Charlotte's Tourism Impact Model (created by Elliott D. Pollack & Co.) and is a function of the number of visitors and their spending habits over the course of Tournament week.  A complete methodology and explanation are attached in Addendum A.

** Attendance figures include all official CIAA functions - men's and women's basketball games, Ford Fan Experience, McDonald's Super Saturday, High School Day, Career Expo, Women's Celebration of Soul Concert, Post Tournament Party, McDonald's Step Show & Step Show After Party, the Women's Health & Wellness Symposium, and the Women's Luncheon.

Dear CIAA Alumni & Fans,

Now that the 2009 CIAA Tournament is over we would like to hear from you about your 2009 CIAA Tournament experience.  Below is a link to the 2009 CIAA Post Tournament Survey.  Please click the link and fill out the survey.  It will take you approximately 10 - 15 minutes to complete.

For the survey click here = http://vovici.com/wsb.dll/s/6270g3bea6

For taking the time to fill out the survey, the CIAA will randomly select three winners to receive a pair of tickets to the 2010 CIAA Tournament.

The contest will close on March 31, 2009

There will be a random drawing on September 1, 2009 to determine the winners.

The survey will be emailed to alumni/fans located in our database and will also be made available on the CIAA Tournament web site: http://www.ciaatournament.org/ and http://www.theciaa.com/.

If you have friends or family who attended the Tournament please encourage them to visit the Web sites above to fill out the survey.

Thanks for your time.

CIAA For Life!

Rules:
1.      Each contestant must fill out the ENTIRE survey to eligible to win.
2.      Must be at least 18 years of age.
3.      Only ONE survey per contestant, any multiple submissions will be immediately disqualified.

Winners:
Three winners will be selected.  Each winner will receive a pair of tickets to the 2010 CIAA Tournament in Charlotte, N.C.

Omega Psi Phi (Bowie State University)            Kappa Alpha Psi (VSU)

Delta Sigma Theta (Fayetteville State Univ)       Zeta Phi Beta (JCSU)

Phi Beta Sigma (Livingstone College)              Alpha Kappa Alpha (ECSU)

Alpha Phi Alpha (Winston-Salem St. Univ)       Sigma Gamma Rho (TBA)

Iota Phi Theta (Morgan State University)

The doors open at 6:00 pm with showtime beginning at 8:00 pm.  The show will be hosted by Terrance J from BET’s 106 & Park, so get there early and enjoy the show!!

But wait… It doesn’t end there, because after the Step Show it’s the Afterparty!!  That’s right, we’re going to rock the Convention Center and party to ‘til 3 in the morning!!  So when you get your tickets for the Step Show, don’t forget to grab your tickets for the Afterparty!!  Click here for more information!!

~ Rock the Rim ‘09   
                                       


                                    

And Remember…. IT’S ALL FREE!!  That’s right, the Ford Fan Experience is your chance to see cooking shows with celebrity chefs, B. Smith and G. Garvin, concerts by National Recording Artists, The Steve Harvey Morning Show, The Mo’Nique Show, Yolanda Adams, Funk Master Flex, and the list goes on…. For FREE!!

From Thursday through Saturday, the Convention Center will be 3 days of non-stop fun for all who attend, open all day, each day.  Click here for the rundown of events.  See You There!!! 



                                                           

~Rock the Rim ‘09



       

    

     

          

~ Rock the Rim ‘09 

                                                         








                     


                                       


                                                    














 

Hilliard was recognized for his MVP 33 point, 12 rebound performance versus Morehouse College in the championship game of the 2008 Fresh Coast Classic in Milwaukee, Wisconsin November 27-28. The reigning CIAA Player of the Year has led the Vikings to a 9-1 record (their best start since 1999-2000) and currently leads the CIAA in scoring (25.7), rebounding (11.6) and steals (2.3). In NCAA Division II his scoring and rebounding average rank 3^rd and 9^th overall.

An electronic version of the feature can be found online at the following link; https://webmail.ecsu.edu/exchweb/bin/redir.asp?URL=http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/scorecard/faces/2008/12/29/. 

For more information on ECSU Athletics, visit http://www.ecsuvikings.com/.

"We are excited about the connection of these two brands, which are committed to educational excellence and which build future leaders," said John Aman, associate vice president of Strategic Partnerships for Nationwide. "Our relationship with the CIAA is another demonstration of our support to local communities and an opportunity to engage with several historically black colleges and universities," Aman says. 

Under the terms of the agreement, Nationwide will receive exclusive branding opportunities including signage, and on-field/on-court promotions. In addition, Nationwide will support the CIAA Scholarship Fund each year for the multi-year agreement, participate in the CIAA Tournament Fan Experience, and hold on-site job fairs on all CIAA school campuses to focus on career opportunities at Nationwide.

"The CIAA is excited to welcome Nationwide to this greater level of partnership and the creation of recruitment opportunities for students of our member institutions," said CIAA Commissioner Leon G. Kerry. "Relationships like this are important to the continued growth of the conference while supporting the academic missions of our member institutions," Kerry says.

The sponsorship also includes advertising in all CIAA televised events, inclusive of the Men's Basketball Tournament on ESPN Classic.

Competition, celebrations, celebrities, entertainment, exhibitions-for the more than 160,000 attendees-the CIAA is non-stop excitement on a world-class level.

"We believe our sponsorship is a way to connect with the long-standing history and heritage that others have seen in the 96 year existence of the CIAA," says Aman.

About the CIAA
The CIAA was founded in 1912 and is based in Hampton, Virginia. The CIAA is one of America's oldest conferences and is made up of colleges and universities situated along the Eastern Seaboard. The 2008 CIAA Tournament had a $31 million economic impact in Charlotte, North Carolina and helped the CIAA raise over $2 million in scholarship dollars for its member institutions.

About Nationwide

Nationwide, based in Columbus, Ohio, is one of the largest diversified insurance and financial services organizations in the world, with more than $161 billion in assets. Nationwide ranks #108 on the Fortune 500 list. The company provides a full range of insurance and financial services, including auto insurance, motorcycle insurance, boat insurance, homeowners insurance, life, farm, commercial insurance, administrative services, annuities, mortgages, mutual funds, pensions, long-term savings plans and health and productivity services. For more information, visit www.nationwide.com. 

Nationwide, Nationwide Insurance, the Nationwide framemark and On Your Side are federally registered service marks of Nationwide Mutual Insurance Company.  © 2008 Nationwide Mutual Insurance Company.

The CIAA Mobile Marketing Tour was, again, on the scene as the football season comes to an end, prompting the beginning of basketball season… which means countdown to the CIAA basketball Tournament officially begins!!  It’s not that far away ladies and gentlemen!!  Can you feel it?? Are you ready to Rock the Rim??!!

Rock The Rim ‘09

Rock the Rim ‘09!!

Rock the Rim ‘09

Chowan, a Christian educational institution founded in Northeastern North Carolina in 1848 by Baptist families and named to honor the Native American Algonquin Chowanook tribe, proved to be a perfect match for the CIAA in terms of historical foundation, geography, educational synergies, and commitment to its student athletes. Chowan initially joined the conference to participate in football only for the 2008 Football season.

“Today I am very proud of our Board of Directors for taking such a visionary approach to the expansion of this great conference,” stated CIAA Commissioner Leon Kerry.  “From a competitive stand point, Chowan offers a natural rivalry for our existing institutions.”

About Chowan University

Chowan University is a four-year coeducational institution committed to excellence in teaching, learning, and service. The University provides the environment for students to become learners who possess the skills, knowledge, creativity, and ethical values necessary to survive and flourish in a rapidly changing, culturally diverse, global society.  For more information about Chowan University, visit www.chowan.edu.

At the Film Festival, people enjoyed the works of talented individuals in the film industry.  Kel Mitchell was there as well, as those in attendance previewed his extremely funny movie, “See Dick Run.”  It was hilarious, and it is a recommended film.

The CIAA also attended the Aggie-Eagle Classic as North Carolina Central University held on in a thriller to defeat North Carolina A&T 28-27.

Many people at each event were excited looking forward to the last week of February, as the CIAA Tournament will be coming to town, not to mention that many walked away with some free CIAA premium Items.  If you missed it, don’t worry, there’s plenty more stops on the CIAA Mobile Marketing Tour, so check the dates and find out when we’ll be at an event near you.

The Charlotte Reel Soul Film Festival is a three day event, held at Spirit Square, in Charlotte, NC, where talented filmmakers of color present some of their films, as well as professional panels, workshops, and discussions for those inspiring to become established in film production.  For more information go to http://www.reelsoulfilmfest.com.

The Aggie-Eagle Classic will be played at Memorial Stadium in Charlotte, where North Carolina Central University Eagles will take on North Carolina A&T Aggies in one of the most historical rivalry games in HBCU sports.  Get your tickets now, this game will sell out!!

The CIAA will be at each event, and hope to see you there.  Come check out the CIAA Truck, get your free CIAA items, and get all the latest info on the CIAA Tournament!!

Hope to see you there!!

"The CIAA realizes these are tough economic times," said Leon Kerry, CIAA Commissioner. "Any relief that we can provide to CIAA fan's and alumni's purse strings during Tournament Week will help them focus on the fun and festivities of the event. We appreciate what Tim Newman and the CRVA have done."

The CIAA Tournament has enjoyed unprecedented success since conference officials moved the event to Charlotte in 2006. After registering an economic impact of just over $15 million in 2006, the 2008 Tournament drew a record breaking $30.7 million economic impact to the Queen City. 

"In hopes to be able to attract even more CIAA fans to the market, these additional hotel options offer an economical option for tournament attendees," added Tim Newman, CRVA CEO.

The CIAA recently inked a three-year deal with Charlotte to host the Tournament until the year 2011. 

"Our goal at the CIAA is continue to grow the Tournament and we do not want anything deterring our fans from coming to Charlotte in February and having the time of our lives," says Commissioner Kerry.

Yea…. The CIAA may be the stage for the next big star to explode on the scene and you don’t wanna miss that!!

The CIAA will be there in full force for this 3-day event, along with the CIAA Truck, CIAA items, which will be given away for free, and all the latest info on the 2009 CIAA Basketball tournament.

So the CIAA and I hope to see you in Atlanta, September 17-20^th.

Check out www.atlantismusic.com for all your information on the Atlantis Music Conference & Festival.  See you there!!

If you couldn't make it out this past Saturday, check the dates to see when the tour is stopping through your city!!

Don't miss out!!

And speaking of "free," while you're there, make sure you come check us out at the CIAA table and get your free CIAA premium items, check out the CIAA truck, plus get all the latest information on the CIAA Tournament.

The Sunset Jazz festival will take place this Saturday, September 13^th, from 2:30pm to 9:30pm, located at Symphony Park at SouthPark Mall (4400 Sharon Road, Charlotte, NC 28211).  Go to http://www.cadillacsunsetjazzfestival.com/ for more information on the Sunset Jazz Festival.

So come on out, get your CIAA items and info, enjoy yourselves, and have a good time.  See you there!!

The CIAA would like to thank Dirty South Customs out of Charlotte for outfitting both CIAA Mobile Marketing vehicles with customized rims, tires, tint, DVD player, TVs and sound system. Dirty South Customs has store locations in both Charlotte and Fayetteville, NC. Visit them at, www.dirtysouthwheels.com.

Also the CIAA would like the thank Color Graphics out of Raleigh, NC for wrapping both CIAA Mobile Marketing Vehicles. Color Graphics is located on Capital Blvd. Visit them at, www.colorgraphic.com.

Below are the tour stops for the 2008-2009 CIAA Mobile Marketing Tour presented by Carolina Ford Dealers.

September

6          -           Battle of I-40 Classic                             Greensboro, NC

12-13   -           Sunset Jazz Festival                              Charlotte, NC

13        -           Fish Bowl Parade                                   Norfolk, VA

17-20   -           Atlantis Music Conference & Festival        Atlanta, GA

24-27   -           Congressional Black Caucus                   Washington, DC

27        -           Down East Viking Football Classic            Rocky Mount, NC

October

2          -           1^st Thursday Skate Ranch                      Raleigh, NC

2-4       -           Charlotte Reel Soul Film Festival            Charlotte, NC

4          -           Aggie-Eagle Classic                              Charlotte, NC

4          -           5^th Annual Prince George's Classic          Bowie, MD

11        -           NC A&T Homecoming                            Greensboro, NC

11        -           Bowie State Homecoming & Parade        Bowie, MD

18        -           FSU Homecoming & Parade                   Fayetteville, NC

18        -           Gold Bowl Classic                                 Richmond, VA

25        -           VSU Homecoming                                Petersburg, VA

25        -           WSSU Homecoming & Parade               Winston Salem, NC

November

1          -           NCCU Homecoming & Parade               Durham, NC

8          -           CIAA Football Championship                Durham, NC

8          -           CIAA High School Step Show                Durham, NC

22        -           WSSU vs. Norfolk State                       Winston Salem, NC

December

5          -           1^st Friday's Charlotte                          Charlotte, NC

January

*CIAA School Tour- 10 CIAA Institutions                       NC-MD

*Charlotte MLK Parade                                               Charlotte, NC

1          -           1^st Thursday Skate Ranch                   Raleigh, NC

2          -           1^st Friday's Charlotte                          Charlotte, NC

31        -           Honda Battle of the Bands                  Atlanta, GA

February

5          -           1^st Thursday Skate Ranch                   Raleigh, NC

6          -           1^st Friday's Charlotte                          Charlotte, NC

Come out and support the CIAA, as we prepare for the 2009 CIAA Tournament, February 24- February 28, held at the Time Warner Cable Arena in Uptown Charlotte.

See you soon!

*Date(s) TBD

Economic Impact, Tournament Attendance and Official Events

Experience Record-Breaking Growth

HAMPTON, VA (April 1, 2008) - The 2008 CIAA Tournament, held in Uptown February 25 - March 1, marked another conference and City of Charlotte success. CIAA fans flocked to the Queen City for the six-day Tournament in vast numbers and made the city home while they filled arena stands, uptown restaurants, the Fan Experience and hotels throughout the week.  This year's Tournament offered several new official events as well as an abundance of individually promoted activities that continue to elevate the CIAA as one of America's great sporting and entertainment events in terms of fan experience(s), social networking and economic success.

According to Charlotte Regional Visitors Authority research, the 2008 CIAA Tournament accounted for direct spending of over $20.5 million and a total economic impact of $30.7 million over the one-week period, up nearly 14 percent from 2007 Tournament figures.  In addition to sold-out attendance at traditional CIAA functions, city organizers, hoteliers and local food and beverage businesses recognized the benefits of the CIAA and its loyal fans.  Many party promoters and restaurants reported double-digit growth during this year's Tournament week and they are already planning for bigger things in 2009. 

"The CIAA fans are the best in the world," stated CIAA Commissioner, Leon Kerry. "They support the CIAA Tournament and all the activities associated with this incredible event.  We work hard year-round with the City of Charlotte to produce a first-class event.  It's very satisfying to see what this week means to Charlotte, CIAA fans, our member institutions and the Historically Black College world.  I'm thrilled about our continued partnership with the City of Charlotte, the success that the CIAA Tournament produces, and to see the number of entities that are positively influenced by the Tournament's success." 

Ticket sales, sponsor revenues and media and rights fees for all CIAA-sponsored events, combined with the host city financial commitments, offset the CIAA operating costs and ultimately provide contributions to the CIAA scholarship fund and its 10 institutions.  The conference is expected to contribute nearly $2.0 million to the CIAA scholarship fund.

Overall attendance for the 2008 CIAA Tournament and its official events topped 181,000 - up over 10 percent from 2007.  Attendance figures include all official CIAA functions - men's and women's basketball games, Ford Fan Experience, McDonald's Super Saturday, High School Day, Career Expo, Ebony Fashion Show, NASA Awareness, JMI Telecom/CIAA Golf Tournament, Old School After Party, Post Tournament After Party, McDonald's Step Show & Step Show After Party, Black Magic Film Premier, Gold Peak CIAA Women's Luncheon and CIAA Gospel Explosion.
  

The CIAA Ford Fan Experience was wildly popular with CIAA patrons attracting over 35,000 fans over the three-day period.  Attendance was up 30 percent from 2007, with Saturday alone drawing over 22,000 fans.  Highlights of the Fan Experience included the Steve Harvey Morning Show, a concert series featuring national recording artists Bow Wow, Lyfe Jennings, Tiffany Evans, Rick Ross, Fabolous and Chingy from both Def Jam and Sony Records, Bank of America's Biz Street, Food Lion's Cooking Stage, Ford's car display, the Marine Chin-Up Challenge and many more interactive activities for people of all ages.

One new addition to this year's Tournament that helped spur spending in Uptown Charlotte was the opening of the LYNX Blue Line.  During the week of the CIAA Tournament, there were over 80,000 riders with Friday and Saturday ridership of over 52,000 people.  "Those two days were our single busiest revenue days yet," says Olaf Kinard, marketing divisional manager, Charlotte Area Transit Authority.

Economic impact numbers were compiled by the market research department of the Charlotte Regional Visitor's Authority (CRVA) and are a function of the number of visitors and their spending habits over the course of Tournament week.

For more information about the CIAA conference or the 2009 Tournament to be held February 23 - 28 in Charlotte, please visit http://www.ciaatournament.org/.

The Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association (CIAA) was founded in 1912 and is based in Hampton, Virginia.  The CIAA is America's oldest historically black college and university conference and is made up of 10 HBCUs situated along the Eastern Seaboard.  For more information about the CIAA Basketball Tournament, visit www.ciaatournament.org.

# # #

Below are the dates for those tournaments.

2009 February 23-28

2010 February 22-27 

2011 February 28-March 5

Save the Date!

Charlotte, NC (February 25, 2008) - Thousands of fans are making plans to attend the Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association (CIAA) Basketball Tournament in the Queen City and the Charlotte Area Transit System (CATS) will be ready to make sure visitors and commuters can get around safetly and efficiently.

The CIAA Shuttle will connect fans to all the activities at the Charlotte Convention Center and the Afro-American Cultural Center.  The shuttle will operate via College Street to Seventh Street, over to McDowell Street, and up Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard from 9:00 a.m. until 6:30 p.m. during the tournament.  CATS is also extending the hours of the Orange and Red Gold Rush Circulator Service, which operates in Center City, until midnight during the week of February 25-March 1.

The addition of the LYNX Blue line this year gives CIAA fans another way to travel around Charlotte during their visit.  "Visitors can come here, park their cars and not have to drive at all while they are in town for the tourney," said Keith Parker, CATS Chief Executive Officer.  "We have worked with area hotels to provide maps on how to get around Charlotte using CATS.  Some concierges at hotels will also be able to sell roundtrip, day and weekly passes to fans in advance."

CATS customer service will add a ticket-selling location inside the Charlotte Bobcats Arena throughout the tournament as well as pass sale agents at the I-485 Station and the Charlotte Transportation Center.  Ambassadors will be in place at key LYNX stations during the tournament to assist customers riding rapid transit for the first time.

To learn more about CATS and its services, call 704-336-RIDE or visit us online at http://www.ridetransit.org/.

With 63,000 daily commuters, expanded services, improved bus shelters, new transit centers and services for people with disabilities, investments in transit is attracting more and more people to ride CATS. These are just a few of the ways the half-cent sales tax keeps the whole Charlotte region moving forward.  For more information on CATS visit ridetransit.org.

Fans will enjoy the CIAA Cheerleading Exposition, the Miss CIAA contest sponsored by Food Lion, CIAA Battle of the Bands, CIAA Step Off, the McDonald's Soulabration Line & Team Acrodunk presented by McDonald's, Navy Slam Dunk Contest and much more.

The highlight of the day is bound to be the CIAA/2xSalt Battle of the Best game between perennial prep powerhouses Oak Hill Academy and Montrose Christian. The game will be a curtain call for the nation's top high school talent, Brandon Jennings, as it's the last game of his high school career. Check out the day's full schedule below:

8:30 a.m. - Doors open

9:00 a.m.  -McDonald's Soulabration Line

9:30 a.m.  -Cheerleading Exhibition

10:30 a.m. -Team Acrodunk presented by McDonald's

10:45 a.m.  -Step Off

11:00 a.m.  -Battle of the Bands

11:45 a.m.  -Motivational Speaker Matt Murphy

12:00 noon  -Samaritan's Feet Shoot for Shoes with Muggsy Bogues

12:30 p.m.  -Battle of the Best

Halftime of Battle of the Best - 30 minutes

• Miss CIAA Coronation
• Navy Slam Dunk Contest

The McDonald's Super Saturday is free to the public and provides another viable venue to promote the rich history of the CIAA. 

Don't miss out on any of the FREE action. We'll see you there.

Just incase you have not noticed, the CIAA website has a new feature this year, the CIAA Store.

Now you can shop and show up to the Tournament dressed in this year's CIAA Tournament merchandise. Many of the items in the CIAA Store are only sold ONLINE! Most of what you see on the store's webpage will not be sold at the tournament and supplies are limited. Once it's gone, it's gone!

So don't miss out on the chance to grab yourself some official CIAA apparel featuring the hot new Solabration logo.

Just go to the CIAA Tournament homepage and click the CIAA Store button.

Thursday, February 28 12:30 - 6:30 p.m.

ONLY 100 TICKETS REMAINING!!!

The CIAA is excited about a very special event happening this year in McGlohon Theatre at Spirit Square, Uptown. A special viewing of the Black Magic, a documentary directed by award-winning filmmaker Dan Klores and in collaboration with ESPN Original Entertainment and Shoot the Moon Productions is being held between 12:30 - 6:30 p.m. Thursday, February 28. 

The film is a story of the injustice that defines the Civil Rights Movement told through the lives of basketball players and coaches who attended Historical Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs). The presentation at McGlohon will be the first public viewing of the full-length documentary that will air on ESPN March 16 and 17.

Klores and the stars of the film like Earl Monroe and Ben Jobe will be in attendance as will a special guest of Commissioner Kerry, Floyd Mayweather, Jr. The four-hour film with be split by a thirty-minute intermission and followed by a reception where a commissioned piece of art honoring legends of the CIAA, done by Grant Haze, will be unveiled and photographers will be present to capture this historic event.

Date:

Thursday, February 28, 2008

Location: 

McGlohon Theatre, Spirit Square

345 N. College Street

Charlotte, NC 28202

Time:

Doors open at 12:00 noon

Film Starts at 1:00 p.m.

Tickets:

This annual showcase will take place at the Georgia Dome in Atlanta on Saturday, January 26.  Doors Open at 1:30 p.m.

Come support your CIAA school at this blazing event.  Also check out the CIAA street team as they distribute the latest information on the CIAA Tournament.

See you there!

Come "Soulabrate" the CIAA with hot music, contests and an experience that can only be found in the CIAA.

Check to see when we will be at your school.

Fayetteville State - 1/17/08 - 12:00 p.m. - 2:00 p.m. - Fayetteville, NC

St Aug - 1/22/08 - 11:00 a.m. - 1:30 p.m. - Raleigh, NC

Shaw - 1/23/08 - 11:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m. - Raleigh, NC

JCSU - 1/24/08 - 12:00 p.m. - 2:00 p.m. - Charlotte, NC

Livingstone - 1/24/08 - 4:30 p.m. - 6:30 p.m. - Salisbury, NC

ECSU - 1/28/08 - 11:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m. - Elizabeth City, NC

Bowie State - 1/29/08 - 11:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m. - Bowie, MD

VUU - 1/30/08 - 11:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m. - Richmond, VA

VSU - 1/30/08 - 4:30 p.m. - 6:30 p.m. - Petersburg, VA

Saint Paul's - 1/31/08 - 11:30 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. - Lawrenceville, VA

Hope to see you there!

Reception starts at 7:00 p.m. Film starts at 8:00 p.m. 

Admission is $15 or 2 or $25.  Portion of the proceeds go to the charitable programs of the Delta's of Charlotte.  Get tickets at the door or call the box office 704-372-1000 or 704-453-9350.

Come enjoy award-winning short films by incredibly talented African-American female filmmakers.

The CIAA will be providing information about the upcoming 2008 Tournament taking place in Charlotte Feb 25 - March 1.  We will also have CIAA branded premium items only available on the CIAA Mobile Marketing Tour.  These items include 2008 CIAA branded T-shirts, note pads, hand sanitizer, hats and much more.  Don't miss out of this incredible tournament.

This will be the third year that the CIAA has been a part of this parade.  We look forward to many more future parades.

Come check out the CIAA Mobile Marketing Truck wrapped by Color Graphics out of Raleigh and accessorized by Dirty South Customs in Charlotte off of Wilkerson Blvd.

See you there!

Doors will open at 5:45 p.m.

Show starts at 7:00 p.m.

Come and enjoy some of the hottest high school step teams from all across the Carolinas.  You will even get a chance to check out some of the baddest middle school step teams as well.

This Event Will Sell Out!

The CIAA will be there giving out information about the 2008 CIAA Tournament taking place in Charlotte February 25 - March 1.

The Shaw Bears and the Virginia Union Panthers battled it out in Charlotte this past weekend at Memorial Stadium.  This grid-iron battle stretched into double overtime where the Bears clinched a 31 - 24 victory over the Panthers.

We want to congratulate both teams for making it to the Championship Game.

Go SU!

Make sure to check out the Taste of Food Lion trailer, as well as, the BCFX (Black College Football Xperience) video game tour bus.  The CIAA Mobile Marketing Tour will be handing out goodie bags filled with limited edition premium items promoting the 2008 CIAA Tournament.

Hope to see you there!

Make sure you come out and support JCSU and the CIAA.  The CIAA Mobile Marketing Truck will be a part of the JCSU Homecoming parade and then off to the stadium for some good food and great football.  We will have the latest information on the 2008 CIAA Tournament schedule of events and some CIAA goodies for fans.

This homecoming is going to be packed with alumni, students and the CIAA.

Don't miss a second of it.

This will be the last homecoming game of the season before the 2007 CIAA Football Championship Game on November 10 at Memorial Stadium in Charlotte.  Game starts at 1 pm.

Enjoy!

Oak Hill Academy to Battle Montrose Christian in Super Saturday "Battle of the Best"

HAMPTON, VA(Oct.16, 2007) The Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association (CIAA) and 2xsalt Inc.,  a non-profit organization serving Charlotte's youth, are excited to announce the addition of  the "Battle Of The Best," a high school basketball game between nationally ranked Oak Hill Academy and Montrose Christian.  The game will be played on Super Saturday, CIAA's free fan fest on Saturday, March 1^st at the Charlotte Bobcats Arena. 

"Super Saturday is an event we host for the Charlotte Community and allows everyone to experience the CIAA," said Commissioner Leon G. Kerry.  "Adding the Oak Hill and Montrose game makes Super Saturday a must attend event and gives our fans a front row seat to the best high school basketball action in the country."

The CIAA has partnered with Charlotte based 2xsalt to help produce this event. 2xsalt works with Charlotte youth to promote strength in sports and academics.  The organization was founded by former NBA stars Bart Kofoed, David Thompson and Bobby Jones. 

"Bringing this game to the Bobcats Arena is thrilling for the youth in the Charlotte and surrounding areas," said Bart Kofoed, Founder and President of 2xsalt.  "This is a phenomenal event for the community and athletes." 

The CIAA looks forward to a continuous partnership with 2xsalt.  "This is the first year of a new CIAA tradition," said Kerry.

National basketball powerhouse Oak Hill Academy is located in Mouth of Wilson, VA and is ranked #1 in the USAToday, SI.com and Prep Nation preseason polls. Former players include Carmelo Anthony (Denver Nuggets), Jerry Stackhouse (Dallas Mavericks), Jeff McInnis (Charlotte Bobcats).  Oak Hill Academy is coached by Steve Smith. 

Montrose Christian is located in Rockville, MD and has finished as one of the top 5 teams in the nation.  Previous players include Kevin Durant (Seattle Sonics), Damien Wilkins (Seattle Supersonics) and George Lynch (NO/OKC Hornets). Montrose Christian is coached by Stu Vetter.

The Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association (CIAA) was founded in 1912 and is based in Hampton, Virginia.  The CIAA is America's oldest historically black college and university conference and is made up of 10 HBCUs situated along the Eastern Seaboard.  For more information about the CIAA Basketball Tournament, visit http://www.ciaatournament.org/.

The CIAA mobile marketing tour will be traveling up to Washington, DC for Howard's Homecoming taking place on Saturday, October 20. 

Make sure you come out.  We will have the latest information on the 2008 CIAA Tournament schedule of events.

This homecoming is going to be packed with celebrities, alumni, students and the CIAA.

Don't miss a second of it.

CIAA Super Saturday is a free event that gives the CIAA fans the opportunity to enjoy a little bit of what it means to be a part of the CIAA.  This event includes:  CIAA Cheerleading Exhibition, Battle of the Bands, Ford Lion Miss CIAA Pageant, CIAA Step Show, 3-point/Slam dunk competitions and the newly added Battle of the Best - Oak Hill Academy vs. Montrose Christian.

Don't miss out on this historic event.

Join us this weekend as we participate in NCCU's homecoming parade taking place on Fayetteville Street in Durham, NC.  The parade begins at 10 a.m.  Also, Shaw University's first official homecoming game at the Durham We will be setting of the CIAA mobile marketing vehicle along with tournament premium items and information about tournament activities.  Don't miss out on your chance to get the most up-to-date information on the 2008 CIAA Tournament.

Also, join the mobile marketing tour on Monday, October 15 at Exploris Musemum in downtown Raleigh for the L.I.F.E Expo (Life Improvements for Everyone).  This event includes exhibits, career, college financial and health related workshops and screenings, offers the community an entire day filled with information and resources focusing on your overall well-being.  The L.I.F.E Expo will take place from 11 a.m. - 5 p.m.  So come join the CIAA and improve your L.I.F.E.

Until next time!

The CIAA is announcing an unprecedented new event for Super Saturday in Charlotte tomorrow after the basketball round-up. This event is expected to draw a record crowd and NATIONAL recognition. Make sure you make plans to be at the Charlotte Bobcats Arena on Mar. 1^st to see it for yourself! Check back Friday morning to learn about this amazing new event during Super Saturday!

See ya!

This week we start off homecoming month at Shaw's Greek Homecoming Party on October 5^th on the campus of Shaw University.  Come party with the CIAA and your favorite Greek Fraternities & Sororities. 

On October 6^th, the CIAA will be showing their support at the American Diabetes Association walk.  The CIAA will be donating free premium items, as well as, setting up the CIAA Mobile Marketing Truck with free giveaways in their support on the fight against diabetes. 

Later that evening you can catch the CIAA at Southern High School's Homecoming Step Show featuring some of the hottest high school step teams in North Carolina.

Check us out Monday to see where we are headed next week!

Come join us to receive information about this year's tournament, win limited edition 2008 CIAA premium items, and enter our contest for your chance to win two ticket books to the 2008 CIAA Tournament.

See you there!

Join the CIAA as we relax and relate at the Sunset Jazz Festival in Charlotte on September 21 - 22. Enjoy some of the top jazz artists in the Nation while lounging with your friends and family in the park.

The CIAA will be giving out new tournament premium items, only available on the Mobile Marketing Tour, and the latest information about the 2008 CIAA Tournament returning to Charlotte on February 25 - March 1.

Come relax with the CIAA!

HEADS TO CHARLOTTE; THE CONFERENCE'S

PREMIER FOOTBALL EVENT RETURNS AFTER 25 YEARS

Hampton, VA - The 2007 CIAA Football Championship Game will be played in Charlotte on Saturday, November 10. This will mark the first time the event has been played in the Queen City since 1982. The Championship Game kicks off at 1:00 p.m. at American Legion Memorial Stadium.

"We look forward to our premier football event moving to Charlotte. Without question, the 2007 season is poised to be one of the best ever," Commissioner Leon Kerry said. "The Championship Game has been great for our fans who have watched the game all over the country, whether at the stadium or on television."

Several All-America candidates return for the 2007 campaign including electrifying QB Lamar Little of Virginia Union (2388 all-purpose yards, 34 touchdowns), QB Curtis Rich of Eastern Division Champ Elizabeth City State (1854 pass yards, 21 touchdowns), and 2005 All-CIAA QB Jay Autry of Fayetteville State (3163 career pass yards).

The 2006 Season was arguably the most exciting in CIAA History. Both 2007 Championship Game Teams were invited to the NCAA Playoffs. It was the first time since 1991 that the conference had two teams in the playoffs.

Last year, in front of a record crowd of nearly 13,000, North Carolina Central (which reclassified to Division I) kicked a last second field goal to defeat Elizabeth City State in a 17-14 thriller. The last three Championship Games including both the 2004 (Shaw 10, Fayetteville State 7) and 2005 Games (NCCU 26, Bowie State 23) have been decided by three points.

"I'm excited that the CIAA Championship Game is coming to Charlotte," said Harry Jones, Mecklenburg County Manager. "Speaking for the citizens of Mecklenburg County, it will be a pleasure hosting the CIAA Championship. We have proven that we are outstanding hosts, and look forward to laying out the red carpet for CIAA fans on November 10."

Since the Eastern-Western Divisional Format was put in place in 2000, CIAA regular season attendance has continued to grow. Simultaneously, the Championship Game (revived in 2000) has grown into one of football's most anticipated events.

Exciting events are planned including Food Lion's "Taste of Food Lion" Tour at the Championship Game as well as other exciting events planned for all CIAA Fans in attendance.

"We have an exciting game planned with plenty to do for the entire family," said Championship Game Director Jeffrey McLeod. "All Football Fans should come out and enjoy one of the most exciting games of the season, the halftime battle of the bands, and all of the great events which we have been planned."

Economic Impact Higher than Expected; Charlotte Events Experience Record-breaking Attendance

HAMPTON, VA (April 2, 2007) --- The 2007 CIAA Tournament, held in Uptown Charlotte Feb. 26 - March 3, was another successful tournament week for the conference and the City of Charlotte. CIAA fans returned to the Queen City in vast numbers and filled arena stands, uptown restaurants, fan experiences and hotel lobbies throughout the week. Buoyed by the addition of several new events, as well as an abundance of individually promoted activities, this year's CIAA rivaled America's great sporting events in terms of fan experiences, social networking and economic success.

According to Charlotte Regional Visitor's Authority research, the Tournament accounted for direct spending of over $18 million and a total economic impact of $27.7 million dollars over the one-week period, up nearly 80 percent from the 2006 Tournament figures. In addition to sold-out attendance at traditional CIAA functions, city organizers, hoteliers and local food and beverage businesses recognized the benefits of the CIAA and its throng of fans. Many party promoters and restaurants reported that their business "more than doubled" from last year's tournament week and are already planning for bigger things in 2008. These numbers were compiled by the market research department of the Charlotte Regional Visitors Authority (CRVA) and are a function of the number of visitors and their spending habits over the course of tournament week.

"After a successful first year in Charlotte for the CIAA in 2006, both the CIAA and the Charlotte region held high hopes for 2007. These numbers are even better than we expected and bear testimony to the great match that the CIAA and Charlotte have become," said Tim Newman, CEO of Charlotte Regional Visitors Authority. "We look forward to the opportunity to build on this success in 2008 and thank the CIAA and its great fans for making 2007 the best CIAA tournament ever."

The second edition of the CIAA Ford Fan Experience was wildly popular with CIAA patrons attracting more than 30,000 fans over the three-day period. Highlights of the Fan Experience included the Steve Harvey Morning Show, a concert series featuring national recording artists Mario, Sunshine Anderson and Trey Songz, Bank of America's Biz Street, Food Lion's Cooking Stage, Ford's FunkMaster Flex display, the Marine Chin-Up Challenge and many more interactive activities for people of all ages.

Basketball tournament action at the Bobcats Arena was as hot as ever with over 115,000 fans watching the games and attending the annual CIAA McDonald's Super Saturday activities which included a CIAA Cheerleading Exhibition, an exhibition from the Step Show winners, a Miss CIAA Pageant, the CIAA Streetball Classic and the world-famous Battle of the Bands display.

Traditional CIAA events such as Ebony's Fashion Show, the league-sponsored Step Show, CIAA's Showtime at the Apollo featuring Boyz II Men, the Conference's After Party featuring the Spinners, High School Day, Career Day and NASA Awareness Days also enjoyed record turnouts with close to 20,000 people attending these events .

Overall attendance at official CIAA events topped 165,000 people in 2007 - up from about 155,000 for last year's event.

"This year's Tournament - and all the activities associated with this tournament - was an incredible event," explained Leon Kerry, CIAA Commissioner. "I continue to be amazed by the passion of the CIAA fans and am proud of what this tournament means to our member institutions and the Historically Black College world. We work hard to put on first-class events and it's very satisfying to see what this week means to so many people."

Ticket sales, sponsor revenues and media and rights fees for all CIAA-sponsored events, combined with the host city financial commitments, offset the CIAA operating costs and ultimately provided contribution to the CIAA scholarship fund and its eleven institutions. The conference is expected to contribute $1.9 million to the CIAA scholarship fund - a record amount of money for the eighth straight year.

For more information about the CIAA conference or the 2008 Tournament to be held February 25 - March 1, 2008 in Charlotte, please visit www.ciaatournament.org.