The annual CIAA Tournament, which this year ran from Feb. 27 to March 3, was a fantastic event for basketball fans, parents and athletes. The event was in Charlotte, NC in the Bojangles Coliseum and Spectrum Center. Everyone was excited about this fantastic event, and it delivered as usual.
Tickets were not cheap – they ranged from $30 to $100 depending on the dates and seats (center court, lower or upper level) selected. Courtside tickets were $150.00 per session for Thursday and Friday, and $250.00 for Saturday.
But you got a lot for your money. The tournament included an exhibition by cheerleaders from the 10 participating schools, which was a treat in itself.
As well as having several games that are interesting, the tournament includes celebrities from all over also come to not only watch but participate in events such as signing the national anthem, and even performing during half times. This year the performance will be done by Sevyn Streeter, a pop star who had hits such “Don’t Stop.”
This year’s entertainment also included Sunshine Anderson, Dru Hill, Tank, Rotimi and Kenny Burns.
And you don’t have enough money to go to the arenas to enjoy the tournament, the tournament is still worth attending. The event is held in downtown Charlotte, and many clubs, restaurants, bars and other various eateries hold several events during CIAA to give the many tourists something else to do other than watch the games. So there is fun for everyone.
You can run into celebrities who might be attending the tournament – and there are always a variety of well-known people who attend. The CIAA Tournament is well known for attracting rappers and other musicians and entertainers, sports stars and other celebrities. Among the celebrities at this year’s tournament were Cardi B, Bell Biv Devoe, Doug E. Fresh and Lil Wayne, and former NFL quarterback Michael Vick.
The CIAA is not only a basketball event; it is a fun and entertaining event for everyone. If you missed it this year, you should , if you are into clubs and dancing, basketball, or just good ol’ fashion college rivalries, than this is the event for you!
— Elyscia Vaughn Brown
