2010 CIAA Events & Parties
The CIAA Basketball Tournament will be in Charlotte, NC from February 23rd to 27th.
It is arguably the biggest single event in Charlotte every year. The 65th Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association (CIAA) Tournament returns to Charlotte, NC, Feb. 23 – 27, 2010 as one of the largest and financially successful basketball tournaments in the United States. The annual tournament showcases athletic competition in men’s and women’s basketball during five days of play culminating with the championship game.
The following events are courtesy of Jarvis Holliday, writing a compilation of CIAA events for The Charlotte Magazine.
Tuesday, February 23
CIAA African-American Heritage Segway Tour of Charlotte
Explore Charlotte’s African-American history on a Segway. Price includes museum fees and lunch. Tour will be going on all week. Presented by Charlotte NC Tours. $80. charlottenctours.com/CIAA_Tournament.html.
Women’s Basketball Tournament Begins
Women’s teams from eleven CIAA schools will battle it out as they try to advance to Saturday’s championship game. 5 p.m., 7 p.m., 9 p.m. Only tickets remaining are the upper level multi-game package, $100. Time Warner Cable Arena, 333 E. Trade St. ciaatournament.org.
Wednesday, February 24
Women’s Basketball Quarterfinals
Remaining women’s teams advance. 1 p.m. and 3 p.m. Only tickets remaining are the upper level multi-game package, $100. Time Warner Cable Arena, 333 E. Trade St. ciaatournament.org.
CIAA Ford Fan Experience
A full day of events for fans, including car displays, video gaming zones, cooking exhibitions, and live performances by slam poets (7:30 p.m.) and R&B singer Joe (9 p.m.). Wednesday is also CIAA Education Day. 4:30-10 p.m. Free. Charlotte Convention Center, 501 S. College St. ciaatournament.org.
Men’s Basketball Tournament Begins
Men’s teams from eleven CIAA schools will battle it out as they try to advance to Saturday’s championship game. 5 p.m., 7 p.m., 9 p.m. Only tickets remaining are the upper level multi-game package, $100. Time Warner Cable Arena, 333 E. Trade St. ciaatournament.org.
Iota Phi Theta CIAA Party
One of the first after-parties of the week, and an invite is extended to students and alumni from CIAA schools and Charlotte area colleges. Presented by Fourth Element Events Presents. 9:45 p.m. $10 and up. Alive, 2909 N. Davidson St.
Thursday, February 25
CIAA Ford Fan Experience/Yolanda Adams Morning Show
The syndicated radio host and singer gets the day stared early, followed a full schedule of events for fans, including car displays, video gaming zones, cooking exhibitions, and more. There will also be a career expo (10 a.m.-2 p.m.) and live performances by K’Jon (7 p.m.) and Melanie Fiona (9 p.m.). 5:30-11:00 a.m.; reopens 4:30-10 p.m. Free. Charlotte Convention Center, 501 S. College St. ciaatournament.org.
Women’s Basketball Quarterfinals
Remaining women’s teams advance. 8 a.m. and 10 a.m. Only tickets remaining are the upper level multi-game package, $100. Time Warner Cable Arena, 333 E. Trade St. ciaatournament.org.
Men’s Basketball Quarterfinals
Remaining men’s teams advance. 1 p.m., 3 p.m., 7 p.m., 9 p.m. Only tickets remaining are the upper level multi-game package, $100. Also broadcast on TV One. Time Warner Cable Arena, 333 E. Trade St. ciaatournament.org.
Pink Groove 5
The ladies of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Rho Psi Omega chapter, present this annual party, which usually reaches capacity. A portion of the proceeds will benefit the Rho Psi Omega Scholarship Fund. Music by DJ Stacey Blackman. 9 p.m. $35 in advance; $50 at the door. The Forum, 300 N. College St. rhopsiomega.org/pinkgroove5.
The Best of Both Worlds 3
The Alphas and Deltas of Charlotte present this annual party. Music by DJ Flemingo. 10 p.m. $25 in advance. Grand Central Events, 1000 Central Ave. charlottesocialscene.com.
Skyline Thursday
Enjoy a party while taking in one of the best views of Charlotte. Bar inside and on the outdoor heated patio. Presented by Exclusive Entertainment NC. 9 p.m. $10 in advance. Loft 1523, 1523 Elizabeth Ave. exclusiveentertainmentnc.com.
Friday, February 26
CIAA Ford Fan Experience/ Steve Harvey Morning Show
The syndicated radio host and comedian gets the day stared early, followed a full schedule of events for fans, including car displays, video gaming zones, cooking exhibitions, and more. There will also be live performances by Laura Izibor (7 p.m.) and Ginuwine (8 p.m.). 5:30-11 a.m.; reopens 4:30-9 p.m. Free. Charlotte Convention Center, 501 S. College St. ciaatournament.org.
Déjà Vu Day Party
Part of Digital Divas’ Welcome to Charlotte Weekend. Music by DJ Daddy D. 12-6 p.m. Cost varies. Blue Restaurant and Bar, 214 N. Tryon St. (corner of Fifth and College streets). digitaldivasevents.com.
Women’s Basketball Semifinals
Remaining women’s teams advance. 1 p.m. and 3 p.m. Visit website for available tickets. Time Warner Cable Arena, 333 E. Trade St. ciaatournament.org.
Fifth Annual VSU Meet and Greet CI Day Party
This popular day party for college alumni is hosted by radio personality Lorenzo “Ice Tea” Thomas. Presented by The Legends of Troy. 1-6 p.m. $20. The Forum, 300 N. College St. ez-tixx.com.
Men’s Basketball Semifinals
Remaining men’s teams advance. 7 p.m. and 9 p.m. Visit website for available tickets. Also broadcast on TV One. Time Warner Cable Arena, 333 E. Trade St. ciaatournament.org.
CIAA Step Show Throwdown
See Greek step teams from colleges from around the Southeast compete, as well as a step off between area high schools. Hosted by Terrence J from BET’s 106 & Park. Doors open 6 p.m.; show starts 8 p.m. $25-$35. Bojangles’ Coliseum, 2700 E. Independence Blvd. earthquakeproductions.net.
The Blues is Alright Tour
Featuring performances by Bobby Bland, Marvin Sease, Roy C, Theodis Ealey, Calvin Richardson, and Shirley Brown. 8 p.m. $41.50 and $48.50. Ovens Auditorium, 2700 East Independence Blvd. ovensauditorium.com.
Chuck Brown
The King of Go-Go returns for another year, bringing his funky music. 9 p.m. $40 in advance. Alley Cat, 314 N. College St. thesolkitchen.com.
Star Power Weekend 2010
It’s one of the weekend’s largest parties, encompassing three ballrooms. Hosted by the legendary Doug E. Fresh and music by DJs Biz Markie, Boney B, and Trauma. 9 p.m. $35 in advance. The Blake Hotel, 555 S. McDowell St. ez-tixx.com.
Eye Candy: A Red Carpet Event
9:30 p.m. $25 and up. VIP packages with bottle service available. Kiss Ultra Lounge, 204 W. Woodlawn Rd. ez-tixx.com.
CIAA Extravaganzas
This party is taking over the 25,000 square-foot ballroom. So big they’re doing it Friday and Saturday night. Music by DJ Bro Rabb (Friday) and DJ Kool (Saturday). Hosted by The A List. 9 p.m. Cost varies. The Westin, 601 S. College St. alistnextevent.com.
New York City and Friends Party
It’s a classy affair at a historic mansion. Complimentary hors d’oeuvres. Hosted by Men In Harlem. 9 p.m. $15.The Wadsworth House, 400 S. Summit Ave. meninharlem.com.
Kendra James and Friends of The Bad Girls Club
Charlotte’s own reality TV star hosts this party. 9:30 p.m. Cost varies; ladies free until 11 p.m. Alive, 2909 N. Davidson St. skycityent@gmail.com.
Stogies and Stilettos
This party draws a sophisticated and trendy crowd each year. Music by DJ DR. Presented by Digital Divas and The Grays. 10 p.m. $20 and up in advance. Zink, 201 N. Tryon St. digitaldivasevents.com.
CIAA Ladies Night Out
Hosted by former NFL player Tory Woodbury and Carlester Massey. Featuring a catered breakfast. Presented by Facebook Reunion and Charleston Affair Presents. 10 p.m. $20 in advance. Hart Witzen Gallery, 136 E. 36th St. cmassey4@yahoo.com.
Saturday, February 27
McDonald’s Super Saturday
Featuring the Miss CIAA Pageant, a cheerleading exhibition, battle of the bands, dance show by celebrity choreographer Laurie Ann Gibson, and a performance by Bow Wow. 9 a.m. Free. Time Warner Cable Arena, 333 E. Trade St. ciaatournament.org.
The Satur-DAY Party
Presented by Sol Kitchen and Dynasty 5. 12-6 p.m. Cost varies. Mez at the EpiCentre, 210 E. Trade St. thesolkitchen.com.
CIAA Red Carpet Affair – Day Party
Power 98 broadcasting live and hosted by Mr. Incognito. Presented by Heights Entertainment. 12-6 p.m. $30 in advance. Ruth’s Chris, 222 S. Tryon St. heightsent.com.
Uptown Saturday
This day party usually reaches capacity within a couple of hours. Part of Digital Divas’ Welcome to Charlotte Weekend. Music by DJ Polo. 12-6 p.m. Cost varies. Blue Restaurant and Bar, 214 N. Tryon St. (corner of Fifth and College streets). digitaldivasevents.com.
9th Wonder Presents The Breakout
The acclaimed hip-hop producer will also spend time on the turntables. 1-6 p.m. Limited number of $9 tickets. Alley Cat, 314 N. College St. 9thwonderpresents.com.
CIAA Championship Concert
Starring R&B group En Vogue. 5 p.m. Cost varies; free with CIAA ticket book. Time Warner Cable Arena, 333 E. Trade St. ciaatournament.org.
CIAA Women’s and Men’s Championships
The weeklong tournament concludes with these two games. Men’s game 6 p.m. and televised by ESPN U. Women’s game 9 p.m. and televised by ESPN Plus. Visit website for ticket prices. Time Warner Cable Arena, 333 E. Trade St. ciaatournament.org.
The Royal Comedy Tour
Featuring comedians Sommore, Don “D.C.” Curry, George Willborn, and D.L. Hughley. 8 p.m. $38.50-$48.50. Bojangles’ Coliseum, 2700 E. Independence Blvd. bojanglescoliseum.com.
Diddy Presents The Event
Hosted and including a performance by the hip-hop music mogul. VIP packages available, including a meet-and-greet with Diddy. Presented by Taylor Massey Entertainment. 9 p.m. $60 and up. Ramada Hotel, 212 W. Woodlawn Rd. ez-tixx.com.
The Reunion
A thirty-and-older crowd is preferred (but not required). Part of Digital Divas’ Welcome to Charlotte Weekend. Music by DJ Polo. 10 p.m. $15 in advance. Blue Restaurant and Bar, 214 N. Tryon St. (corner of Fifth and College streets). digitaldivasevents.com.
Casino Royale
Featuring music, a dance floor, and live casino games with professional dealers. Presented by Heights Entertainment. 10 p.m. $20 in advance; ladies free until 10:30 p.m. Ruth’s Chris, 222 S. Tryon St. heightsent.com.
CIAA Post Tournament Party
Official tournament after-party featuring the Temptations. 11 p.m. Visit website for ticket info. Charlotte Convention Center, 501 S. College St. ciaatournament.org.
Sunday, February 28
Panache – It’s Just Brunch
Enjoy good food as you say good-bye to the CIAA Tournament during this annual brunch. Presented by Digital Divas. 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Ruth’s Chris, 222 S. Tryon St. digitaldivasevents.com.
Didn’t see your event listed here? Send an email to events@nightlifenation.net to get your CIAA event listed!
