CIAA Tournament & Charlotte Economic Impact
CIAA weekend 2019 should attract at least the number of fans the highly popular event drew in 2018. More than 100,000 rabid college basketball fans packed the Spectrum Center and Bojangles Coliseum to watch the top Division II postseason tournament in the United States. What does the record attendance in 2018 mean for CIAA 2019?
It means millions of dollars in tax revenue for the “Queen City.”
Eight Figure Economic Impact
CIAA weekend 2019 is expected to exceed the $55 million in revenue the 2018 tournament generated for the city of Charlotte. The two venues hosting the postseason games bring in a substantial percentage of the revenue pie. Ticket and merchandise sales form the financial foundation for a strong boost to the local economy. The addition of a second venue has allowed tourney organizers to schedule more games in prime time, which increases attendance figures for the tournament. Hotels sell out months in advance and restaurants go on long waits from open to close. Add the revenue earned by nightclubs and street performers during CIAA weekend 2019, and you have a financial bonanza that ranks as one of Charlotte’s most lucrative events of the year.
First Rate College Basketball
Comprised of teams representing colleges and universities located in four east coast states, the CIAA college basketball tournament is universally praised as one of the best college basketball tournaments in the country. The quality of the competition has attracted the interest of ESPN, which broadcasts several tournament games, including the finals and semifinals matchups. Several CIAA tournament players have gone on to achieve success in the NBA.
High caliber play is one reason for the strong economic impact the games bring to Charlotte. The city itself is the second reason for cash registers to ring non-stop 24 hours per day during tourney week.
The Many Attributes of Charlotte
Once considered an afterthought for hosting nationally renowned events, Charlotte has emerged as a popular choice for hosting national sports events, political conventions, and industry trade shows. The vibrant entertainment district located in uptown complements the allure of internationally recognized cultural institutions. Charlotte overflows with southern hospitality, while giving visitors a glimpse into the epic Civil War battles fought nearby. By the time CIAA parties kick off during CIAA weekend 2019, the weather should be mild, with temperatures in the 60s and little or no rain.
CIAA Weekend 2019 Parties Bring in the Cash
Where do fans go before and after CIAA games? The safe answer is they enjoy one of the numerous CIAA parties thrown throughout tourney week. We are not just talking about the bashes unfolding inside bars, restaurants, and nightclubs. We are referring to the annual special events that sell out hotel ballrooms and area banquet halls. Annual CIAA parties include large class reunions and pre game pep rallies that fire up fans before the big game. Check out tourneyparties.com to view the list of CIAA parties for 2019.
Travel to Charlotte for CIAA 2019. It will be a week that brings you wonderful lifetime memories.