This week the 2018 Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association (CIAA) Men’s and Women’s Basketball Tournament and festivities return to the Queen City.
The CIAA tournament is expected to draw over 150,000 people from around the country to our city, and will have an estimated $55 million economic impact for Charlotte.
Although the tournament officially started this past Tuesday, the real action is coming up this weekend.
Friday and Saturday will feature the semifinal and final games for both men’s and women’s basketball teams from the 12 CIAA participating colleges.
Here is the schedule for the games;
Thursday, March 1st, 2018
SPECTRUM CENTER
Women’s Tournament | Quarterfinals | Session C
Quarterfinal 3 | 1:00 p.m.
Quarterfinal 4 | 3:00 p.m.
Men’s Tournament | Quarterfinals | Session D
Quarterfinal 3 | 7:00 p.m.
Quarterfinal 4 | 9:00 p.m.
Friday, March 2nd, 2018
SPECTRUM CENTER
Women’s Tournament | Semifinals | Session E
Semifinal 1 | 1:00 p.m.
Semifinal 2 | 3:00 p.m.
Men’s Tournament | Semifinals | Session F
Semifinal 1 | 7:00 p.m.
Semifinal 2 | 9:00 p.m.
Saturday, March 3rd, 2018
SPECTRUM CENTER
Women’s Championship Game | Session G
1:00 p.m.
Men’s Championship Game | Session G
7:00 p.m.
In addition to the games, there will also be non-stop concerts, shows, and parties throughout the weekend for the whole family including:
CIAA DJ Kool’s Old School Skate Party – Thursday at 9pm
Thursday, February 23, 2017 | 9:00 p.m. – 2:00 a.m.
Kate’s Skating Rink | 14500 Independence Blvd | Indian Trail, NC 28079
Must be 21 to enter | PURCHASE TICKETS HERE
CIAA Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony – Friday at 9am
The 2018 John B. McLendon CIAA Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony will take place on Friday, February 24 at 9:00 a.m. in the Charlotte Convention Center – Hall C & D beginning at 9:00 a.m. The CIAA will induct 7 fantastic honorees in the year’s Hall of Fame class.
CIAA Big Day Party – Friday at 2pm
On Friday afternoon, from 1-5pm, the CIAA will be hosting a massive daytime party at the Charlotte Convention Center featuring DJ Kool, DJ SYD, DJ ’06, DJ Rham, and DJ Skillz – for more info or tickets click here.
CIAA Toyota Fan Fest – Friday and Saturday 12-8pm
This year’s Toyota fan fest is free to the public and will include the Toyota Green Initiative booth, Food Lion Fresh Flavor Stage, House-Autry Prize wheel, US Army skills challenge, Lowe’s Family Reunion Booth, US Marine Chin-up challenge, Novant Health Pavillion with free health screenings, Miller Coors Center Court, Local Vendor Village Fair, sampling and more!
It will be held in the Charlotte Convention Center (Hall A & B) on Friday from 12 p.m. – 8 p.m.
CIAA Step Show Throwdown – Friday at 6 pm
This year’s step show will be held in the Charlotte Convention Center (Hall C) – 501 S. College Street – Doors open at 6:00 p.m. – Showtime at 6 p.m.
CIAA Super Saturday – Saturday at 8:30am
The Super Saturday party will feature some of the best cheerleaders and dancers in all CIAA school. It will start at 8:30 and go until 12 pm at the Charlotte Convention Center.
CIAA Step Show Stepoff – Saturday at 5:30pm
This year’s CIAA Step Show will be on Saturday at the Charlotte Convention Center (Hall C). Starts at at 5:00 p.m. – PURCHASE TICKETS HERE
CIAA Championships Reception and Concert – Saturday at 8pm-2am
Doors will open at 8pm this Saturday for the closing ceremonies, celebration and after-party in the Charlotte Convention Center (Crown Ballroom) CLICK HERE TO PURCHASE TICKETS
Have you been enjoying the 2018 CIAA so far?
Let us know your experience in the comments below!