CIAA Prepares to Welcome Fans “Home” for the 2018 Men’s and Women’s Basketball Tournament

Fans can now purchase game tickets and book discounted hotel rooms

Charlotte, N.C. (Oct. 2, 2017) – Tickets are now on sale for the 2018 Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association (CIAA) Men’s and Women’s basketball tournament slated for Feb. 27 to March 3 in Charlotte, North Carolina, where the conference’s headquarters are located.

This year’s theme, “Homecoming,” serves as a welcome to CIAA students, alumni and friends who are returning for the annual reunion experience, as well as an invitation to the Charlotte community and newcomers to be part of the conference family and participate in all that the tournament offers.

Similar to last year, early round game sessions will be held at Bojangles’ Coliseum on Feb. 27 and 28, followed by the quarterfinals, semifinals and championship finals being held at Spectrum Center from March 1 to 3.

Fans can purchase all-session tickets, which provides access to 22 action-packed games, live performances by national recording artists, premium vendors, great food, shopping, contests, prizes and more. To purchase general tickets, or for information on how to buy courtside tickets or suites, visit CIAAtournament.org/tickets. General tickets can also be purchased at Ticketmaster.com. Alumni can purchase tickets directly from their member institutions, visit CIAAtournament.org/faq#tickets to find your school’s contact information.

“We have been celebrating the rich and vibrant history in our conference this fall with the 125 years of Black college football and that energy, excitement and tradition will undoubtedly roll into our upcoming annual basketball tournament,” said CIAA commissioner, Jacqie McWilliams. “Our homecoming theme reinforces the message of what the CIAA has meant and continues to mean for our students, alumni and fans. We look forward to continued community engagement that is a part of our foundation.”

For the best available lodging rates at more than 25 hotels in the Uptown Charlotte area, tournament attendees are encouraged to utilize ConferenceDirect, the CIAA’s hotel booking partner. Lodging options are within a short walk, Lynx rail stop, or quick car ride to Bojangles’ Coliseum, Spectrum Center, Charlotte Convention Center, and the EpiCentre where official CIAA events will be hosted.

Hotel reservations can be made online at www.ciaatournament.org/hotels or via phone at 844-293-6678 on Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 9 p.m.

Information about official events associated with the CIAA tournament can be found at www.ciaatournament.org. For details about the CIAA conference and its championship sports, visit www.theciaa.com.

About The Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association (CIAA)
Founded in 1912, the Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association (CIAA) is the first African American athletic conference and one of the most recognized conferences in Division II. The CIAA conducts 16 championships attended by more than 150,000 fans from around the country. Headquartered in Charlotte, North Carolina, the CIAA is governed by the Presidents and Chancellors of its 12 member-institutions: Bowie State University, Chowan University, Elizabeth City State University, Fayetteville State University, Johnson C. Smith University, The Lincoln University of Pennsylvania, Livingstone College, Saint Augustine's University, Shaw University, Virginia State University, Virginia Union University and Winston-Salem State University. For more information on the CIAA, visit theciaa.com. For more information on the CIAA Basketball Tournament, visit CIAATournament.org, “like” us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter and Instagram.

About the Charlotte Regional Visitors Authority (CRVA)
The Charlotte Regional Visitors Authority (CRVA) works to deliver experiences that uniquely enrich the lives of our visitors and residents. Through leadership in destination development, marketing and venue management expertise, the CRVA leads efforts to maximize the region’s economic potential through visitor spending, creating jobs and opportunities for the community. Brands supported by the CRVA include the Charlotte Convention Center, Spectrum Center, Bojangles’ Coliseum, Ovens Auditorium, NASCAR Hall of Fame, Charlotte Regional Film Commission and Visit Charlotte in conjunction with the region’s destination marketing brand, ‘Charlotte’s got a lot.' For more information, visit charlottesgotalot.com.