Charlotte finalizes its bid to reclaim CIAA this week
Charlotte is on deadline this week to finalize its bid to host the Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association's Men's and Women's Basketball Tournament for 2028 through 2030.
Why it matters: Charlotte must submit a strong proposal to reclaim the tournament from Baltimore, the current host city and sole competing bidder.
A successful bid will boast a premier venue, discounted hotel rates, a financial commitment for student scholarships and a welcoming environment, among other factors.
Catch up quick: Charlotte hosted the CIAA tournament for 15 years, from 2006 to 2020, generating $650 million in economic impact, according to the Charlotte Regional Visitors Authority (CRVA). The city lost its bid to host the 2021 tournament to Baltimore.
The latest: Charlotte and Baltimore each requested extensions on their bids, Charlotte Business Journal reported. CRVA CEO Steve Bagwell said his organization and others leading the bid had to finalize the deal details and determine whether Spectrum Center would be available to host all games.
The CIAA prefers to host the entire tournament at the Spectrum Center rather than splitting rounds with Bojangles Coliseum, as was done in past tournaments. However, Spectrum Center may have scheduling conflicts from other already planned events.
Bagwell told Axios on Monday that negotiations are ongoing, but he hoped for a resolution by the Wednesday deadline. He noted that Spectrum Center's ongoing renovations should improve Charlotte's prospects.
The CIAA's request for proposals seeks low hotel room rates of $125 for teams, $200 for staff and $225 for fans.
Bagwell acknowledged that meeting those targets is unlikely, although he added that the hotel community has been supportive.
The bottom line:"I don't know if we'll get all the way there, but I think we'll be able to put a competitive package together," Bagwell says.
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