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CIAA cuts back on costs with two rounds at Bojangles Coliseum

By Joe Bruno, wsoctv.com
By Joe Bruno, wsoctv.com

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — For the first time, CIAA tournament games are being played in Bojangles Coliseum.

East Charlotte residents hope their neighborhood gets a boost from the action.

After first and second rounds of the men's and women's tournament, the games will move to the Spectrum Center.

By doing this, CIAA cuts back on costs.

Attendance for the first two rounds is also significantly less than for the final games.

The move ensures that out-of-town guests will likely encounter East Independence Boulevard and all of its traffic.

"If you try to come later in the day, you will have to deal with a lot of traffic," said Kenneth Williams, who is an Elizabeth City State fan.

In addition to traffic on Independence Boulevard, many out-of-town fans will likely encounter some of the vacant lots and shopping centers on the stretch, including Coliseum Center.

"This area hasn't had anything out here in years other than the Checkers," said Daryl Vereen, a Winston-Salem State fan. "It's a great idea to have games here."

Channel 9 noticed several restaurants near the Coliseum Center, including South 21 Drive-In, were closed.

"I would have thought they would have been open for business," said Gil Hayden. "Most people are staying Uptown so they will have to get things before they leave."

Staff at Bean Vegan Restaurant, off Independence Boulevard, told Channel 9 they have seen an increase in customers since the games are being played so close by.

Charlotte City Councilmember Dimple Ajmera, who represents east Charlotte, said revitalizing the Independence Corridor is one of her prioritizes.

She discuss her goals at a community meeting that will take place at 9 a.m. on March 4 at Memorial United Methodist Church.

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