CIAA declared extraordinary event for city of Charlotte

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — The CIAA Tournament has been declared an extraordinary event by the city of Charlotte. 

Charlotte leaders laid out their plans Monday to control the crowds of people expected to flood Charlotte this week for the annual Tournament.

The games begin Tuesday at Time Warner Cable Arena.

Early Monday morning, organizers and city leaders discussed everything CIAA, from what events will be taking place to how the tournament benefits the city and area youth to how CMPD is planning to keep people safe.

More than 150,000 people are expected to come to the greater Charlotte area for the tournament. Last year that translated to more than $55 million for the local economy.

Mayor Jennifer Roberts said the city is pleased, proud and honored to host the tournament, while CMPD said they are ready, willing and able.

The police department said officers will out on the streets and very visible. Police have also been in touch with area bars and nightclubs.

Last year there was a shooting and a stabbing at two area nightclubs during CIAA weekend. Those establishments were not affiliated with the tournament.

Still, CMPD is putting an emphasis on them so everyone feels safe.

“We have officers at every one,” said CMPD Chief Deputy Jeff Estes. “We make sure we have operations plans for everyone.”

Ticket sale are already up 6 percent and city officials have declared the tournament an extraordinary event, which will allow for extra security measures.

Cox Media Group