CHARLOTTE, N.C. — The Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association may have a wandering eye when it comes to the Queen City. On Monday, the conference disclosed its decision to seek outside bids for the annual basketball tournament that has called Charlotte home since 2006.
Jacqie McWilliams, the CIAA commissioner, declined comment through a spokesperson. Earlier in the day, the conference issued a press release stating that the CIAA board has issued bid specifications to potential host cities for the basketball tournament starting in 2021 and extending through 2023.
In a prepared statement, the head of the CIAA board, James Anderson, who is also president of Fayetteville State University, said, “The Charlotte Regional Visitors Authority and the city of Charlotte have been a great host for the CIAA basketball tournament. Over the past 13 years both the CIAA Tournament and Charlotte have grown and benefited from the relationship. The board believes it makes good business sense to re-evaluate the location and amenities for the future of the tournament. ... (I)t’s important to review all possible/potential locations to identify what’s best for our student-athletes, alumni and fans.”