Thousands set to attend final CIAA tournament played in Charlotte

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — The CIAA Tournament tips off for the final time in Charlotte on Tuesday morning.

Thousands of players, coaches and fans have traveled to the Queen City hoping to see their team win the trophy before the tournament moves to Baltimore.

The first game will start at 10 a.m. at Bojangles Coliseum.

After 15 years in Charlotte, the tournament will move to Baltimore next year as part of a three-year deal. Baltimore presented a competitive package for the tournament that Charlotte couldn’t match, officials said.

Last year, the tournament brought in more than $25 million in revenue to our area, and more than 76,000 fans.

'Baltimore, you stood out': CIAA officials confirm tournament will leave Charlotte after 2020 'Baltimore, you stood out': CIAA officials confirm tournament will leave Charlotte after 2020

The Charlotte Regional Visitors Authority said it will submit another bid for the tournament after 2023, when Baltimore’s bidding rights expire, so there’s a chance it could return to the Queen City in the future.

The CIAA is the nation’s first African-American athletic conference and is celebrating its landmark 75th year.

The tournament moves from Bojangles Coliseum to the Spectrum Center on Thursday and wraps up Saturday with the men's and women's championships.

All eyes won't just be on the players either -- a local dance team has been practicing for months to take the court.

Channel 9 anchor Damany Lewis spoke with “Radiant Princesses” dance coach Princess Gray about the life message she hopes to send her team. Watch the video below for Damany’s story.

[WATCH: Dance being used to teach young women they can achieve anything]

Dance being used to teach young women they can achieve anything Dance being used to teach young women they can achieve anything

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