CIAA, Baltimore extend tournament run through 2026

CIAA

The CIAA and Baltimore extended their deal to keep the men's and women's basketball tournaments in Maryland through 2026.

The CIAA basketball tournaments are sticking with Baltimore a while longer.

The Charlotte-based conference announced Thursday it reached a deal with the host city to keep the men’s and women’s tournaments in Baltimore through 2026. The 2023 showcase at the renovated CFG Bank Arena – the second in Baltimore – showed improved attendance from the inaugural tournament.

“The CIAA has embraced Charm City as our tournament home over the past two years,” CIAA Commissioner Jacqie McWilliams said. “Each year, we have attracted new fans with a focus to increase attendance to our championship basketball games, Fan Fest, and other ancillary CIAA events. “Baltimore is a cultural destination that aligns perfectly for our alumni and fans in February, one of my favorite months to celebrate sports and culture.”

CIAA officials announced approximately 38,450 fans attended games at the 14,000-seat arena in February, which exceeded 2022’s total attendance by 5.6%. The tournament generated a total economic impact of $29.6 million in addition to supporting 1,504 part-time and full-time jobs and generating $2.5 million in state and local taxes.

Over its five-day run, the CIAA generated $17.7 million in participant and spectator off-site spending, with $5.4 million spent in food and beverage, $4 million in lodging, $3.4 million in entertainment and attractions, $3.2 million in retail spending, and $1.7 million in transportation and rideshare companies.

Baltimore organizers, state and local governments and corporate partners donated $1.2 million in scholarships to the CIAA’s 12 member schools.

“We are proud that the CIAA tournament will call Baltimore home for the next three years,” Maryland Gov. Wes Moore said. “The tournament belongs in Charm City. In order for this to be Maryland’s decade, it needs to be Baltimore’s time. Each year, this tournament is our opportunity to showcase what our state has to offer, bring people to Maryland, and drive economic growth.”

Baltimore and the CIAA extended their original deal an extra year in 2022 to make up for losing the 2021 tournament to the COVID-19 pandemic. The latest pact adds another year to the agreement.

“For the past two years, the tournament has been nothing short of a slam dunk for our residents, our budding small business community, our die-hard basketball fans and all spectators and visitors alike,” Baltimore Mayor Brandon Scott said. “We look forward to making the games bigger and better in the coming years while showcasing the best of Baltimore.”

The 2024 tournament is Feb. 26-March 3.

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