The CIAA Basketball Tournament: more than fun & games: the annual event provides a big financial boost for students and the community

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For 63 years, the Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association (CIAA) Basketball Tournament has been known for its nonstop action and for providing a setting for a celebration of alumni, family and friends.

But there's another side, and when the tournament returns to Charlotte, N.C., Feb. 25 through March 2, the activities surrounding the seven-day event are expected to generate more than the $2 million in scholarship funds raised from last year's gathering. The funds will be distributed among the CIAA's 10 colleges and universities.

In addition to generating scholarship money, the tournament, which regularly draws more than 165,000 fans, also significantly boosts the Charlotte economy. Last year, the economic impact on the area was nearly $30 million, up from the $15 million it generated two years ago. This shows the power of the tournament's continuing appeal.

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Since the first CIAA tournament in 1946, it has grown to become the third-largest basketball tournament, behind the Atlantic Coast Conference and the Southeastern Conference. With its continuing focus on networking and fun, it is likely to become even more popular--beginning with what officials are calling this year's event, a "Soulabration."

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CIAA SCHOOLS

BOWIE STATE UNIVERSITY

LOCATION: Bowie, Md.

ENROLLMENT: 5,454

MASCOT: Bulldogs

COLORS: Black & Gold

WEB SITE: www.bowiestate.edu

ELIZABETH CITY STATE UNIVERSITY

LOCATION: Elizabeth City, N.C.

ENROLLMENT: 2,250

MASCOT: Vikings

COLORS: Royal Blue & White

WEB SITE: www.ecsu.edu

FAYETTEVILLE STATE UNIVERSITY

LOCATION: Fayetteville, N.C.

ENROLLMENT: 6,085

MASCOT: Broncos

COLORS: Royal Blue & White

WEB SITE: www.uncfsu.edu

LIVINGSTONE COLLEGE

LOCATION: Salisbury, N.C.

ENROLLMENT: 1,100

MASCOT: Blue Bears

COLORS: Columbia Blue & Black

WEB SITE: www.livingstone.edu

JOHNSON C. SMITH UNIVERSITY

LOCATION: Charlotte, N.C.

ENROLLMENT: 2,500

MASCOT: Golden Bulls

COLORS: Navy Blue & Gold

WEB SITE: www.jcsu.edu

ST. AUGUSTINE'S COLLEGE

LOCATION: Raleigh, N.C.

ENROLLMENT: 1,700

MASCOT: Falcons

COLORS: Blue & White

WEB SITE: www.st-aug.edu

ST. PAUL'S COLLEGE

LOCATION: Lawrenceville, Va.

ENROLLMENT: 750

MASCOT: Tigers

COLORS: Orange & Black

WEB SITE: www.saintpauls.edu

SHAW UNIVERSITY

LOCATION: Raleigh, N.C.

ENROLLMENT: 2,500

MASCOT: Bears

COLORS: Maroon & White

WEB SITE: www.shawu.edu

VIRGINIA STATE UNIVERSITY

LOCATION: Petersburg, Va.

ENROLLMENT: 4,300

MASCOT: Trojans

COLORS: Orange & Blue

WEB SITE: www.vsu.edu

VIRGINIA UNION UNIVERSITY

LOCATION: Richmond, Va.

ENROLLMENT: 1,525

MASCOT: Panthers

COLORS: Steel Gray & Maroon

WEB SITE: www.vuu.edu

SCHEDULE OF EVENTS

MONDAY, FEB. 25, 2008

Food Lion's Women's Tournament Begins

TUESDAY, FEB. 26, 2008

Food Lion's Women's Tournament

WEDNESDAY, FEB. 27, 2008

High School Day

Ford's Men's Tournament Begins

THURSDAY, FEB. 28,2008

Career Expo

CIAA Ford Fan Experience

A Night At The Apollo

Ford's Men's Quarterfinals-TV

FRIDAY, FEB. 29, 2008

Steve Harvey Morning Show

JMI Telecom CIAA Invitational

Golf Tournament

CIAA Ford Fan Experience

CIAA Step Show

presented by McDonald's

Food Lion's Women's Semifinals

Ford's Men's Semifinals

Step Show Afterparty

SATURDAY, MARCH 1, 2008

McDonald's Super Saturday

CIAA Fashion Show presented by EBONY

CIAA Ford Fan Experience

Food Lion's Women's Final

Ford's Men's Final

CIAA Post-Tournament Party

SUNDAY, MARCH 2, 2008

Gospel Explosion

PHOTOGRAPHY BY TYRONE RASHEED

COPYRIGHT 2008 Johnson Publishing Co.
COPYRIGHT 2008 Gale Group