The Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association - Special Section

WHEN the CIAA Tournament started almost 60 years ago, few could have known that it would become the blockbuster that it is today--one of the oldest and most popular basketball tournaments in the country.

The 59th annual men's tournament (it's the 30th annual women's tournament) that will once again take over time RBC Center in Raleigh, N.C., is scheduled for February 23 through February 28 and promises to continue a proud tradition of quality basketball. But it's also something more. It's an alumni and family reunion, celebrations, networking and an opportunity--for the schools in the Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association to gain recognition, prospective students and financial support.

"I have seen it grow;" says Dr. Mickey Burnim, chancellor of Elizabeth City State University in Elizabeth City, N.C., and new president of the CIAA Board of Directors. "I really have a sense of pride in having been part of the board that led the tournament to the point where it has grown and received the kind of recognition that it has."

Founded in 1912, the CIAA, then the Colored Intercollegiate Athletic Association, consisted of four teams from historically Black colleges and universities. Today, the Division II conference boasts 12 teams from HBCUs--Bowie State University, Elizabeth City State University, Fayetteville State University, Johnson C. Smith University, Livingstone College, North Carolina Central University, St. Augustine's College, St. Paul's College, Shaw University, Virginia State University, Virginia Union University and Winston-Salem State University.

And when the teams, students, friends and fans from those schools and beyond converge on the area known as the Triangle (Raleigh-Durham-Chapel Hill, N.C.), the economic benefits alone will be felt for years to come.

This year, as in previous years, the CIAA Tournament has meant a windfall for the host city. Hotels are booked at or near capacity, restaurants, shopping malls and boutiques find their doors swinging almost nonstop, and the city gets the kind of exposure that only comes with a toptier event.

Martin Armes, spokesman for the Greater Raleigh Convention and Visitors Bureau, says the expected economic impact is projected to be more than $10.3 million this year. Last year, the overall economic impact of the tournament rose 4 percent to $10.1 million. Since Raleigh began hosting the tournament at the RBC Center, attendance has surged from 54,730 in 2000 to 80,788 in 2003. Prior to Raleigh winning the contract to host the tournament, it was held at a smaller venue in Winston-Salem, N.C. Raleigh will host the tournament through 2005.

Even more importantly, the money raised for the CIAA Tournament through corporate sponsorships, endowments and vending pays for much-needed scholarships for students and keeps the CIAA conference in the black.

"There's nothing in Black America that lasts a week that has as much fun-filled entertainment as the CIAA and provides as much opportunity," says Leon G. Kerry, former banker and CIAA commissioner. "This year, we're on schedule to have one of the best tournaments in the history of the CIAA."

The CIAA basketball tournament has become one of the biggest and most popular annual sporting events in the country. Last year, the conference finals attracted more than 21,000 fans to the RBC Center in Raleigh, N.C. The six-day event also offers entertainment and a career expo. EBONY has been a proud sponsor of the tournament since 2002. Virginia Union University cheerleaders(top, right) lead the cheers for their team.

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Tournament champs last year were Bowie State University, winners of the men's title (left), and Shaw University (Below), which won the women's Championship.

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CELEBRITIES & LEGENDS

THE celebrities and legends always come out in full force for the CIAA Tournament. It's the place to see and be seen, to make new friends, reunite with old teammates and get honored for sports excellence and service to the conference and community. The 2003 Class of the John B. McLendon Hall of Fame included philanthropist and radio personality Tom Joyner; nationally acclaimed baseball coach Marty Miller, decorated athletic administrator Dick Price and NBA legend and CIAA record holder Rick Mahorn.

This year, for the fifth straight year, Joyner will bring his morning show to Raleigh, N.C., for the tournament. Last year, award winning entertainer Keith Sweat and famed singer Tamia performed for the morning show crowd. And comedians Mark Curry and J. Anthony Brown also were on hand for the show.

North Carolina Gov. Michael F. Easley and Sen. Barbara Dole, RN.C., participated in tournament events last year, as did famed attorney Willie Gary, an alumni benefactor of Shaw University, and baseball legend Cecil B. Fielder.

Famous faces turn out for the tournament each year, including (above) baseball legend Cecil B. Fielder and famed attorney Willie Gary. At right, North Carolina Gov. Michael F. Easley (1.) meets with CIAA and tournament officials. North Carolina Senator Elizabeth Dole (below; l.) poses with Livingstone College President Algeania Warren Freeman.