Even though the numbers are not in for the 2013 CIAA tournament it is safe to say, based on the the event's growing popularity, that this year's numbers will be even larger than last year's.
According to the Charlotte Regional Visitors Authority (CRVA), the 2012 CIAA Tournament accounted for a total economic impact of $50.5 million, a $6.2 million increase from 2011 and $12.3 million increase from 2010.
Thousands of fans and HBCU alumni entered the city in droves this week not just to enjoy the tournament, which culminates with the championship games for both the men and women on Saturday, March 2, 2013, but also for a host of social events that are taking place throughout the city.
Many businesses in Uptown are seeing and influx of patrons, and some unexpected establishments are opening their doors to try something outside of their usual day to day.
The National Child Care Institute (NCCI), a local preparatory school located at 9908 Monroe Rd and minutes from Uptown, is offering not only day, but late night and overnight child care services to tournament fans, showing that there is room for all types of businesses to reap benefits from this annual event.
According to NCCI's Owner and facility Director Hiwatha Bell, "there is great opportunity presented by the tournament as a way of increasing [NCCI's] bottom line", proving further the entrepreneurial spirit is a alive and thriving here in Charlotte.
Mr. Bell went on to add "the social aspect of the event is where the city is able to bring in substantial capital and NCCI is doing its part by providing a safe and supervised environment for the children of party-goes, so that they can enjoy the various events".
As this years events rally before the close, as fans line up to listen to music from artists like Yolanda Adams, while party-goers clamor for an opportunity to hangout with celebs like Lance Gross, and basketball fans nervously wait to see if there team will go home with the championship, the clear winner of the the CIAA 2013 tournament, is the city of Charlotte.
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