CIAA Week 2017 Events: Thursday, Feb. 23
CIAA
THE ANNUAL Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association Tournament is taking place in Charlotte for the 12th consecutive year, with events scheduled from Monday, February 20 to Sunday, February 26, 2017. The CIAA Tournament includes five days of men’s and women’s college basketball games at Bojangles' Coliseum and Spectrum Center. Social events and parties surrounding the tournament create additional excitement and draw tens of thousands of visitors to the city.
Below is a list of events scheduled for Thursday, Feb. 23. Please use the website listed for each event to verify information. Advance tickets can be purchased through many of the websites as well.
Click here for the rest of the week’s events. | Click here to submit an event to be included in this list.
* Denotes an official CIAA Tournament event.
Click the + to expand for events. This list will be updated regularly with additional events, so check back soon.
+ Thursday, February 23
*CIAA Men’s Tournament Quarterfinals
Basketball action continues between the men’s teams: 1, 3, 7 and 9 p.m. All-session passes, $75 and up. Spectrum Center, 333 E. Trade St., ciaatournament.org/tickets.
*CIAA Career Expo
This expo is open to all current college students and alumni who are searching for graduate school opportunities or jobs. Visit the website for a list of participating universities and employers. 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Free admission. Charlotte Convention Center, Hall C, 501 S. College St., ciaatournament.org/events.
*Food Lion CIAA Teen Summit
High school juniors and seniors (boys and girls) are invited to an evening of “real talk.” This summit encourages teens to have candid conversations and interaction among their peers, and will also include food, DJ, contests, and prizes. Hosted by Girl Talk Foundation, Inc. 5-9 p.m. Free admission; advance registration required. Charlotte Convention Center, Room 217A/B, 501 S. College St., ciaatournament.org/events.
*CIAA Toyota Fan Fest
A full schedule of events and activities for fans, including contests, prize giveaways, cooking exhibitions, a singing competition, local vendor village, celebrity appearances, and concerts by national recording artists. 5-10 p.m. Free admission. Charlotte Convention Center, Halls A and B, 501 S. College St., ciaatournament.org/events.
*CIAA DJ Kool's Old School Skate Party
The CIAA offers a night of roller-skating fun for adults, to the sounds of some of your favorite old-school hip-hop and R&B music spun by the legendary DJ Kool. Hosted by Old School 105.3 FM's Olympia D. 9 p.m.-2 a.m. $15 and up. Kate’s Skating Rink, 14500 Independence Blvd., Indian Trail, ciaastepshows.com.
Def Comedy Jam and Tip-Off Party
Come get your laugh and party on. The event begins with the comedy show hosted by comedian Darren "DS" Sanders and headliner Chris Thomas. After the comedy show, the party kicks off with Old School 105.3 FM's Rae Styles and music by DJ Short Dawg. 8 p.m.-2 a.m. $10 in advance. Club Vibrations, 5237 Albemarle Rd., clubvibrations.eventbrite.com.
The Jump Off
Get your weekend of partying started in style. Music by DJ Biggs of D.C. and DJ Lonnie B of Virginia. Presented by Eddietainment, JandJ Ent., Curt Boogie, and Pearl V. 6 p.m.-2 a.m. Free admission before 8 p.m. with RSVP; general admission, $20; VIP tables available. Vapiano, 201 S. Tryon St., thejumpoff2017.eventbrite.com.
Pink Groove XII: La Dolce Vita
This is one of the best-attended Thursday night parties each year during tournament week. A portion of the proceeds will go to college scholarships. Presented by Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Inc. and Rho Psi Omega. 10 p.m.-2 a.m. $20. Oak Room, 200 E. Bland St., akarpopinkgroovexii.eventbrite.com.
Old School 105.3 Day Party 3
The Charlotte radio station hosts its signature day party for the third year in a row. Music by DJ Stacey Blackman and DJ 360. Presented by Old School 105.3 FM and Sol Kitchen. 1-7 p.m. Free until 2:30 p.m. with RSVP; general admission, $10 and up. Bubble, at EpiCentre, 210 E. Trade St., oldschool1053dayparty3.eventbrite.com.
Tournament Kickoff with Don Cannon
Consider this your kickoff to a weekend of partying. Music from renowned hip hop producer and DJ Don Cannon with support from DJ Shaun Nyce. Presented by Sol Kitchen and Lex Bibbs. 10 p.m.-2 a.m. $15 and up. Suite, at EpiCentre, 210 E. Trade St., doncannonsuite.eventbrite.com.
Trap'd in the '99 and 2000s
Kick off your tournament weekend with a special karaoke and dance party with hip hop music from the late-1990s and early 2000s; then after, midnight the most popular current hits. Presented by Culture19. 10 p.m.-2 a.m. $10. Vida, at EpiCentre, 210 E. Trade St., culture19.com.
WPEG's Tip Off Spectacular
Charlotte's popular hip hop and R&B radio station, WPEG Power 98 FM, presents this party with DJ Mr. Incognito. 10 p.m.-2 a.m. Cost varies. Bubble, at EpiCentre, 210 E. Trade St., bubblecharlotte.com.
Heaven @ Blue
It's one of the most anticipated Thursday night parties each year. Featuring music by D.C.'s Let It Flow Band and DJ '06. Presented by Talk of the City and LK and R&R Productions. 9 p.m.-2 a.m. $20-$40 in advance. Blue Restaurant and Bar, 206 N. College St., 2017toptournamentparties.eventbrite.com.
