CIAA Week 2018 Events: Thursday, March 1
The annual Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association Tournament is taking place in Charlotte for the 13th consecutive year, with events scheduled from Tuesday, February 27 to Sunday, March 4, 2018. The CIAA Tournament features 22 men’s and women’s college basketball games across five days 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 March 1. Please use the website listed for each event to verify information (click on the event's name). 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.
More events are being added each week, so check back often.
Thursday, March 1
*NEXT Level: CIAA Minority Business and Leadership Symposium
Now in its third year, this event is a collaboration of businesses and organizations that provide programming designed to stimulate economic and intellectual growth and development of minority business professionals. There will be a keynote speaker, breakout sessions, business luncheon, and networking session. 8 a.m.-2 p.m. Free admission; RSVP required. Charlotte Convention Center, 501 S. College St.
*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. Professional development interactive sessions will also be held. 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Free admission. Charlotte Convention Center, 501 S. College St.
*CIAA Men’s and Women’s Basketball Tournament Games
Basketball action continues between the women’s teams: 1 and 3 p.m.; and the men’s teams: 7 and 9 p.m. All-session passes, $75 and up. Spectrum Center, 333 E. Trade St.
*Food Lion CIAA Teen Summit
This annual summit invites high school juniors and seniors (boys and girls) to have candid conversations and interaction among their peers. This year’s theme is “The Art of Code-Switching” with motivational speaker Jacotron Potts. There will also be food, a DJ, contests, and prizes. Hosted by Girl Talk Foundation, Inc. 5:30-8:30 p.m. Free admission; advance registration required. Charlotte Convention Center, Room 217A/B, 501 S. College St.
*CIAA 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 DJ Cleve. Hosted by Old School 105.3 FM's Olympia D. 9 p.m.-1 a.m. $15 and up. Kate’s Skating Rink, 14500 Independence Blvd., Indian Trail.
Pink Groove XIII: Sweet SophistAKAtion
This party has been every year since Charlotte started hosting the tournament, and its popularity continues. Music by DJ DR. Presented by Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Inc. and Rho Psi Omega. A portion of the proceeds will go to college scholarships and community programs. 9 p.m.-2 a.m. $25; VIP tables available. Ink N Ivy, 222 S. Church St.
Kid Capri and DJ SNS Live
This party marks the first time ever "The World Famous" Kid Capri and Ciroc/Bad Boy’s own DJ SNS will perform together on one stage in Charlotte. Presented by Floyd Hodge and Get Live Ent. 9 p.m.-2 a.m. $25 and up; VIP tables available. Howl at the Moon, at EpiCentre, 210 E. Trade St.
Old School 105.3 Day Party 4
It's one of the only day parties on a Thursday. Music from DJ 360 and DJ Stacey Blackman. Presented by Old School 105.3 FM. 1-7 p.m. Admission cost varies; VIP tables available. Bubble Charlotte, at EpiCentre, 201 E. Trade St.
WPEG's Tip-Off Spectacular
Charlotte's home for blazin' hip hop and R&B, WPEG Power 98 FM presents its tournament tip-off with host No Limit Larry, music from Mr. Incognito, and a performance by Quaz. 10 p.m.-2 a.m. Admission cost varies; VIP tables available. Bubble Charlotte, at EpiCentre, 201 E. Trade St.
Tip Off Thursday
Music by DJ Skillz, Atlanta's DJ P-Nut, and DJ Suga Shae. Hosted by Bestfriendz, Pinkies Up, and Dynasty 5. 9 p.m.-2:30 a.m. $20; ladies free before 11 p.m. with RSVP. Whisky River, at EpiCentre, 210 E. Trade St.
Tournament Weekend Tip-Off
Come ready to enjoy the company of Charlotte elite, HBCU alumni, Divine 9, and established business professionals. There will be food specials, drink specials, and great music from DJ Wizard. Presented by Star 23 Enterprise. 8 p.m.-2 a.m. $5-$10. Buffalo Wild Wings, at NASCAR Hall of Fame, 400 E. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd.
Tournament Weekend Kickoff with Loui Vee
Start your tournament weekend here, while helping DJ Loui Vee, of Columbia's 100.1 The Beat, celebrate his birthday. Presented by Sol Kitchen. 10 p.m.-2 a.m. Free before 11:30 p.m. with RSVP; $20 after; VIP tables available. Suite, at EpiCentre, 210 East Trade St.
Gospel Brunch with Canton Jones
Enjoy chicken-and-waffles and music from national gospel recording artist Canton Jones. Members of the leadership team from UPS will speak to the youth. 11 a.m.-1 p.m. $25; free admission for students. Carole Hoefener Center, 615 E. 6th St.
