(CHARLOTTE, NC) - Sports Destination Management, the leading publication with the largest circulation of sports event planners and tournament directors in the sports tourism market, has announced the 2019 Champions of Economic Impact in Sports Tourism. This year’s winners are responsible for contributing more than $1 billion to the national economy over the past year.
Among the winners and for the second year in a row, was the Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association’s (CIAA) Men’s and Women’s Basketball Tournament in partnership with Charlotte Regional Visitor’s Authority (CRVA).
In 2019, the CIAA Tournament, a week-long celebration of Division II men’s and women’s basketball, attracted approximately 140,000 fans to Charlotte delivering a $43.7 million economic impact. It continues to be a top draw among collegiate basketball events, behind only the ACC Tournament and the NCAA Final Four in its popularity. In addition to crowing conference champions on the men’s and women’s teams, the CIAA events included Education Day programming for middle and high school students, a Career Expo, Step Shows, a Hall of Fame Celebration and a two-day Fan Fest for the local community.
“The numbers reinforce the impact of the CIAA Men’s and Women’s Basketball Tournament in the community,” said CIAA Commissioner Jacqie McWilliams. “Our tournament brings an amazing influx of fans to the city and our community-based activities create a memorable experience for all, with the game of basketball at the center. The CIAA Basketball Tournament is unique in that we work closely with the Charlotte Regional Visitors Authority to add intellectual, cultural and social/recreational options and a free fan fest to engage the Charlotte community. Those added value components also help drive alumni, additional fans, families and business executives – and therefore dollars – to our host city.”
According to the CRVA post-event survey, the tournament generated $25.6 million in direct visitor spending which supported 350 jobs and added $1.8 million to the city.
All winners of awards have been recognized in a special feature published in the November/December 2019 issue of Sports Destination Management. The entire article with full details on the winners listed below can also be found online.
Read Now: Article on Winners
About the CIAA
Founded in 1912, the
Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association (CIAA) is the first, and longest running, African American athletic conference in the U.S. and one of the most recognized conferences in Division II. The CIAA conducts 14 championships attended by more than 150,000 fans from around the country. In 2020, the conference celebrates the special 75
th anniversary of its Championship Basketball Tournament - an event that has become a must-see in the African -American community. Headquartered in Charlotte, North Carolina, the CIAA is governed by the Presidents and Chancellors of its 12 member-institutions: Bowie State University, Claflin University, Elizabeth City State University, Fayetteville State University, Johnson C. Smith University, Lincoln University of Pennsylvania, Livingstone College, Saint Augustine's University, Shaw University, Virginia State University, Virginia Union University, and Winston-Salem State University. Chowan University is an associate member in football and women’s bowling. For more information on the CIAA, visit
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About the CRVA: The Charlotte Regional Visitors Authority (CRVA) works to deliver experiences that uniquely enrich the lives of our visitors and residents. Through leadership in destination development, marketing and venue management expertise, the CRVA leads efforts to maximize the region’s economic potential through visitor spending, creating jobs and opportunities for the community. Brands supported by the CRVA include the Charlotte Convention Center, Spectrum Center, Bojangles’ Coliseum, Ovens Auditorium, NASCAR Hall of Fame, Charlotte Regional Film Commission and Visit Charlotte in conjunction with the region’s destination marketing brand. For more information, visit
charlottesgotalot.com.
About Sports Destination Management: Sports Destination Management is written for the largest audience of sports event managers and tournament directors in the sports tourism market and maintains a focus on the important issues surrounding event location decisions and event management. With content from experts and thought leaders,
SDM provides in-depth coverage of sports event planning and execution through incisive and relevant articles as well as insightful, real-world case studies showcasing best practices and successful event production.
In addition to the publication,
SDM offers extensive digital resources through www.sportsdestinations.com and the e-newsletter SDM Blitz, both providing decision support tools for organizers to ensure successful events at all levels of play.
About Due North Media: Due North Media, a division of Due North Consulting, Inc., is a niche business-to-business publisher providing media services to executives within specialized vertical markets impacting economic development including corporate site selection, business development, market-to-market events and sports tourism via publications, digital media, qualified list marketing and custom publishing.
Founded in 2001, Due North Consulting, Inc. has helped niche marketers obtain their goals for a decade and a half. The principals of the company have over 40 years of business-to-business advertising and marketing experience. It has been their mission to serve readers, clients and employees with integrity, humility and a continuing quest for the achievement of excellence.