You really want to know what the CIAA is? Officially, it’s the Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association. But around the way, C-I is, in all actuality, “Party Central” — emphasized by its association with historically black colleges and universities (aka HBCUs). From Sunday, Feb. 25, through Sunday, March 4, Charlotte will be the place to see and be seen; part fashion show, part basketball tournament — all celebration.
Check out our picks for the CIAA’s best parties and events:
Sunday, Feb. 25
OFFICIAL CI KICKOFF F/ TAMIA
Tempo, 4809 Wilkinson Blvd.
Doors open at 8 p.m., show starts at 9 p.m.
$20 (advance)
More info: 704-391-8909 or www.charlottevibe.com
Monday, Feb. 26
FOOD LION CIAA WOMEN’S TOURNAMENT BEGINS
Charlotte Bobcats Arena, 333 E. Trade St.
Game Times: 3 p.m., 7 p.m., 9 p.m.
CCCB Daily Chapel Charlotte Convention Center 10-11 a.m.
Internet Cafe Charlotte Public Library 9 a.m.-5 p.m.
Tuesday, Feb. 27
FOOD LION CIAA WOMEN’S TOURNAMENT QUARTERFINALS
Charlotte Bobcats Arena, 333 E. Trade St.
Game Times: 1 p.m., 3 p.m., 7 p.m., 9 p.m.
Wednesday, Feb. 28
FORD CIAA MEN’S TOURNAMENT BEGINS
Charlotte Bobcats Arena, 333 E. Trade St.
Game Times: 3 p.m., 7 p.m., 9 p.m.
2007 CIAA WEDNESDAY NIGHT EXPLOSION
Levine Museum of the New South, 200 E. 7th St.
8 p.m.-1 a.m. $25 (advance)
www.ticketalternative.com/www.nmbacharlotte.org
CHAMPAGNE VIP PARTY F/ JONEZ
Fox and Hound, 330 N. Tryon St.
$25 (advance)
More info: www.noquestent.com, www.justwoome.com
Thursday March 1
THE ORIGINAL DAY PARTY
University Pub, 1009 Chancellor Park Drive
1-7 p.m.
980-721-3150
“LOWES DAY AT THE CIAA” FORD CIAA MEN’S QUARTERFINALS ESPN CLASSIC
Charlotte Bobcats Arena, 333 E. Trade St.
Game Times: 1 p.m., 3 p.m., 7 p.m.
COCA-COLA PRESENTS SHOWTIME AT THE APOLLO WITH SPECIAL GUESTS BOYS II MEN
Charlotte, Convention Center
10 p.m., $20/$30
www.ticketmaster.com/704-522-6500Thursday, March 1st
THE RHO PSI OMEGA CHAPTER OF ALPHA KAPPA ALPHA SORORITY, INC. PRESENTS: “THE 2ND ANNUAL PINK GROOVE 2007”
The Forum nightclub, 300 N. College St.
Pre-party: 6 p.m.-8 p.m. Party: 8 p.m.-2 a.m., $30 (advance)
More info: www.rhopsiomega.org/pinkgroove2007, Kelley Eaves-Boykin — 704-287-7653, Tiffany L. Jones — tiffany@digitaldivasinc.com.
Portion of proceeds benefit RPO Scholarship Fund.
Friday, March 2
“Food Lion Day at the CIAA,” Food Lion CIAA Women’s Tournament Semifinals
Game Times: 1 p.m., 3 p.m.
FORD CIAA MEN’S SEMIFINALS ESPN CLASSIC
Game Times: 7 p.m., 9 p.m.
CIAA STEP SHOW THROWDOWN PRESENTED BY MCDONALD’S
Charlotte Convention Center
$23, Doors open 6 p.m., show starts 8 p.m.
CIAA STEPSHOW AFTERPARTY CONCERT
Charlotte Convention Center
$20, 11 p.m.-3 a.m.
LEGENDS OF HIP-HOP FEATURING THE REUNION OF EPMD, PRESENTED BY CROWN ROYAL
Amos’ SouthEnd
$30
More info: 704-377-6874, 704-567-9919, www.charlottevibe.com
DIGITAL DIVAS PRESENTS: “STOGIES & STILETTO’S”
Sunset Club, 1820 South Blvd.
10 p.m.-2 a.m.
Cost: $20 (and up)
Music by DJ Daddy D. Free valet. Sponsored by Palmas Puro Cigars (everyone will receive a free cigar upon entry)
More info: 201-304-2933, e-mail tiffany@digitaldivasinc.com
Saturday, March 3
MCDONALD’S SUPER SATURDAY FAN FEST
Bobcats Arena
Doors open at 8 a.m.
CIAA Cheerleading Exhibition: 8:30 a.m.
CIAA Step Show Throwdown Winners: 10:30 a.m.
Miss CIAA Coronation presented by Food Lion 11:45 a.m.
1st Half CIAA Streetball Classic: 11 a.m.
2nd Half CIAA Streetball Classic: Noon
Streetball 3v3 and SLAM Dunk Contest: 12:45 p.m.
Battle of the Bands: 1:15 p.m.
Ebony Fashion Show 10 a.m.-1 p.m.
Ford Fan Experience
CCCB Daily Chapel Charlotte Convention Center 10 a.m.–11 a.m.
DIGITAL DIVAS PRESENTS: “UPTOWN SATURDAY”
Blue Restaurant & Bar, 2214 N. Tryon St. (Corner of College & 5th, 1 block from the Bobcats Arena)
2 p.m.-6 p.m., Free
Special lunch menu will be available. Music by DJ Polo. Sponsored by Eyebottomline.com.
THE ALUMNI GRAND FINALE AKA A GO-GO AND A DJ, presented by The Sol Kitchen/ B.A.D. Marketing/ Executive Ent./ A Gem Am I
Amos’ SouthEnd.
9 p.m., $25 (advance)/$40 VIP available at No Grease Barbershop locations
More info: 704-567-9919, www.charlottevibe.com
DIGITAL DIVAS PRESENTS: “DREAM”
Featuring national recording artist/jazz pianist Marcus “MJ” Johnson (Www.threekeys.com).
Blue Restaurant & Bar, 2214 N. Tryon St. (Corner of College & 5th- 1 block from the Bobcats Arena)
10 p.m.-3 a.m., $10 adv., $15 at door
Late-night menu available. Free valet. Sponosored by Jack Daniels.
More info: 201-304-2933, e-mail tiffany@digitaldivasinc.com
Sunday, March 4
FORD FINALS NIGHT AT THE CIAA
Women’s Final Live TV: 5 p.m.
Men’s Final ESPN Classic: 8 p.m.
DIGITAL DIVAS PRESENTS: “PANACHE,” THE 2ND ANNUAL FAREWELL BRUNCH
Music provided by The Joe Lindsay Trio featuring Ziad.
Blue Restaurant & Bar, 2214 N. Tryon St.
11 a.m.-3 p.m., $35 (Reservations encouraged.) Free valet.
More info: 201-304-2933, e-mail tiffany@digitaldivasinc.com
This article appears in Feb 21-27, 2007.
