NORFOLK — Norfolk is one of three cities named as finalists to play host to the CIAA basketball tournament from 2021-23, a city official confirmed this week.
Representatives from Norfolk, Baltimore and Charlotte, N.C., made presentations to the historically black conference’s board last week in Charlotte.
“Norfolk is honored to be a finalist for CIAA Tournament,” Norfolk city spokesperson Lori Crouch wrote in an email. “We are very excited at the possibility of welcoming the CIAA back home to Norfolk, and realizing the economic, social and cultural benefits that the tournament represents.”
Crouch said the tournament’s potential move would not interfere with the MEAC basketball tournament, which has been held at Scope each March since 2013.
Last season’s CIAA tournament took place Feb. 27-March 3. The MEAC, which is based in Norfolk and includes Norfolk State, held its 2018 tournament from March 5-10.
According to the CIAA’s website, its tournament generates an annual economic impact of $50.5 million on Charlotte and draws more than 140,000 visitors to the city.
The 13-team CIAA includes Virginia State, Virginia Union and Elizabeth City State. NSU was a member of the conference until 1997.
At last week’s CIAA board meeting, officials resolved to “continue internal discussions regarding the presentations and make a decision in a timely manner,” according to a press release from the conference.
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