Mecklenburg Times: News for Mecklenburg, Union and Iredell counties Real Estate, Development, Construction, and Community News in the Charlotte area and throughout Mecklenburg, Union and Iredell counties
The Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association basketball tournament set an attendance record when it was held in Charlotte last month.
According to figures released today from by the Charlotte Regional Visitors Authority, the 66th annual men’s and women’s tournament had 190,000 attendees. During the six-day period, the event had an economic impact of $44.3 million, up 19 percent from 2010.
CIAA increased its ticket revenue by 5 percent from 2010 to $2 million.
“Year after year we have seen the validation of Charlotte as a destination for the CIAA men’s and women’s basketball tournament and the reunion of its alumni, friends and family,” CRVA CEO Tim Newman said. “Charlotte has embraced the CIAA, its history and its importance in the lives of those who attend.
“We are so fortunate to have grown this not only into a $44 million record year in 2011 in terms of economic impact to the Charlotte region, but one that we can truly say has initiated lifelong friendships and memories.”
