Each year, CIAA Weekend transforms Baltimore into a vibrant celebration of culture, connection, and community. What began as a basketball tournament has evolved into one of the city’s most impactful cultural moments — drawing tens of thousands of visitors, energizing local businesses, and reshaping how Baltimore is experienced and remembered.
For many, CIAA Weekend feels less like a sporting event and more like a city-wide family reunion. Alumni return home, first-time visitors are welcomed with open arms, students find opportunities to network, and neighborhoods across Baltimore come alive with pride and purpose.
More Than a Game
While the CIAA Men’s and Women’s Basketball Championships remain at the heart of the weekend, the experience extends far beyond the arena. With more than 22 championship games and signature events including Fan Fest, step shows, career and education expos, community panels, day parties, and formal events, CIAA Weekend offers something for everyone.
The diversity of programming allows attendees to experience Baltimore from multiple perspectives — from its historic neighborhoods and cultural institutions to its nightlife and culinary scene.
Disrupting the Narrative About Baltimore
CIAA Weekend also plays a powerful role in shifting perceptions of the city. For a few days each year, Baltimore gets to define itself not through headlines, but through lived experience.
Visitors engage directly with the city’s culture, hospitality, and creativity — often leaving with a deeper appreciation for Baltimore’s people and neighborhoods.
Inclusion and Legacy
CIAA Weekend is rooted in HBCU culture, but its reach extends far beyond alumni. Whether attendees went to an HBCU or not, the weekend offers an accessible entry point into a legacy built on community, resilience, and shared history.
“HBCUs are a cornerstone of our communities,” McWilliams Parker explained. “Even if you didn’t attend one, you’re still connected to their impact. CIAA Weekend reminds us that this legacy belongs to all of us.”
Economic Impact and Long-Term Commitment
Beyond its cultural significance, CIAA Weekend serves as a major economic engine for Baltimore. Each year, millions of dollars flow into the local economy, with intentional spending directed toward Black-owned and minority-owned businesses.
According to CIAA leadership, recent tournaments generated more than $1.4 million in minority-owned purchasing, underscoring the event’s commitment to equity and community investment.
The CIAA Tournament’s extension in Baltimore through 2029 further solidifies its long-term impact. This continued partnership creates stability, supports tourism, and opens doors for students, entrepreneurs, and small businesses to benefit year after year.
Know Before You Go
The CIAA Tournament tips off February 24–28 at CFG Bank Arena, with events happening across Baltimore through March 1. Visitors are encouraged to plan ahead, explore multiple neighborhoods, support local businesses, and document their experience to help showcase Baltimore’s story.
More information, including tickets and the full event lineup, is available at CIAAtournament.org and baltimore.org.
CIAA Weekend is more than a moment on the calendar — it’s a reminder of what’s possible when culture, community, and collaboration come together. For Baltimore, it’s a chance to shine, connect, and welcome the world on its own terms.
For a deeper look at the impact of CIAA Weekend — from culture and community to economic opportunity — listen to the full episode of Be More Positive, available now on all major podcast platforms.