CHARLOTTE, N.C. – The Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association announced Wednesday it broke the attendance record during last month’s annual tournament in Charlotte.
The 100th anniversary of the CIAA event drew roughly 197,000 people during official functions. The Charlotte Regional Visitors Authority said the tournament produced a $50.5 million economic impact to the area over the seven-day period, a 14 percent increase from 2011.
"We are very pleased with the increase in this year’s CIAA tournament’s economic impact. This impact adds to the enormous overall impact of amateur sports in the Charlotte region,” said CRVA CEO Tom Murray.
Ticket revenue from the 67th men’s and women’s basketball tournaments was $1.9 million, according to the league.
Charlotte is scheduled to host the tournament through 2014.
