CIAA + Raleigh = More Success
2003 Economic Impact Tops $10 Million

Raleigh, NC - Yet again despite the economy, the recent Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association (CIAA) Postseason Basketball Tournament provided a much-needed boost for the area hospitality industry as the overall economic impact rose almost 4 percent to $10.1 million.

The tournament continues to enjoy record-breaking success in Raleigh at the RBC Center with overall tournament attendance surging from 42,811 in Winston-Salem in 1999 to 54,730 in Raleigh in 2000 to 74,729 in 2001, 80,446 in 2002 and 80,788 in 2003 (an 89-percent increase over 1999). The paid gate attendance was 80,788 in 2003, however, after all passes were distributed to youth groups, and charitable organizations, more that 91,000 people attended this year's tournament.

The economic impact for the area was $7.8 million in 2000, $8.8 million in 2001 and $9.7 million in 2002. Equally important, the 2003 tournament generated more than $850,000 in tax revenue alone from only hotel, meal and sales taxes. Besides this particular economic stimulus, having this tournament in Wake County exposes the Capital City area for many other potential sports championships, events and meetings with millions more in future spending. Raleigh will also host the tournament in 2004 and 2005.