CHARLOTTE, N.C. (QUEEN CITY NEWS) — Charlotte leaders are working against a deadline to submit a bid to bring back the Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association (CIAA) tournament. They're hoping to bring college hoops back to the Queen City between 2028 and 2030. The biggest factor in securi ng the bid is making sure city leaders are able to lock down Spectrum Center as a venue for the entire tournament. In most recent years, Charlotte played host, the week was split between Spectrum and Bojangles Coliseum. Could North Carolina ever host a Super Bowl? "Exciting opportunity for us to cement Charlotte's reputation as a major center of sports of all kinds," said Councilman Ed Driggs. By April 15, Charlotte will submit what leaders hope will be a competitive bid to bring the CIAA tournament and 60,000 fans back for the first time since 2020. Charlotte looks to bring back CIAA tournaments for first time since 2020 "It's not a slam dunk," said Councilman Malcolm Graham. "But I like the momentum that we have moving forward. There are some things we have to clear moving forward, some free throws we have to make to ensure we have a very, very successful bid." One of those things is making sure the city can offer a minimum commitment of $1.5 million in scholarships and fundraising. Officials with the Charlotte Regional Visitors Association anticipate they'll put forward about a million and rely on community fundraising and potentially state funds, as well. Tourism leaders will also have to offer special hotel room rates and accommodations. The goal is to secure the Spectrum Center as the venue for the week-long tournament. "One of the challenges is being able to accommodate the NBA schedule and different activities that are flowing through the building at the same time, one of which will be the ACC Men's Championship in 2028," said Steve Bagwell, CEO of the Charlotte Regional Visitors Association. Beyond the logistics, city council members have safety concerns. While there would be some tournament-sanctioned events planned, there were problems in previous years with violence at events not affiliated with the games. "I will want to hear from CMPD what measures they will take in order to ensure for the benefit of all concerned that we somehow control the influx and the activities that go on," said Driggs. After the bid by April 15, tournament leaders will visit the Queen City, likely in Jun,e for an in-person site visit. We should know whether or not they choose Charlotte as a host later this summer. ...read more read less