CIAA Virtual Vibe: Tournament Edition

The Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association (CIAA), the nation’s oldest historically Black athletic conference, in partnership with Visit Baltimore, today announced its first-ever virtual tournament.

The highly anticipated week-long celebration will be tabbed the CIAA Virtual Vibe: Tournament Edition and takes place from February 23rd to 27th, 2021, traditionally known as CIAA Basketball Tournament week.

The CIAA Virtual Vibe marks the Tournament’s 76th annual celebration of HBCU championship basketball, sports, and culture. The third most attended basketball tournament among all NCAA divisions; it brings a legendary legacy and a community experience to a new, global audience. Free registration for the Tournament is now open on the virtual platform and can be accessed here.

The CIAA Virtual Vibe: Tournament Edition will feature a Baltimore-themed interactive virtual platform that will help welcome fans to the ‘Charm City’ while showcasing a host of events, including several that serve as cornerstones of tournament week.

This includes the always popular CIAA Fan Fest presented by Nationwide and the CIAA Step Show presented by McDonald’s plus community engagement mainstays High School Education Day presented by U.S. Army and Career Expo presented by Toyota.

The virtual experience, hosted by comedians B. Simone, Darren Brand and Burpie, will also offer a collection of new events, including an Old School/New School DJ Battle presented by Sprite and the CIAA Esports Tournament presented by Bayer Pharmaceuticals.

These events, along with performances by national recording artists and celebrity appearances, will celebrate the legacy and tradition of the CIAA and its member institutions while highlighting the nostalgia and cultural significance of the CIAA Tournament.

Access to the CIAA Virtual Vibe is free, but registration is required. Those interested in taking part in this unique virtual experience are encouraged to register early as space is limited.

Accompanying the registration information is the tentative schedule of events, which can also be found at www.ciaatournament.org.

Education Day, Tuesday-Wednesday, Feb. 23-24

CIAA Education Day, one of the conference’s most popular events during the CIAA Basketball Tournament, has reached more than 6,000 students. Attendees will be able to virtually meet with college recruiters from Maryland, North Carolina, Pennsylvania and Virginia to learn tips to prepare for college as well as get the inside track on the collegiate experience.
These programs are free and open to high school juniors and seniors and school representatives/chaperones.

Register at www.ciaatournament.org

Career Expo, Thursday, Feb. 25

The 2021 CIAA Career Expo will be held virtually Thursday, February 25, from 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. The CIAA Career Expo is designed to provide organizations the opportunity to meet recent graduates, current students from the CIAA member-schools and other universities, career seekers, and career switchers and recruit for available positions. The CIAA not only has a rich and storied tradition in intercollegiate athletics but has an equally extensive list of alumni who have gone on to make tremendous strides in many different professions.

Employers attend the CIAA Career Expo to increase visibility, illustrate the benefits of employment within their organization, and provide information regarding internships, full-time employment, and post-graduate educational opportunities. For employers, we have a pool of aspiring graduating and recent college graduates, career seekers, and career switchers eager for advancing their futures. For attendees, you can expect a diverse group of recruiters with a myriad of opportunities awaiting potential employees.

Register at www.ciaatournament.org