Lance Gross, DJ Denny K, Supa DJ Big L, Heavy Hitter DJ Double J, DJ Quick Silva, Frank Ski, DJ Tanz, Entrepreneur Pinky Cole, WNBA’s Sonia Chase, and more
2026 Food Lion CIAA Men’s and Women’s Basketball Tournament Logo
2Chainz to headline CIAAParty timed to 2026 Food Lion CIAA Men’s and Women’s Basketball Championship Tournament
2 Chainz and Mýa Lead All-Star Entertainment Lineup for the Food Lion CIAA Basketball Tournament
Celebrate Black History Month in style as the Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association (CIAA) transforms Baltimore into a hub of culture, competition, and celebration. The 2026 CIAA Basketball Tournament, happening from February 24–28 at CFG Bank Arena, promises an unforgettable experience. Headlining the event are Grammy Award winners 2 Chainz and Mýa, alongside a star-studded lineup of entertainers.
A Celebration of Black Excellence and HBCU Pride
The CIAA, the nation’s first historically Black athletic conference, has made Baltimore its home for the past five years. This annual event is more than just a basketball tournament—it’s a celebration of Black excellence, legacy, and HBCU pride. Each year, over 100,000 alumni, students, families, and fans gather to close out Black History Month with one of the most anticipated sporting events in the country.
Since moving to Baltimore, the tournament has generated over $100 million in economic impact and awarded millions in scholarships to student-athletes. It continues to shape future leaders both on and off the court.
Exciting Performances and Cultural Experiences
The action begins on February 24 at 10 a.m. ET, featuring 22 fast-paced men’s and women’s championship games from the CIAA’s 12-member institutions. Beyond the court, the week offers a full-scale cultural experience, including:
- Fan Fest
- Career Expo and Education Day
- Community Service Initiatives
- Step Shows and A-List Performances
- CIAA Parties
- The John B. McClendon Jr. CIAA Hall of Fame Breakfast
- Town Halls and Symposiums on education, health, financial wellness, and innovation
Star-Studded Parties and Events
The tournament weekend will also feature nine official parties, including:
- Thursday, February 26: StaDAYium Welcome Happy Hour at Horseshoe Casino
- Friday, February 27: Ditch Day Party, StaDAYium “All Black Edition” Party, and Tip Off Friday Party with 2 Chainz
- Saturday, February 28: StaDAYium Events at Power Plant Live!, R&B4Me Curated Events hosted by Mýa, and Overtime Midnight Brunch at Horseshoe Casino
Tickets and Special Offers
Tickets are on sale now! Visit CIAATournament.org for the latest updates and to purchase tickets. Fans can take advantage of the BOOK WITH A BESTIE ticket sale by using code BFF26 for discounted General Admission tickets. This offer is valid through February 28.
About the CIAA
Founded in 1912, the CIAA is the oldest African American athletic conference in the U.S. It conducts 14 championships annually, attracting over 150,000 fans. The CIAA Basketball Tournament has been recognized for its economic impact and contribution to sports tourism. For more information, visit theciaa.com.
About Visit Baltimore
Visit Baltimore is the city’s official sales and marketing organization, driving economic benefits through tourism. In 2022, Baltimore welcomed 26.7 million visitors, contributing $3.7 billion to the local economy. Learn more at Baltimore.org
#BlackHistoryMonth #CIAA #BaltimoreEvents #2Chainz #Mýa #CIAABasketball #HBCU #CultureAndCompetition #BaltimoreCelebrates #BlackExcellence #MusicAndSports
