The Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association (CIAA) Board of Directors voted last week to approve Durham, NC as the site of the CIAA Football Championship starting in 2025 through 2027.  The championship will be hosted by the Durham Sports Commission, with Durham County Memorial Stadium (DCMS) as the event’s selected venue. 

Bids were also submitted by the cities of Charlotte, NC and Salem, VA.  The Board reviewed several factors in its decision to move to Durham, including facility use and staffing, team support, opportunities for community engagement, and involvement of the local business community.

“Durham has a great history with this event and we are immensely proud to once again be hosting the CIAA Football Championship in Durham,” said Marcus Manning, Executive Director of the Durham Sports Commission. “We’re dedicated to showcasing our vibrant community here in Durham, while also celebrating diversity and creating an unforgettable experience for fans, spectators, and student-athletes.”  

The football championship has been held at DCMS previously from 2008-2012 and 2014-2015, pulling in crowds of over 10,000 fans.  The CIAA Outdoor Track & Field Championship is hosted by the Durham Sports Commission at the same venue, in accordance with a three-year agreement that commenced in 2023 and will run through 2025.  CIAA-member Shaw University currently hosts its home football and soccer games at the venue.   

Durham County Memorial Stadium is an all-star venue located just minutes from lodging, restaurants, and everything else that makes the City of Champions so unique. The facility has the capacity to accommodate plenty of tailgating and cultivate the passionate atmosphere CIAA fanbases are known to bring. The Durham Sports Commission is committed to stewarding Durham’s passion for sports and to bring DCMS to life during the CIAA Football Championships, all the while helping to fulfill the CIAA’s vision for supporting student-athletes and uplifting community relationships..  

Salem, VA has been the home of the CIAA championship since 2017, and it is commended for its expertise and a job well done for not only CIAA championships for the past 7 years, but its their celebration in 2023 for hosting over 100 years of NCAA championships.   

The transition back to Durham provides an opportunity to further grow the football championship and highlight the CIAA’s mission including Leadership, Legacy and Community.  

“The CIAA looks forward to returning to Durham County Memorial Stadium,” exclaimed Commissioner Jacqie McWilliams.  “Our recent media rights partnership with HBCU Go gives us the opportunity to showcase our top teams in a centralized location, again where the football championship has thrived in the past.  The CIAA will have an opportunity to engage in the community beyond the game in a way that supports the mission of the conference.”   

Hear from Mayor Leonardo Williams on welcoming the CIAA Football Championship below!

About the CIAA 

Founded in 1912, the Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association (CIAA) is the first, and longest running, African American athletic conference in the U.S. and one of the most recognized conferences in Division II. The CIAA conducts 14 championships attended by more than 150,000 fans from around the country. The Basketball Tournament has been honored as a 2019 Champion of Economic Impact in Sports Tourism by Sports Destination Management, the leading publication with the largest circulation of sports event planners and tournament directors in the sports tourism market, for both 2018 and 2019. 

Headquartered in Charlotte, North Carolina, the CIAA is governed by the Presidents and Chancellors of its 13 member institutions: Bowie State University, Bluefield State University, Claflin University, Elizabeth City State University, Fayetteville State University, Johnson C. Smith University, Lincoln University of Pennsylvania, Livingstone College, Saint Augustine’s University, Shaw University, Virginia State University, Virginia Union University, and Winston-Salem State University. For more information on the CIAA, visit theciaa.com, like us on Facebook, and follow us on Twitter and Instagram. 

About Durham Sports Commission  

The Durham Sports Commission (DSC) is a collaboration of the City of Durham, the County of Durham, the Greater Durham Chamber of Commerce and Discover Durham. The DSC was established in 2016 as a 501(c)(3) with a mission to create economic and social impact by leading the community’s efforts to attract, support, and promote youth, amateur, collegiate, and professional sporting and recreational events and is operated by Discover Durham. The DSC provides leadership for sports-based initiatives and creates positive economic impact and quality of life in Durham and the surrounding region. Be sure to follow the DSC on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram to keep up with all sports-related news in Durham, NC, and other announcements.  

Durham, NC (May 1, 2024) –The Durham Sports Commission (DSC), a local leader in creating social and economic impact through attracting, supporting and promoting youth, amateur, collegiate and professional sporting and recreational events, announces SiteSearch as its preferred third-party housing solutions provider for all sports team, spectator and fan booking needs.

“From the moment we learned about SiteSearch, we knew they were the perfect partner to come alongside us in transforming Durham into a championship hub,” said Kaila’Shea Menendez, Deputy Director of the Durham Sports Commission. “The professional and reliable team behind SiteSearch will be instrumental in helping us to elevate our service efforts to event owners, national governing bodies, as well as their teams, fans, and spectators. As sporting events continue to grow and thrive in Durham, we are committed to ensuring a positive experience in booking travel arrangements for both recruited and locally hosted events in our city.”

The arrival of teams, along with their enthusiastic supporters, injects vitality into Durham’s local economy. Their presence not only bolsters jobs within the hospitality sector but also fuels a domino effect of financial benefits across an array of local businesses – from restaurants to retail outlets – enriching the community’s vibrancy. This synergy echoes the Durham Sports Commission’s core mission to generate both economic and social prosperity through the power of sports. With SiteSearch at the helm of real-time event analytics and accommodation management, the DSC’s economic contributions are meticulously recorded, showcasing the full narrative of Durham’s success. Since 2017, the DSC has generated an economic impact of over $107 million from over 420,000 attendees across 231 events.

“We are thrilled about our partnership with the Durham Sports Commission and the opportunity to be their preferred third-party housing solutions provider for sports bookings,” said Elizabeth Weimer, President of SiteSearch. “This collaboration marks an exciting opportunity for us to support the lodging needs of teams and fans, enhancing their experience during sporting events in Durham. We are confident that our expertise in housing management will contribute to the success of events hosted by the Durham Sports Commission, further solidifying Durham’s reputation as a premier destination for sports. We are eager to embark on this journey together and are committed to ensuring a seamless and enjoyable experience for guests and hotels alike.”

SiteSearch, a full-service travel agency specializing in finding the right travel and accommodations solutions for every event and activity, is one of the leading housing companies in the sports tourism industry.  The team at SiteSearch prioritizes excellent customer service and a positive experience for clients while annually securing an average of 450 event room blocks, servicing thousands of customers and realizing over 200,000 room reservations.

For more information on the DSC’s partnership with SiteSearch and other upcoming Durham sporting events, please visit durhamncsports.com.

With a Winning Combination of Heritage, History, Hospitality and High-Caliber Facilities, Durham is Hopeful for the Event’s Return

Durham, NC (March 18, 2024) –The Durham Sports Commission (DSC), a leader in local sports-based initiatives and conduit for positive social and economic impact in Durham and the surrounding region, is excited to announce it has formally submitted a bid to host the 2025, 2026 and 2027 CIAA Football Championships once again at the Durham County Memorial Stadium.

“We are thrilled not only for the opportunity to host such an amazing event, but also for others to experience what the City of Champions is all about,” said Kaila’Shea Menendez, Deputy Director of the Durham Sports Commission and potential Host Committee Executive Director. “Our team worked relentlessly to produce a competitive bid that showcases the vibrancy, energy, and sports culture in our city. Collaborating with the CIAA is always a pleasure, and we look forward to the opportunity to work alongside the conference office to host one-of-a-kind championships in the near future.”

One of the Durham Sports Commission’s key goals has been to transform Durham into a championship hub. Bidding on the upcoming CIAA Football Championships is the next step in the unrelenting pursuit of this goal and comes off the back of several other key milestones achieved in this vein. The DSC has successfully hosted the NAIA Football National Championship for three years in a row and just announced that the ACC Baseball Championship will be returning to Durham in 2025, 2027 and 2029 following 13 years of immense success. Other bids that have recently been won by the city are the 2025 NCAA Division I Field Hockey Championships and 2029 World University Games, proving Durham is more than capable of carrying on the legacy of the CIAA Football Championships for years to come.

“As retired Director of Athletics at North Carolina Central University (NCCU), I know better than most that the success of the university was built on the foundational greatness instilled as a CIAA member institution for over 70 years, over more than half of the university’s existence,” said Ingrid Wicker McCree, Ed.D., Board Chair at the Durham Sports Commission. “Just ten minutes from my previous home at NCCU, Durham County Memorial Stadium is the perfect backdrop for the pinnacle of many student-athletes’ careers and our Eagle community, new and old, will surely embrace this event, excitedly cheering on from the stands.”

If Durham is selected, the championships will be held at Durham County Memorial Stadium, home field to the CIAA’s Shaw Football. The tournament was previously held at this location from 2008-2012 and 2014-2015, drawing more than 10,000 fans in 2011, nearing a conference record at the time.

“The 8,500-seat multipurpose Durham County Memorial Stadium is the city’s premier sports venue and ideal place to hold the championship, especially given the recent major renovations including new synthetic grass pitch, video scoreboard, and sound system,” said Dr. Kimberly Sowell, Durham County Manager. “The stadium has continued to maintain its reputation as an all-star venue, just minutes from lodging, restaurants, and everything else Durham has to offer. The World University Games and other national governing bodies have already opted in on us, and we hope the CIAA will continue to do so as well.”

Durham is the ideal city to host the championship. The Triangle area is rich with several HBCUs in Shaw University, Saint Augustine’s University and North Carolina Central University. Additionally, Durham is centrally located to other CIAA institutions, three hours closer to CIAA headquarters than the championship’s previous home, and has a proven track record of success hosting this event with sellout crowds.

“As Mayor, this city is my workplace, my family, and my home,” said Mayor Leonardo “Leo” Williams. “Back in 2005, as a proud member of Kappa Kappa Psi and Head Drum Major of the Sound Machine at North Carolina Central University, I experienced the exhilaration of victory as the Eagles claimed the CIAA Football Championship win amidst a roaring crowd of 10,580 at O’Kelly-Riddick Stadium. That same electrifying energy, fueled by the passion of the CIAA’s devoted fanbase and their commitment to excellence, is what I eagerly anticipate sharing with a new generation of Durham residents.”

The bid to host the 2025, 2026 and 2027 CIAA Football Championship was due on Friday, March 15. The announcement of the winning city is slated for May 2024. For more information on this and other exciting Durham sporting events, please visit durhamncsports.com.

About Durham Sports Commission 

The Durham Sports Commission (DSC) is a collaboration of the City of Durham, the County of Durham, the Greater Durham Chamber of Commerce and Discover Durham. The DSC was established in 2016 as a 501(c)(3) with a mission to create economic and social impact by leading the community’s efforts to attract, support, and promote youth, amateur, collegiate, and professional sporting and recreational events and is operated by Discover Durham. The DSC provides leadership for sports-based initiatives and creates positive economic impact and quality of life in Durham and the surrounding region. Be sure to follow the DSC on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram to keep up with all sports-related news in Durham, NC, and other announcements.

Durham, NC (February 8, 2024) – For the second year, the Durham Sports Commission (DSC) is proud to announce its partnership with Women Leaders in Sports to host the Emerging Women in Sports Leadership Summit. The summit will take place on Thursday, April 11 from 1:00-5:45 p.m. at the Durham Convention Center, followed by a networking reception at the Durham Marriott City Center from 5:45-6:30 p.m. Registration is now open through March 18 and early bird registration closes on February 22. More information can be found at https://www.durhamncsports.com/emerging-leaders.

Building on the success of the inaugural 2023 event, this year’s summit will broaden its scope and provide a unique program tailored to individuals who have approximately seven years of professional experience or less. Event attendees will have an opportunity to learn from industry professionals, exchange leadership insights, and build a powerful network that will extend beyond the event. If you are a current undergraduate student, recent graduate, or have been in the industry for fewer than seven years, you are welcome to attend.

“One of our longstanding goals at the DSC has been to create lasting social impact in our city, and we are proud to offer an event that creates an opportunity to elevate the next generation of women leaders who will transform the Bull City and beyond,” said Kaila’Shea Menendez, Deputy Director of the Durham Sports Commission. “Hosting the Emerging Women in Sports Leadership Summit for the second year in a row is paramount to our vision in redefining the role of sports commissions as social impact agents. The summit is a one-of-a-kind opportunity that will deliver an inspiring and empowering experience!”

A detailed agenda for the event will be announced in the coming weeks. Attendees can expect diverse and dynamic programming designed to be flexible and responsive to the evolving needs and interests of the audience.

“We are delighted to join forces again with the DSC to bring this event back to Durham,” said Patti Phillips, CEO of Women Leaders in Sports. “This is not your average networking event, it’s a career catalyst, providing emerging women leaders in sports with unparalleled opportunities for learning, networking, and professional growth.”

General registration for the summit is $75 and early bird pricing is $50. For those interested in attending and in need of financial assistance, scholarships are available. More information can be found on the event website and scholarship applications must be submitted by Thursday, February 22. Additionally, WISE (Women in Sports and Events) Greater Raleigh is offering WISE members $25 off event registration costs. Members will be emailed a discount code. Please reach out to info@WISERaleigh.org with questions on the discount code. Visit greaterraleigh.wiseworks.org to learn more about WISE and join today.

“The Triangle is filled with incredible women working in sports,” said Marianne Schroer, president of the WISE Greater Raleigh chapter. “Part of what makes this such a great community is how many opportunities there are for women to invest in their future. We’re thrilled to support impactful programming and authentic networking to advance this generation of leaders.”

About Durham Sports Commission  

The Durham Sports Commission (DSC) is a collaboration of the City of Durham, the County of Durham, the Greater Durham Chamber of Commerce and Discover Durham. The DSC was established in 2016 as a 501(c)(3) with a mission to create economic and social impact by leading the community’s efforts to attract, support, and promote youth, amateur, collegiate, and professional sporting and recreational events and is operated by Discover Durham. The DSC provides leadership for sports-based initiatives and creates positive economic impact and quality of life in Durham and the surrounding region. Be sure to follow the DSC on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram to keep up with all sports-related news in Durham, NC, and other announcements.

About Women Leaders in Sports

Founded in 1979, Women Leaders in Sports is the only nationally recognized professional membership organization whose mission is to develop, connect, advance, and champion women leaders working in sports. Women Leaders provides career and leadership training, access to a powerful network, and the resources to advance women at every stage of their careers. Learn more about the organization here and follow Women Leaders on Twitter, Instagram, LinkedIn, and TikTok @_WomenLeaders.

About WISE 

WISE (Women in Sports and Events) is the leading voice and resource for women in the business of sports. Its network of established industry leaders and professional development programs provides members with the practical tools and support necessary to reach their professional goals and accelerate their careers. A registered 501(c)(3) not-for-profit, WISE was founded in 1993 and has its headquarters in New York City with chapters across North America, including: Arizona, Atlanta, Boston, Charlotte, Chicago, Cleveland, Dallas Fort Worth, Greater Orlando, Greater Raleigh, Houston, Indianapolis, Las Vegas, Los Angeles, New York City Metro, Pittsburgh, Portland, San Diego, Seattle, San Francisco Bay Area, South Florida, Tampa Bay, Toronto, Twin Cities, Utah, and Washington DC. For more information about WISE, please visit WISEworks.org.

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