Durham, N.C. (August 4, 2025) – The Durham Sports Commission (DSC) is proud to announce the addition of Ray Trapp and Emily Jo Roberts to its Board of Directors, as well as introduce new leadership roles for several existing board members. With their diverse experience and shared passion, Trapp and Roberts are well-positioned to help drive the DSC’s mission and continued growth.

Trapp is excited to return to the DSC Board of Directors, having previously served in 2023. Trapp is currently the Director of Communications and Development for Families & Communities Rising, where he leads the organization’s fundraising, marketing and public relations efforts. Prior to this role, he was a District Manager with Duke Energy Corporation and the Executive Director of NPower. Notably, Trapp has experience as the Vice President of Strategic Engagement at Research Triangle Park. In addition to his service with the DSC, Trapp is a board member with the North Carolina Community College System, The Chamber for a Greater Chapel Hill-Carrboro, the Duke-NCCU Clinical and Translational Science Advisory Committee and the Inter-Church Council Housing Corporation.

As the current Director of Women’s Coaching and Executives at Wasserman’s The Collective, Emily Jo Roberts works daily to advance and celebrate the power of female coaches and other industry leaders in sports, which aligns with the Commission’s mission of creating social impact. Formerly, Roberts served as the Assistant Women’s Basketball Coach and Recruiting Coordinator at Appalachian State University. Her experience in the industry will enable her to make meaningful contributions to the DSC’s efforts to drive positive change through athletics and sports tourism.

“We’re excited to welcome Ray, who’s returning, and Emily Jo, a new member to our Board of Directors,” said DSC Executive Director Marcus Manning. “Their backgrounds and commitment to community impact make them tremendous assets to our organization. Their leadership will help guide us as Durham strives to be one of the best sports destination hubs in the country.” 

Alongside these new appointments, the DSC congratulates several board members who are taking on new roles. Angelique Stallings will serve as Board Chair as Dr. Ingrid Wicker McCree steps into the Immediate Past Chair role. Additionally, Ryan Craig was appointed Vice Chair, and Jonathon Leach will serve as secretary/treasurer.

“It is a tremendous privilege to serve as Chair of the Durham Sports Commission,” said Angelique Stallings. “As we move into Season 10 of this incredible organization, I look forward to building on the strong foundation laid by my predecessors, including Dan Hill and Dr. Wicker McCree. Together, we will continue advancing the mission of the Commission, deepening our impact on sports and community engagement in Durham and beyond.”

Visit our Board of Directors page to view the entire Durham Sports Commission Board of Directors.

DSC partners with Women Leaders in Sports and StrongHER TogetHER to Support and Inspire Emerging Leaders and Next Generation of Athletes

 The Durham Sports Commission (DSC), a leader in supporting and promoting positive economic and social impact through sporting events, is excited to be a part of two upcoming events empowering women through sports and community engagement. On April 6, the DSC will sponsor the InspiHER Movement Athletic Panel in conjunction with StrongHER TogetHER, and on April 9, the DSC will host one of its signature events, the third annual Emerging Women in Sports Leadership Summit in partnership with Women Leaders in Sports.

This marks the third consecutive year the DSC and Women Leaders in Sports are bringing the Emerging Women in Sports Leadership Summit to the Durham Convention Center. The event unites women eager to advance as leaders in sports and business. Registration opens on Feb. 3 and runs through March 17, with early bird pricing available through Feb. 24.

The Emerging Women in Sports Leadership Summit provides a unique opportunity for attendees to network with like-minded individuals, connect with industry professionals and build a powerful system of leaders to support them throughout the event and beyond. Those who have professional experience of seven years or less are encouraged to attend, including current undergraduate students or recent graduates.

“Durham is known as a vibrant sports hub, and we are excited to build on that reputation by hosting the Emerging Women in Sports Leadership Summit for the third consecutive year,” said Deputy Director of the Durham Sports Commission Kaila’Shea Menendez. “This high-energy event empowers those looking to enter the sports industry and provides a transformative leadership experience for women who are already thriving as emerging leaders. We could not be prouder to continue driving social impact in our community and paving the way for the future of women in sports.”

This year’s programming and speaker lineup will be announced closer to the summit. Building on the success of previous years, attendees can expect to hear from several inspiring speakers and participate in networking roundtable discussions, each of which will allow them to tap into their true potential and explore new leadership insights. Several topics were discussed at last year’s summit, including managing up, building strategies to elevate communication, navigating transitions, unlocking leadership potential and fueling visions through motivation. This year, the City of Durham is proud to sponsor the networking roundtable portion of the program, and Durham County will sponsor the networking reception immediately following the event in the Durham Marriott City Center lobby.

Since the inaugural Emerging Women in Sports Leadership Summit in 2023, the event has gained momentum and has shown a significant increase in the number of women involved. Last year, 169 women registered, 23 guest speakers presented, and 28 educational institutions and 25 organizations were represented. The expanded scope of the event offers increased opportunities for networking and collaboration while enhancing the valuable tools and strategies gained from peers.

“We are proud to deliver impactful leadership programming in partnership with the Durham Sports Commission,” said Patti Phillips, CEO of Women Leaders in Sports. “Each year, the summit has proven to be a powerful platform for advancing the growth and development of women in sports and related industries. We’re excited for another incredible turnout and eager to see the Emerging Women in Sports Leadership Summit expand in the years ahead.”

Ticketing information and additional details can be found at https://www.durhamncsports.com/emerging-leaders. Scholarship opportunities are available for those who are in need of financial assistance to attend the summit, and applications will open from Feb. 3-24. Women in Sports and Events (WISE) Greater Raleigh is offering its members a $25 discount on event registration. Members will receive a discount code via email.

In addition to hosting the Emerging Women in Sports Leadership Summit, the DSC is sponsoring the InspiHER Movement Athletic Panel, reflecting its commitment to supporting young aspiring athletes. On April 6 from 12-1:30 p.m. at North Carolina Central University, girls in grades 8-12 from Durham Public Schools, as well as local private and charter schools, will be able to hear firsthand experiences from collegiate athletes who have successfully balanced academics and athletics. In addition to the panel event, students will participate in an interactive Q&A session and are encouraged to connect with athletes for various mentorship opportunities. Through initiatives like this one, which leads into the Emerging Women in Sports Leadership Summit, the DSC aims to create a pipeline of empowered, confident women leaders ready to excel in any area. Registration for the InspiHER Movement Athletic Panel opens on Feb. 10 with details available on the @inspiHERmovement Instagram page and at stronghertogether.org.

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, X, and Instagram to keep up with all sports-related news in Durham, NC, and other announcements.

About Women Leaders in Sports

Women Leaders in Sports (Women Leaders) is the leading professional membership organization devoted to developing, connecting, advancing, and championing women working in sports. Since its inception in 1979, Women Leaders has sparked a vibrant movement, uniting over 6,000 members nationwide. Offering comprehensive programs and training, Women Leaders empowers female sports professionals at all levels with its invaluable networking opportunities, career resources, and growth initiatives. Learn more about their mission at womenleadersinsports.org and follow them on: X, Instagram, LinkedIn, and TikTok.

About StrongHER TogetHER: InspiHER Movement Sports Affiliate Group

StrongHER TogetHER is dedicated to fostering empowerment, resilience, and leadership among girls and women by creating spaces for connection, mentorship, and growth. Our mission is to inspire the next generation to embrace their strengths, overcome barriers, and build communities where women uplift one another to thrive in all aspects of life. The newly formed InspiHER Movement Sports Affiliate Group seeks to unite women and girls through sports, offering mentorship programs, skill-building workshops, and events that highlight the transformative power of athletics. By creating opportunities for connection and inspiration, the Sports Affiliate Group aims to encourage young girls to pursue their dreams on and off the field. Follow them on Instagram, @inspiHERmovement, for more information and updates.

Blue Devils will host NCAA Fencing Championships in conjunction with the Durham Sports Commission.

Duke University has been selected as the host site for the 2027 NCAA Fencing Championship, as announced by NCAA officials Wednesday. The bid to host the championships were jointly submitted by Duke University and the Durham Sports Commission (DSC).

“The NCAA Fencing Championships returning in 2027 speaks to the collective effort Durham has made to become a championship hub,” Durham Sports Commission Executive Director Marcus Manning said. “Many thanks for the continued support and partnership from the city and county led by Mayor Leonardo Williams and Durham County leadership . Credit to Becca Wilusz, Bob Weiseman and the entire Duke championships staff for their work and collaboration throughout the bid process, as well as Nina King for her outstanding leadership. We are looking forward to providing the student-athletes, coaches and administrators with an unforgettable championship experience during their time in the Bull City.”

The NCAA Fencing Championships come to Durham for the third time and for the second since 2023 and will be contested at Cameron Indoor Stadium. Duke also hosted the 2022, 2017 and 1974 ACC Fencing Championship in the historic facility. Duke finished ninth as a team at the NCAA event on its home strips in 2023.  

“I’m really excited that we’ve been chosen to host the NCAA Championships again,” head coach Omar Elgeziry said. “It’s such an honor and shows that Duke University can continually host great events. Hosting in 2023 was an amazing experience. Everything went off without a hitch. I know the 2027 championship will be even better. I can’t wait for that electric energy our team will feel, competing at home at Duke, right here in Durham.”

For more information on Duke fencing, follow the Blue Devils on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram by searching for “DukeFEN”. And follow the Durham Sports Commission @durhamncsports on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn.

With an Eye Toward the Future of Sport and Sports Tourism, New Members Bring Expertise and Passion to Support the DSC’s Mission of Enhancing Community Through Sports

July 7, 2024– The Durham Sports Commission (DSC) is excited to announce the addition of Troy Austin, Cheryl Parquet, Monica Brown, Brendan Madigan and Jaye Pratt to its board of directors. These new board members’ extensive experience in athletics and dedication to community engagement and development are key as the DSC continues to pursue its mission to drive social and economic impact through attracting, supporting and promoting the best sporting and recreation events for the Bull City.

“Bill Kalkhof, Dan Hill, Mitch Moser, Ray Trapp and Umar Muhammad laid a foundation, provided a vision and charted a path forward for the DSC. And for that we will be forever grateful for their service,” said Marcus Manning, executive director of the DSC. “As the landscape of sports and sports tourism continues to evolve and transform, our new dynamic leaders and forward thinkers led by chair Dr. Ingrid Wicker McCree and incoming vice chair Angelique Stallings will play a significant role in the continued growth and sustained success of our city. With future opportunities in front of us, we anticipate witnessing the Durham sports ecosystem continuing to expand and thrive under their innovative leadership, strategic thinking and guidance.”

In his current role, Troy Austin oversees fundraising and development operations for Duke University’s athletic programs. A former star athlete, Austin was a four-year varsity football letterman at Duke, serving as team captain his senior year and earning several prestigious awards including the renowned William J. Griffith Service Award. His deep commitment to athletics extends well beyond his playing days, as he is also a former director of athletics at Longwood University. Austin now plays a pivotal role in shaping the future of Duke Athletics, securing significant financial support and driving strategic growth for the programs he oversees, setting him up perfectly to contribute to the DSC’s Board of Directors.

As director of community engagement, Cheryl Parquet leads initiatives that enhance Blue Cross NC’s reputation and brand through strategic community investments and partnerships. With over 16 years of experience, she has been instrumental in fostering collaborations with community organizations, civic leaders and businesses to drive health and wellness initiatives across the state. Parquet‘s passion lies in improving the health and well-being of communities, which will be invaluable in her new role as a board member. She proudly holds a Certified Diversity and Inclusion Professional (CDIP) credential from Cornell University and a Corporate Social Responsibility certification from Duke University, which aid her in successfully developing and implementing impactful community initiatives.

As a native of Durham and a distinguished athlete, Jaye Pratt brings a steadfast connection to the local community. A 2011 graduate of Hillside New Tech High School, Jaye excelled in track and field, earning multiple awards and an athletic scholarship to North Carolina Central University (NCCU). At NCCU, he continued to achieve, earning MEAC Conference and NCAA East Regional Honors while serving as vice-president of the Student Athlete Advisory Committee. Pratt is the founder of JCP Fitness, Inc. and JCP Performance, where he promotes fitness and health in the Raleigh-Durham areas. His extensive coaching experience at Hillside High School, where he is the head boys’ soccercoach, showcases his ability to inspire and mentor young athletes. Pratt’s passion for sports, community engagement and youth development are sure to make him an excellent addition to the DSC’s Board of Directors.  

Brendan Madigan is currently the chief financial officer at Limited Run Games in Apex, NC, and is also a licensed CPA in North Carolina with extensive financial expertise. He is committed to community service, having previously served on the Durham County Boxing and Wrestling Commissions and currently serving on the Durham Audit Oversight Committee. Madigan has a master’s degree in accounting from NC State University and a bachelor’s degree in public policyfrom the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. Currently residing in Durham, Madigan‘s combination of professional acumen and community involvement make him an ideal addition to the board.

Monica Brown currently serves as the senior director of equity advancement at the YMCA of the Triangle, where she has been a part of the team since 2013, demonstrating her loyal support of the organization. She graduated from NC State University with both a bachelor’s and master’s degree in sports management, where she also played for Wolfpack soccer. It wasn’t until after her playing days were over that she discovered her true passion for coaching soccer for athletes at all levels of play. Brown is a mentor and coach at heart and uses this approach to build teams, drive effective communication and facilitate powerful and engaging conversations that lead to more profound empathy and growth. She looks forward to using these skills as a new board member with the DSC.

“We believe in the power of sports to foster community spirit and improve lives, and we look forward to tapping into our new board members’ experience, expertise and passion to support the DSC’s mission,” said Dr. Ingrid Wicker McCree, chair of the DSC Board of Directors. “We are honored to have such bright, dedicated community members join our team and be a part of what’s next for the Bull City.” 

The other notable change includes Ryan Craig stepping in as secretary/treasurer. The new board members join returning members Ingrid Wicker McCree, Jonathon Leach, Scott Strickland. For more information about the Durham Sports Commission, please visit www.durhamncsports.com.

Durham, NC (August 8, 2024) –The Durham Sports Commission (DSC), a leader in supporting and promoting positive economic and social impact through sporting events, is proud to announce that, for the fourth consecutive year, it will host the NAIA Football National Championship. The 69^th annual event will be held in Durham County Memorial Stadium on Saturday, Dec. 21 at noon.

“We’re excited to welcome the NAIA National Football Championship back to Durham,” said Marcus Manning, Executive Director of the Durham Sports Commission. “We can sense the positive momentum growing with every event and championship held in our city. This championship choosing to call Durham home for another year highlights our community and surrounding communities’ collective commitment to providing a first-class host experience. We are grateful for the NAIA’s continued trust and for the outstanding support from our public and private stakeholders. We look forward to another great championship game this December.”

Fans from across the nation, some traveling over 24 hours, have made the trip to Durham over the past three years to witness the terrific matchups and experience the passion and infectious energy of the Bull City. Last year, Keiser University (FL) and Northwestern College (IA) went head-to-head in the 68^th NAIA Football Championship. Keiser, the 12 seed, took home the win against Northwestern with a final score of 31-21, making for a great underdog success story. Durham has also been a big winner with the championships generating $1.3 million total economic impact over the past 3 years.

“We are excited for year four of the NAIA Football National Championship in Durham, North Carolina,” said Austin Bennett, Director of Championships at NAIA. “The city has embraced us and the Durham Sports Commission, led by Marcus Manning, has been a great host and worked tirelessly to provide a great host experience for our student-athletes, coaches, and universities.”

Durham County Memorial Stadium is a multi-purpose championship athletics venue situated just minutes away from lodging, restaurants, and the unique attractions that make the Bull City special. With a seating capacity of 8,500 and ample space for tailgating and other fan activations, the stadium helps bring to life the vibrant atmosphere NAIA fanbases are renowned for. Originally constructed in 1958, renovated in 2010, and new turf and scoreboard installments in the last three years, this historic stadium has hosted numerous competitions and championships over the years and helps keep the legacy of sporting greatness alive in Durham.

For weekly updates and announcements about the teams competing for the championship’s Red Banner, follow the DSC on social media @durhamncsports or visit www.durhamncsports.com.

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.