Raleigh plans expanded fundraising for CIAA
Also seeking CIAA Headquarters, Hall of Fame
ERIC N. MOORE
Special to the BCSP
Plans call for the construction of a CIAA Hall of Fame and headquarters office in Raleigh and for funds to cover financial commitments and operations costs for the 2005 CIAA Basketball Tournament in Raleigh.
Contributions from the City of Raleigh, Wake County and private donations from area businesses, organizations and citizens have covered expenses for hosting the tournament.
The Steering Committee has fallen short in its local private fundraising efforts for the tournament, so they are asking the City Council to allow it to enter into an agreement with Sports Properties Inc. (SPI) to conduct the fundraiser.
"We'll let (Assistant City Manager) Lawrence Wray and his staff call on local folks while SPI goes after regional sponsors," said Meeker at a Tuesday morning press conference in his office.
Steering Committee members estimate they will need to raise $5.7 million. Of that amount, $4.7 million would go toward construction of the Hall of Fame and headquarters office with the remaining $1 million used to fund expenses associated with hosting the 2005 Tournament. The Tournament has been held in Raleigh since 2000 and will complete its current commitment at the RBC Center in February, 2005.
CIAA Commissioner Leon Kerry could not be reached for comment involving the office relocation.
City officials expect Raleigh to be a strong candidate to host the event from 2006-2008 when the CIAA considers bids for future tournaments.
"The Hall of Fame and headquarters office proposal is not tied to the bid for the 2006-2008 tournaments," said Meeker. "We just feel that it is good business sense to have the CIAA in our city."
The CIAA Basketball Tournament's economic impact on the area has grown to an estimated $11.5 million making it the largest income generator among sports entertainment events and conventions held in Raleigh. The tournament's total economic impact over the last five years was an estimated $47.8 million. Tax revenue generated over this period is estimated at $3.8 million, including $983,304 from the 2004 tournament.
The CIAA headquarters has been in Hampton since moving from Richmond in 1976 under the leadership of Bob Moorman, the CIAA's first full-time commissioner.
"A headquarters is a headquarters is a headquarters," said Steering Committee member, Lewis Myers. "We see spring championships and other conference activities coming to the area with the headquarters located in Raleigh."
© 2004 Azeez Communications, Inc.