CIAA 2014- A Pre Review

CI CI.... DOUBLE A!

It's that time again folks and I couldn't be more happy!

CIAA is here again! But before we talk about my plans for this epic week that's approaching let me give you guys a little background history on this historical tournament.  

Founded in 1912 on the campus of Hampton Institute (now Hampton University), Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association or CIAA is a collegiate athletic conference, mostly consisting of historically black colleges and universities.  

It was originally known as the Colored Intercollegiate Athletic Association and is the oldest African American conference in the United States; they adopted the current name in December of 1950.  

Though the tournament has a legacy that dates back to 1892 when Biddle University, now Johnson C. Smith University, beat Livingstone in the first ever football game played between two African American colleges, when most people hear the term CIAA, they immediately think about parties, drinks and celebrities.  

(I'm actually not sure if that's actually a good thing now that I think about it but i'll leave that alone for now) 

During CIAA week I usually party from Wednesday to Saturday.  I pack up my sons things and ship him off with family for the week and I shamelessly party all night long.  Parents have to still get it in from time to time too!

And there isn't anything different about this year.  My son will be with his grandfather all week while his mom and dad tear up the city with friends.  Being that I'm a very detailed and orderly kind of guy, my CIAA wouldn't be right without my itinerary. I map out my whole week to ensure the success of my fun and drunkeness; don't believe me, just ask my friends.  

Being that this is my pre CIAA post, I thought I would share my moves with you guys and let you see what i have planned. 

Wednesday Night- Even though CIAA technically starts the last Monday in February, most "out of towners" dont start showing up to party until Thursday or Friday night.  Since I live in Charlotte, I start my festivities Wednesday night with the Warm Up.  

Now the Warm Up is exactly what it sounds like..... a warm up.  The Beta Rho Sigma graduate chapter of Phi Beta Sigma hosts this FREE event every year as a kickoff to the weekend.  I've been the past 2 years and was pleased with the turn out and great time I had.  It's more of a laid back event, 25 and up crowd but it's a nice atmosphere and you will get to mix and mingle with a few fellow greeks.

Thursday Night- Thursday nights are set aside for my Golden Bulls!  For the past 2 years on Thursday night during CIAA, JCSU alumni do what we do best... PARTY!  This is by far one of the best parties of CIAA to me.  The venues are usually nice and the drinks are on point but this event is more about the people.  Smithites from all generations band together for one unforgettable gold and blue night of music, fun and laughs.  This year, the Thursday Hook Up party will be at Empire.  I've never been to or heard of this club in Charlotte before but I'm sure the crowd and atmosphere will be the same this year like it is every year.
 For tickets, click the link below
http://www.eventbrite.com/e/hookahlife-charlotte-lex-bibbs-thursday-night-hook-up-club-empire-tickets-10574611949?aff=es2&rank=1&sid=714856d992b611e3892622000a9f4d4e

Friday Night- Friday night I am trying something new this year.  I usually do a lot of formal to semi formal events where everyone is dressed up and looking nice.  Whack!  I want to sweat and dance and feel like i did in college and that's why I'm going to the Grits & Biscuits party.  There has been a lot of buzz surrounding this down south party from all over and its guaranteed to be the move for your Friday night.  I looked up reviews from different cities and talked to people who went last CIAA and I've heard nothing but great things.  This year, G&B will be hosted at The Fillmore and they are expecting hundreds of people like last year.  The turn up is about to be real!  Here are a few tips the promoters thought would be helpful to those planning on attending.

Dress code- there is NONE- be comfortable
Bougie attitudes- you will look foolish
Suit jacket- rookie mistakes
Heels- rookie mistakes
Stretching- strongly suggested
Tickets- get them while they last
Fun- ALL NIGHT LONG

If you want to know more about this party, simply google Grits & Biscuits CIAA and for tickets please click the link http://www.livenation.com/events/330600-feb-28-2014-grits-biscuits-2014-21-w-valid-id

Saturday Night- Even though I was previously talking junk about the formal parties, I will be attending at least one this year.  Saturday night I will be living it up in the Bank of America building uptown for the Founders Hall party.  The pictures online look crazy and I've also spoken to people that went in previous years.  This party is guaranteed to be one of the biggest and livest parties of CIAA weekend.  You dont want to miss out on this one either.

Founders Hall CIAA party

If you want to know more about this party or buy tickets please click the link https://www.eventbrite.com/e/fanatic-finale-extreme-people-extreme-party-tickets-10492536459?ref=ebtn

That pretty much sums up my plans for CIAA 2014, feel free to visit any of the sites to purchase tickets or to  just check out any of the parties.  I will not be attending any day parties this year unfortunately but if you will be and want to know where the parties are visit www.mingleberry.com and click on events or www.eventbrite.com and search CIAA.

Please comment below and tell me your thoughts!