"Speak Out" is an expression of opinion from the Editorial Board of WBTV, and is presented by General Manager, Nick Simonette.
It's one of the largest and most financially-successful basketball tournaments in the country.
It attracts more than 100 thousand fans each year.
In 2009, it pumped nearly 40 million dollars into the host city's economy.
And the tournament gave away millions of dollars to go toward college scholarships.
With those stats a city would be crazy to give that up.
Right?
Folks, that five-day tournament is held right here in Charlotte - at the Time Warner Cable Arena.
We're talking about the Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association, better known as the "C-I-Double A."
It's been in the Queen City for the past five years.
Now the contract is up next year and Charlotte must bid again to keep this successful tournament here.
We say, "Sign the papers now, so that the C-I-Double A can keep coming back."
When a tournament of this caliber comes to a city like Charlotte, not only does it bring diversity,
but all kinds of revenue to our restaurants, hotels and other entertainment venues.
Everyone wins.
Tournament leaders will decide in a few months if the C-I-Double A stays or goes.
We hope Charlotte leaders are coming up with a good plan to bring the tournament back here yet again.
During these tight times, we don't need another good financial investment to move to a different city or, more embarrassing, to another state.
Let's keep the C-I-Double A on our Home Court!
Tell us what YOU think. SpeakOut@wbtv.com.
