CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Charlotte bars and restaurants are benefiting from this week’s CIAA Tournament in uptown, hoping their sales quadruple from last year.
Hundreds filled the convention center for CIAA Fan Fest on Friday, and this weekend, fans are celebrating another year at local bars.
Channel 9 coverage on CIAA security:
- Contract with Charlotte up in 2020; CIAA focused on future
- Every CMPD officer will work Friday for CIAA, Billy Graham funeral
- City cracks down on club owners during CIAA Tournament
- Channel 9 rides along as CMPD checks bars, clubs ahead of CIAA weekend
- Fans concerned about continued violence at CIAA afterparties
The music is loud and people are ready to have a good time.
“I'm really excited about Morehead's Tavern because they said it's old school,” CIAA fan Camella Battle said. “Look, I'm going to feel young.”
Bar and restaurant owners and managers in uptown said they love having the extra people.
“It's been fantastic. It's been great,” said Kat Johnson, manager at The Local in uptown.
The CRVA says close to 80 percent of CIAA fans travel more than 50 miles to stay in Charlotte for at least four days.
Officials said they expect the economic impact to exceed the $47.4 million made last year.
“I would definitely say quadruple sales,” Johnson said.
Some crews are working double to take care of traveling guests.
Some bars are hosting parties throughout the weekend hoping to leave with extra gains. Bars are also adding extra security.
“We have parties during the day now,” said Tori Thomas, of 204 North Kitchen and Cocktail. “We have parties upstairs. We have parties downstairs. We have been able to book parties at night."
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