CHARLOTTE  – The Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association (CIAA) announces its partnership with Lockhart Entertainment (LE) and the addition of LE’s annual Celebrity Charity Basketball Game (CCBG) to the 2018 CIAA Tournament official event lineup.

Prlineupy held at Charlotte Grady Cole Center, LE will host the game during championship Saturday of tournament week. The 90-minute event will take place between the women’s and men’s finals, and is slated to tip-off at 3:30 p.m. at Spectrum Center. Alumni and fans can enjoy three, action-packed games without leaving their seats.

“The CIAA is excited about partnering with Lockhart Entertainment. The organization’s founders are former students of one of our member institutions and they are members of Charlotte community, which aligns with our goal of supporting the communities we call home and where our championships are held,” said Commissioner Jacqie McWilliams. “As we continue to evolve our tournament experience to include something for everyone who attends our games and official events, we felt Lockhart Entertainment was the right partner to bring an additional layer of excitement to the arena with their Celebrity Charity Basketball Game.”

Prior to its partnership with CIAA, Lockhart Entertainment produced three consecutive CCBGs at the Grady Cole Center, one of which sold out. Fans enjoyed a slam dunk contest and celebrity meet and greet at each game. Celebrity appearances at past games include: Floyd Mayweather, Cardi B, Migos, Lil Kim, EPMD, and Keke Palmer.

“The timing could not be better! We are extremely excited to be a part of the CIAA family–first as alumni and now, as business partners. Our firm has disclosed inventive ideas that will engage alumni, current students, along with the mass public during regular season and tournament week,” said Alex Lockhart, chief executive officer of Lockhart Entertainment. “This partnership reaffirms the CIAA’s commitment to community and competitive sportsmanship. Embracing our successful business model solidifies the Commissioner as an innovator in collegiate sports. Once again, continuing to raise the bar in their division.”

NOTE: For more information on the 2018 CIAA Tournament visit, CIAATournament.org and its official events. For more information about the conference, visit TheCIAA.com.