DURHAM, N.C. (WTVD) — Thousands gathered at Durham County Memorial Stadium on Saturday afternoon for the CIAA football championship, marking the event’s return to the city after a 10-year absence. The atmosphere was electric as fans cheered on their teams, with Johnson C. Smith University defeating Virginia Union 45-21 to secure its first conference title since 1969. n nFor alumni like Stephenie Baldwin, who traveled from Charlotte, the event was more than just a game. “This should serve as a signal to Durham, Raleigh, and nearby regions that hosting the CIAA pays off. It brings real benefits to local enterprises,” she said. n nDurham Mayor Leo Williams highlighted the broader economic advantages of hosting large-scale events. “We’re building a dynamic economy and a thriving community. Events like this generate the revenue needed to support affordable housing and keep public transit free,” Williams explained. n nThe financial impact is substantial. Last year, sports events coordinated by the Durham Sports Commission contributed over $14 million to the local economy—a number expected to grow as the city continues to attract major competitions. n nAttendees like Peter Holman, also a Johnson C. Smith graduate, emphasized the ripple effect on service sectors. “From hotels and dining to ride-sharing services, there’s a noticeable boost. I’m here not only for the game but also for an Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Inc. conference, so I’ve been spending across multiple areas,” he said. n nBilly Dupree, a Durham native and student leader at Johnson C. Smith, noted the city’s transformation. “It used to be just a place to pass through. Now, it’s a destination. People come here intentionally,” he added. n nLocal entrepreneurs are also reaping the rewards. Donald Mercer, representing Favor Desserts, set up shop near the stadium to serve the influx of visitors. “Having the championship back in Durham means more people get to enjoy our treats and helps energize the local scene,” Mercer said. n nCity officials stress that out-of-town guests play a crucial role in sustaining economic momentum. “Residents might visit a restaurant or shop once every few weeks, but visitors spend daily—on lodging, meals, and retail. Both teams came from distant cities, filling hotels and circulating money throughout the community. That kind of activity creates a significant financial uplift,” the mayor stated. n— news from ABC11
— News Original —
CIAA Championship draws big crowds, ‘massive’ economic impact for Durham
DURHAM, N.C. (WTVD) — Thousands of people packed Durham County Memorial Stadium on Saturday afternoon for the CIAA championship, which returned to Durham for the first time in a decade. n n”This should be a wake-up to Durham, Raleigh, and any surrounding area to try to get to see CIAA back. It ‘s going to help businesses,” said Stephenie Baldwin, a Johnson C. Smith University alum originally from the Triangle who traveled in from Charlotte. n nJohnson C. Smith defeated Virginia Union 45-21 to claim its first CIAA Championship since 1969. n nDurham Mayor Leo Williams is hopeful that Saturday ‘s success can help attract future events. n n”We want to have a strong community, want to have a vibrant economy. We want to keep our buses fare-free,” Williams said. “We want to make sure we have more money to support and supplement affordable housing. We have to generate that revenue, and this is how we do it.” n nLast year, the Durham Sports Commission had an economic impact of just more than $14 million, a figure that could rise as the city hosts more games. n n”I think it ‘s going to be great, from the hotel combination stays, restaurants, I ‘m definitely supporting the local Uber drivers getting to and from places,” said Peter Holman, a Johnson C. Smith alum. Holman said he is also in Durham for an Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Inc. conference. n n”First, the city was somewhere you could stay; it was comfortable. But now it ‘s actually somewhere you come and visit. And Durham is a staple,” added Billy Dupree, originally from Durham and the junior class president at Johnson C. Smith. n nDonald Mercer with Favor Desserts was one of several businesses stationed in and around the stadium, capitalizing on the large crowds. n n”I ‘m glad they ‘re back here, because they can enjoy the taste of the sweet treats we have out here for everybody and bring a lot of activity to Durham as well,” said Mercer. n nThe mayor said visitors are important for the Bull City. n n”When I talk about large event facilities like a convention center or a stadium, or sportsplex, the reason why I ‘m talking about that is because locals spend money about once every other month at an establishment. Visitors spend money every night. This is a massive economic impact for us,” the mayor said. “Both teams are coming into Durham from other cities far away to the point where they need a hotel room. And so our hotels are sold out. When they leave the hotel, they ‘re shopping at stores locally. They are buying food at our restaurants. They are spending money.”