Charlotte Basketball Events Expected To Generate Over $100M in Economic Impact

The Charlotte Sports Foundation thinks its events this year will surpass $100 million in economic impact. The inaugural Dick Vitale Invitational and returning Ally Tipoff will bring ranked college basketball programs to town this week. That number shows growth from last year's $90.6 million.

The Dick Vitale Invitational will pit No. 6 Duke against Texas on Tuesday, Nov. 4, at Spectrum Center. On Nov. 9, the Ally Tipoff will showcase No. 9 N.C. State squaring off against No. 18 USC on the women's side.

CEO Will Pitts told Axios the organization will host five events across the next nine weeks. These games pump millions into the city.

CSF signed a three-year deal with Jordan Brand in 2021 for the Jumpman Invitational. That tournament had men's and women's programs from four schools with Jordan Brand deals: Florida, Michigan, North Carolina, and Oklahoma. The deal wasn't renewed.

Now the organization concentrates on building success for the Ally Tipoff and establishing the Dick Vitale Invitational as a legacy event. Both tournaments bring ranked teams to Spectrum Center in downtown Charlotte.

Duke appeared in the Final Four last season. The Blue Devils will open their regular season against the Longhorns on Tuesday at 8:45 p.m. on ESPN.

The week creates a busy stretch for college basketball fans in Charlotte. Both the men's and women's games will happen at Spectrum Center.

CSF's upcoming schedule has five events spanning nine weeks. The foundation has worked to bring well-known sporting events to the Queen City.

Last year's events brought in $90.6 million in economic impact for the area. This year's projected number would mean a 10% increase over that total.

The Duke vs. Texas matchup tips off at 8:45 p.m. on Tuesday, Nov. 4. Tickets start at $48.95.

N.C. State women take on the USC Trojans at 3 p.m. on Nov. 9. Tickets start at $33.