Thursday, November 12th at 10:00 AM

Event Policy: If your numbers get reduced or you need to cancel, please contact us as soon as possible to allow another group to attend as we will have limited capacity. [email protected] - This event has a no refund policy.

The CIAA Education Day associated with the CIAA Football Championship Weekend in Durham; North Carolina is a college and career readiness event designed primarily for high school students. The program connects students with representatives from Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs), colleges, employers, military programs, and community organizations to explore higher education, scholarships, leadership development, and career pathways. 

This event is geared towards high school sophomores, juniors, and seniors, as well as community college students, and provides students the opportunity to learn more about the importance of furthering their education and to explore and discover the exciting programs and experiences CIAA colleges and universities have to offer, which include. It also provides students the opportunity to learn more about the importance of furthering their education and to explore and discover the exciting programs and experiences CIAA colleges and universities have to offer, which include:

Bluefield State University
Bowie State University
Claflin University
Elizabeth City State University
Fayetteville State University
Lincoln University (PA)
Livingstone College
Johnson C. Smith University
Shaw University
Virginia State University
Virginia Union University
Winston-Salem State University
Attendees will attend a brief opening program with opening remarks and the purpose of the event. The rest of the time will be for students to navigate the various college/university and educational vendors at their own pace. We strongly encourage your students to visit each booth represented at the fair.

Thursday, October 1st – Saturday, October 31st

Event Policy: This event has a no refund policy.

The road to the championship ends here! Join us in Durham, North Carolina, for the 2026 CIAA® Football Championship Weekend, where the top teams in the Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association (CIAA®) will compete for postseason glory.

Championship Weekend begins Friday, November 13, with the No. 3 and No. 4 seeds facing off at 6:00 p.m. EST. Gates open at 5:00 p.m., and the tailgate opens to the public at 3:00 p.m. The excitement continues on Saturday, November 14, as the top two teams battle for the 2026 CIAA Football Championship title. Championship game kickoff is set for 3:00 p.m. EST, with gates opening at 2:00 p.m. and the tailgate opening to the public at 10:00 a.m.

Experience Historically Black College/University (HBCU) football at its finest, complete with high energy performances, spirited fans, and unforgettable gameday traditions. From the roar of the crowd to the electrifying halftime, CIAA Football Championship Weekend delivers a one-of-a-kind atmosphere celebrating culture, competition, and community.

Parking on both the home and visitor sides is $20 and cashless. If traveling by charter bus, please contact [email protected] for parking availability. Student and youth tickets are available on the day of each event at a discounted rate of $20 per ticket. For entry with a student/youth ticket, each patron must present a valid student ID.

Event policy: By purchasing a vendor pass to the 2026 CIAA Football Championship, you (“Ticket Holder”) agree to the following terms and conditions:

1. All Sales Final

All ticket purchases are non-refundable and non-transferable, except in the event of official cancellation by the CIAA. No exchanges will be provided for lost, stolen, damaged, or destroyed tickets.

2. Event Entry

Each vendor pass admits one (1) registered vendor or food truck into the designated access area specified on the ticket. A valid ticket, either in physical or digital format, must be presented for entry. The CIAA reserves the right to deny entry to any person not in compliance with event rules or security protocols. Please note you must have a game ticket to enter the tailgating zone.

3. Vendor Policy

Purchasers of vendor passes must agree to the full CIAA Vendor Waiver & Agreement upon purchase. Note only approved vendors and oversized vehicles are allowed in the zone and must arrive and be in place between 12:00 PM and 2:30 PM on day 1 or 5:00 AM and 8:00 AM on day 2 day. Oversized vehicles arriving after the designated time will not be permitted into the vendor area.

4. Food Vendor Rules and Regulations

All food vendors must agree to adhere to the rules and regulations of Durham County Memorial Stadium and the Durham County Public Health Department upon purchase and confirm their ability to meet all applicable requirements.

All food vendors must review the following documents and submit the required permit application accordingly:

TEMPORARY FOOD ESTABLISHMENT (TFE) GENERAL INFORMATION FAQ

TEMPORARY FOOD EVENT (TFE) VENDOR INFORMATION AND APPLICATION

If you are unsure whether a permit is required for your business, please contact the department at 919-560-7800 for assistance prior to purchasing your vendor pass. 

5. Safety & Security

All attendees must comply with stadium security screening procedures, including bag checks and prohibited item restrictions. The CIAA and venue security reserve the right to remove any individual engaging in unsafe, disruptive, or unlawful behavior without refund.

6. Weather Policy

The event is rain or shine. In the event of extreme weather or conditions deemed unsafe, the CIAA may postpone or reschedule the game. All tickets will remain valid for the rescheduled date.

7. Photography & Media Release

By entering the event, Ticket Holder grants permission for their likeness to be photographed, filmed, or recorded for promotional, media, or broadcast purposes without compensation.

8. Assumption of Risk

Attendance at the CIAA Football Championship is at your own risk. The CIAA, Durham County Memorial Stadium, and affiliated partners are not liable for injury, loss, or damage to persons or property.

To purchase CIAA Football Championship tickets, click here.