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2Chainz and Mýa to Headline CIAA Tournament Concerts at CFG Bank Arena

Multi‑platinum 2Chainz and R&B icon Mýa are set to headline concerts tied to the CIAA tournament, bringing major nightlife events and economic activity to downtown Baltimore during tournament week.

Lisa Park3 min read
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2Chainz and Mýa to Headline CIAA Tournament Concerts at CFG Bank Arena
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Multi‑platinum hip‑hop artist 2Chainz and R&B singer Mýa are scheduled to headline music events tied to the Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association tournament in Baltimore, drawing late night crowds and tournament visitors to downtown venues during CIAA week. Sources list headline activity at CFG Bank Arena and a series of ticketed parties at Power Plant Live!, underlining the weekend’s mix of arena programming and nightlife commerce.

2Chainz is booked as the Tip‑Off Friday headliner at Power Plant Live! on Friday, February 27, 2026, with an Eventbrite listing showing the event runs 9PM to 2AM and a DJ lineup that includes DJ Flow, DJ Camo, DJ Shaun Nyce, DJ P Drama, and DJ 5'9". The Eventbrite page promotes the takeover of seven club spaces inside Power Plant Live! at 34 Market Pl, Baltimore, MD 21202, and promises amenities such as open bar (select hours and venues), premium hookah, cigars by Ms Novelty, VIP booths with bottle service, and on‑site food vendors. Eventbrite contact for questions is 919.589.3258. The Banner reports that Mýa will headline the Only R&B 4 Me Block Party at Power Plant Live! on Saturday, February 28, 2026.

At the same time, other sources explicitly describe headline events taking place at CFG Bank Arena during tournament week. Coverage and the CIAA press release language name CFG Bank Arena as a site for official CIAA headline performances, while Eventbrite and The Banner locate the late‑night Tip‑Off and Block Party at Power Plant Live!. Organizers and media present both venue attributions; confirmatory details from CIAA or venue promoters should be checked before finalizing travel or ticket plans.

The CIAA tournament mixes sport, culture, and economic activity. The conference fields 12 member institutions and the 2026 schedule is described in press material as showcasing 22 men’s and women’s championship matchups. The Banner lists competing schools including Bowie State University, Johnson C. Smith University, Lincoln University of Pennsylvania, Shaw University, Virginia State University, Virginia Union University, and others. Defending champions noted are Virginia State University men’s team and Fayetteville State University women’s team.

City leaders highlight the tournament’s economic lift and community investment. The 2024 event generated $32.5 million for Baltimore, created 1,315 job opportunities, and produced $3.1 million in state and local taxes. Estimates for 2025 show roughly 15,000 student‑athletes and fans arriving for festivities and more than 1,000 local jobs supported that month. Gov. Wes Moore said, “In the last three years, the CIAA tournament has generated $109 million in total economic impact for Baltimore - and its continued presence will not only boost our economy but also advance our shared commitment to equity and opportunity for all Marylanders.” Conference leaders also note the tournament funds millions of dollars in scholarships and serves as a celebration of HBCU culture.

Data visualization chart
CIAA Economic Impact

The weekend programming goes beyond games, with FanFest, step shows, a Hall of Fame breakfast, career expos, town halls on health and financial wellness, and other community events planned. CIAA Commissioner Jacqie McWilliams Parker framed the tournament as more than athletics: “The Food Lion CIAA Men’s and Women’s Basketball Tournament is more than a competition, it is a powerful reflection of our history, our resilience, and our continued impact on generations of student‑athletes and communities.”

For Baltimore residents and small businesses, the weekend promises both opportunity and logistics: increased foot traffic, late‑night activity, and pressure on transit, public safety, and health services. The Eventbrite promotion captures the nightlife pitch: “One Ticket. Seven Experiences. Unlimited Vibes.” Organizers and attendees should confirm official CIAA game dates and final venue assignments with CIAA or CFG Bank Arena before making plans, as some sources list different tournament calendars. The festival atmosphere will continue to fuse sport, culture, and economic impact for Charm City as CIAA weekend approaches.

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