MEAC Likely to Leave Raleigh After 2008

RALEIGH, N.C. — The future of the MEAC basketball tournament in Raleigh is in doubt because the operators of the RBC Center have told city officials they won’t allow the tournament to be held at the arena rent-free.

“They notified the mayor they would not be able to support the tournament with free rental,” City Manager Russell Allen said.

Allen said Gale Force Holdings, which operates the RBC Center, has released the March dates usually occupied by the tournament to the NHL for the 2009 season rather than reserve them for the MEAC.

The Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference has a three-year deal that runs through the 2008 tournament, and Commissioner Dennis Thomas  said he is eager to remain in Raleigh. But free rent is a huge cost-saver for organizers of the six-day tournament, which is supported financially by the city and the Wake County.

Mayor Charles Meeker wrote the MEAC saying another bid was unlikely, Allen said.

“The mayor, after consulting with the other partners, has written to Dr. Thomas, essentially informing him of the letter from Gale Force and that he could not recommend the partners proceed with another three-year bid,” Allen said.

Dudley Flood, the chairman of the local MEAC steering committee, also said it was doubtful the tournament would remain in Raleigh.

“I would be surprised if there is a bid put forth,” Flood said. “As of this minute, the arena is not available to us. We don’t have a viable option unless there is something to make the arena available.”

Flood said his committee is looking to raise $940,000 for the 2008 tournament, with $200,000 coming from both the city and county. The rest has to be raised from private sources.

“We’ve tapped all the sources imaginable for that sort of support,” he said.