The Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association basketball tournament tips off today for the fifth time in Charm City, bringing an abundance of culture, celebrity and, unfortunately, traffic.

The Baltimore City Department of Transportation warned motorists of lane closures near CFG Bank Arena, where the 22-game tournament will be held much of this week, causing heavy traffic downtown.

The tournament, hosted by the oldest Black athletic conference, is in its 80th year.

The teams competing are Prince George’s County’s Bowie State University and Bluefield State University, Claflin University, Elizabeth City State University, Fayetteville State University, Johnson C. Smith University, Lincoln University of Pennsylvania, Livingstone College, Shaw University, Virginia State University, Virginia Union University and Winston-Salem State University

In 2025, over 32,000 people attended the tournament, Ari Hamilton, a spokesperson for Visit Baltimore, the city’s tourism agency, said in an email. Nearly 75% of those people traveled outside Baltimore, Hamilton said.

Along with the games, people can look forward to events throughout the week, such as Fan Fest and the step shows, and star-studded parties on the weekend, including the Tip-Off Friday Party featuring rapper 2 Chainz and the Only R&B 4 Me Block Party, which singer Mýa will headline.

If you’re among those looking to enjoy the tournament and festivities in the city and around it, here’s what you need to know.

Lane closures

BCDOT said these lanes will be closed Tuesday through Feb. 27 from 7-11:59 p.m. and on Feb. 28 from 3-8 p.m.

• Howard Street left lane closure from Camden to Pratt streets
• Lombard Street right lane closure from Hopkins Place to Howard Street
• Baltimore Street left lane closure from Howard Street to Park Avenue
• Pratt Street left lane closure from Eutaw to Howard streets

Parking garages

If you drive to the game, there are parking garages near the arena and downtown. Here’s a list of some based on affordability ($15.99 or cheaper) and proximity to the arena (a 10-minute walk or less):

• 310 W. Baltimore St. (Centerpoint Garage): $10.99
• 36 S. Charles St.: $15.99
• 100 N. Eutaw St. (Springhill Suites Baltimore Convention Center Valet): $15.99
• 107 N. Eutaw St./308 W. Fayette St. (Atrium Garage): $15.99
• 10 E. Lombard St.: $15.99
• 30 Light St.: $15.99
• 229 W. Saratoga St.: $15.99
• 17 Light St. (Residence Inn Valet): $15.99
• 227 N. Liberty St. (Charles Plaza Lot): $14.99
• 120 E. Redwood St. (Springhill Suites Inner Harbor Valet): $15.99
• 131 E. Redwood St. (Hampton Inn & Suites Downtown Valet): $15.99
• 1 Light St./108 E. Redwood St.: $14.99
• 101 S. Calvert St. (Gallery Garage): $10.99
• 222 N. Charles St. (Charles Plaza Garage): $11.99
• 200 St. Paul St.: $11.49
• 16 W. Saratoga St. (Brown’s Arcade Garage): $7.99
• 200 E. Lombard St.: $16.28
• 208 Water St. (Water Street Garage): $14.24
• 18 W. Saratoga St.: $11.94

Public transportation

For those looking to commute with ease, BCDOT recommends the Orange Route of the Charm City Circulator. It’s the city’s free bus service that makes over 100 stops across Mount Vernon, Federal Hill and Harbor East — including one at CFG Bank Arena.