Pinky Cole Hayes Named Official Ambassador for the 2026 Food Lion CIAA Men’s and Women’s Basketball Tournament

The Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association (CIAA), the oldest historically Black athletic conference in the nation, has announced that entrepreneur and Baltimore native Pinky Cole Hayes will serve as an official ambassador for the 2026 Food Lion CIAA Men’s and Women’s Basketball Championship Tournament. The tournament returns to Baltimore in February 2026, and organizers say Cole Hayes will help bring even more energy, visibility, and hometown pride to one of Black college sports’ biggest weeks.

Cole Hayes, a proud member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. and a graduate of Clark Atlanta University, is widely known as the founder of Slutty Vegan and Bar Vegan. She has built one of the most influential plant-based food brands in the country. What started as a single concept in Atlanta has expanded into major cities including New York City, Dallas, and most recently her hometown of Baltimore. Beyond her culinary empire, she leads The Pinky Cole Foundation, which provides resources, mentorship, and entrepreneurial support to underserved communities.

According to CIAA her story of hustle, creativity, community service, and fearless entrepreneurship makes her a fitting face for the CIAA’s return to Baltimore.

“Pinky Cole’s story reflects everything we hope to ignite through the CIAA — pride, perseverance, and purpose,” said CIAA Commissioner Jacqie McWilliams Parker. “Her Baltimore roots, entrepreneurial drive, and commitment to giving back make her the perfect ambassador to connect with our fans and future leaders as we bring the 2026 Tournament home to Charm City.”

For Cole Hayes, the appointment is both personal and symbolic.
“Everything I am started in Baltimore,” she said. “This city taught me how to be fearless and independent, to hustle hard, and to show up with heart. Being named a 2026 CIAA Tournament Ambassador feels like coming home to celebrate the people and the place that shaped me. I can’t wait to pour that same Baltimore energy into this incredible event.”

The 2026 CIAA Basketball Tournament, scheduled for February 24–28, 2026, will once again take over CFG Bank Arena and the surrounding city with a weeklong celebration of HBCU culture. Fans can expect all the signature CIAA traditions, including:

• 22 men’s and women’s basketball games
• The legendary FREE 2-Day Fan Fest
• Education Day and the Career Expo
• Greek Night, step shows, and Divine Nine events
• Concerts, day parties, celebrity appearances, and more

With Baltimore recently extending its partnership with the CIAA through 2029, the city continues its role as host to one of the most anticipated annual gatherings in HBCU sports. Each year, the tournament transforms the city into a hub of alumni pride, student spirit, athletic excellence, and Black cultural celebration.

Tickets for the 2026 tournament are now available at CIAATournament.org, where fans can also book hotels and get updates on all official events.