DURHAM, N.C. (WTVD) -- Thousands of people packed Durham County Memorial Stadium on Saturday afternoon for the CIAA championship, which returned to Durham for the first time in a decade .

"This should be a wake-up to Durham, Raleigh, and any surrounding area to try to get to see CIAA back. It's going to help businesses," said Stephenie Baldwin, a Johnson C. Smith University alum originally from the Triangle who traveled in from Charlotte.

Johnson C. Smith defeated Virginia Union 45-21 to claim its first CIAA Championship since 1969.

Durham Mayor Leo Williams is hopeful that Saturday's success can help attract future events .

"We want to have a strong community, want to have a vibrant economy. We want to keep our buses fare-free," Williams said. "We want to make sure we have more m

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