Arena chief in search of temporary venue once Cell Center closes

The U.S. Cellular Center arena will close around Aug. 11 for a little more than a year for renovation, and Scott Schoenike, who manages the city's entertainment venues for VenuWorks, is trying to figure out how to move some key arena events elsewhere in the city.

Schoenike told the city's Five Seasons Facilities Commission on Wednesday that he hoped to move the annual state volleyball tournament and some national wrestling meets to the city's Ice Arena. But he noted that the use of the Ice Arena was limited because it is needed for several months by the RoughRiders hockey team.

Schoenike also said he was eager to find a substitute venue for the annual home show and Rollergirls roller derby competitions.

The Crowne Plaza Five Seasons Hotel, which is attached to the arena, is slated to close Feb. 11 for renovation and to reopen in late 2012.

The U.S. Cellular Center arena's renovation is part of the Cedar Rapids Convention Complex project, which includes the construction of a new convention center next to the arena and hotel. The arena is slated to reopen in November 2012 once it closes in August 2011, Schoenike said.