Upcoming arena renovations raise volleyball worries

A buzz around downtown Cedar Rapids could soon be no more.  That's if the U.S. Cellular Center can't accommodate the crowds for the Iowa State Volleyball Tournament.  Next year, city leaders plan to start renovating the site and that could spell trouble for large tournaments like this weekend's event.

“This has been a great tournament,” said IGHSAU Assistant Director Joel Oswald.

“The reason I come?  My daughter coaches here,” said fan Daniel Bresnahan.

Dubuque's Daniel Bresnahan waits eagerly to watch the games.  Fan attendance is up and 8 new teams are in the tourney.

“The facility here is so wonderful I remember playing here when I was at West High School,” said fan Megan Chapman.

But now there's concern over next year's tournament location.  That's because construction of the new event center will begin early next year, which includes renovating the U.S. Cellular Center.

“We've been assured they're going to start construction the Monday after the tournament and that's all we know,” said Oswald.

Iowa Girls High School Athletic Union Assistant Director Joel Oswald says the union wants to stay in Cedar Rapids for at least the next five years.

“We think it's important to not give all our state tournaments to one community,” said Oswald.

If you build it they will come.  That's what Cedar Rapids city leaders are hoping will happen after renovation and some at the tournament agree.

“In the long picture, my parents grew up in Cedar Rapids. It's my second home I think it'll do a lot for Cedar Rapids,” said Chapman.

“We look forward to the changes here and staying in Cedar Rapids,” said Oswald.