IGHSAU happy with volleyball's return to U.S. Cellular Center

CEDAR RAPIDS – After two years away, the state volleyball tournament made its return to the U.S. Cellular Center, and the Iowa Girls High School Athletic Union is thrilled to be back.

That's not to say the IGHSAU wasn't grateful to the Cedar Rapids Ice Arena, the interim home of the tournament – the IGHSAU Twitter even sent out a message early in the week wishing their former host well – but having a 'beautiful,' newly renovated home prompts wide smiles from everyone involved.

'We've been extremely happy, everything's gone really well,' said IGHSAU executive director Mike Dick. 'The Cedar Rapids people are just so cordial and so accommodating, and what a facility to be able to play in (in the U.S. Cellular Center).'

Through three days at the tournament, paid attendance sat at 21,356. Final tournament numbers, Dick said, won't be available until early next week.

The tournament attendance record – 27, 731, set at the U.S. Cellular Center in 2008 – likely won't be matched, but Dick said the final tally should land somewhere near last year's attendance of 26,823 at the Ice Arena.

'The crowds have been really good,' Dick said. 'Tuesday we were up (from last year in numbers), Wednesday and Thursday we were down a little, and (Friday) we hope to be up or equal again. It's kind of been an up-down, but very supportive and very accommodating people.'

The return to the downtown venue also saw a change in schedule.

In years past, the tournament had started Wednesday and finished with the finals on Saturday. This year, the tournament started on Tuesday and finished Friday.

As with any change in schedule, the response has been mixed.

'We've heard some of both (sides),' Dick said. 'The players and coaches have been very positive. We've heard from a few fans that thought they could've attended on Saturday (because they) couldn't get off work Friday, so we've had a few disgruntled people along the way.

'But all in all, you've got to try it to see. Attendance is going to be almost equal, we've put a little pizazz back in it, and the kids have liked it.'Dick said, like every year, the IGHSAU will review everything from the tournament and make a decision about next year's schedule based on those discussions.

But with the success they've seen – without really looking deep into the numbers – it's unlikely there will be a change.

'We will critique it when we get done, visit with our board and see,' Dick said. 'As of today, if I had to guess, I'd say we'll be the same next year.'