New date, new venue for Rivalry Saturday

CEDAR RAPIDS — The 14th edition of Rivalry Saturday will feature a brand-new venue and a different weekend.

Generally penciled in for the first Saturday of January at the U.S. Cellular Center, the girls' basketball event is set for Nov. 25 at the new arena at Coe College, director Scot Moenck said Monday morning.

'It makes sense to move to Coe,' Moenck said. 'It will being fans closer to the floor, which is a positive. I think it will make for a better atmosphere.

'It's still a college-size floor, and it's an opportunity to showcase the new arena.'

Moving it to the Saturday of Thanksgiving break is 'taking a chance,' Moenck said.

'There aren't a lot of games that weekend. We're hoping to catch some college kids home for break,' he said.

Four matchups have been nailed down in what is anticipated to again be an eight-game set.

Marion (24-2) and Linn-Mar (12-11) will meet at Rivalry Saturday for the fourth consecutive year. The Indians were Class 4A state runners-up last season.

In the other games, Center Point-Urbana (22-4) will face defending 4A state champion North Scott (21-5), North Linn (24-2) will meet Cascade (23-3), and Iowa City Regina (26-1) will play Bellevue (17-7).

The other four slots are expected to be filled in the coming weeks.

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