Downtown better prepared for volleyball visitors this year

The girls are back in town--high school girls volleyball participants, that is. And once again, they'll bring thousands of friends and fans to downtown Cedar Rapids to boost the local economy.

But those fans, and tournament participants, will find a downtown better equipped to play host this November.

The event, which first came to Cedar Rapids in 1991, regularly brings in about 30,000 visitors over the four days. Last year, just months after the flooding, visitors couldn't find as many eating or nightlife places open as usual downtown. But this year, it's a different story.

The Cedar Rapids Downtown District counted up 41 locally-owned eating or drinking establishments open downtown right now. That's actually four or five more than the pre-flood number.

One returning fan from Council Bluffs says he noticed the change. Mike Tekippe said "couple of years ago, there was a little more going on outside. But I think it's getting back to where it was."

Some downtown businesses say volleyball week in Cedar Rapids is the busiest of the year. So those who missed out last year are doubly anxious to see the visitors this year.

Mike Monnahan, Blue Strawberry owner, said "it's one of those things we had no control over. We reopened as soon as we could--about a month after the tournament last year."

Even though some downtown businesses didn't benefit from the crowds in 2008, the city as a whole continued a profitable partnership with volleyball organizers.

The tournament brings in just under $2-million dollars a year in direct economic activity. After 19 years, the total economic impact on the city should pass the $30-million dollar mark this year.

Dave Franzman, KCRG-TV