Cellular Center is back in business

 CEDAR RAPIDS -- The Cedar Rapids Ice Arena served its purpose.For four days each of the last two Novembers, it provided a fiesta-like venue, with fans close to the action.Most importantly, it probably saved the city's bacon in keeping the state volleyball tournament long-term."Did the possibility exist that we would leave? Probably, yes," said Mike Dick, executive director for the Iowa Girls High School Athletic Union. "But with the knowledge of what the end product would be, we never got really close to that point."The "end product," finally, is complete. The tournament returns downtown, to the U.S. Cellular Center, starting Tuesday."Personally, I'm thrilled to have it back here," said Sharon Cummins, USCC interim executive director. "This event has a significant impact on downtown, with all the teams coming from all over the state.  "I think, when people walk into the arena, they're going to be wowed. The building looks first-class."This year marks the 23rd consecutive year the event has been held in Cedar Rapids. The first 20 years were at the U.S. Cellular Center (formerly known as the Five Seasons Center). Renovation to the arena forced IGHSAU and city officials to find a temporary solution for 2011, then again for 2012.The Ice Arena was the best option."It really was a nice venue," said Western Christian Coach Tammi Veerbeek, whose team will make its 31st state appearance this week. "But I'm ready to go back to the U.S. Cellular Center. That's where I played, and that's where our teams have so many good memories."It feels like home."And there have been massive home improvements."Everything is new, fresh and exciting," Dick said. "It's still basically the same arena, but vastly improved. Fans will notice it in the concourse area and the restrooms, and the players will notice it in the locker rooms."As in the past, spectator seating will be in the balcony. The arena has 5,800 fixed seats. Instead of the old orange and red seats, they're a more neutral black, blue and gray.Each corner of the arena houses a large videoboard."From all I've heard, they have upgraded everything and things are very nice," said Ankeny Coach Dave Whims. "I'm sure I'll remember all the times I have been in that building, with teams playing in a spacious arena and looking up and seeing all the spectators."This is the type of venue that should hold such an event as this. A state-championship tournament is a very big thing, so let's do it right. It will put an extra sense of accomplishment, like, 'Wow, look at this place ... we get to play here.' "Solon libero Rylee Smith played at the Ice Arena in 2011 and 2012. She said she's "really excited" to step into the U.S. Cellular Center."I can't wait," she said. "There's definitely a lot of excitement about it. I hope the big crowds come out to watch."The first round is Tuesday and Wednesday, with semifinals in all classes Thursday, and championship matches Friday.Matches begin at 10 a.m. each day, with two courts running simultaneously Tuesday through Thursday, then one final at a time (starting with Class 5A) on Friday.West Delaware has made the state tournament eight times since 2003 under Brett Mather. The Hawks played at the U.S. Cellular Center seven times, then competed at the Ice Arena last year."The Ice Arena was fun, but from a coaching standpoint, I love the Cellular Center," Mather said. "It's a great place to play."Because of the city's breach of contract, due to the renovation, rent from the IGHSAU was waived at the Ice Arena in 2011 and 2012, and will be at the U.S. Cellular Center this year and next.Rent will be discounted 50 percent ($13,750) in 2015, then will go back to full rate of $27,500 in 2016, the final year of the current contract."The renovation and the displacement, it did cause some stress along the way," Dick said. "But the folks in Cedar Rapids were very receptive and made a great offer."When the contract runs out, we'll allow anybody to submit an offer. But with the long relationship we've had here, it's going to take something fantastic to beat it, and I think people will understand why when they step in the building (this) week."We're happy in Cedar Rapids, and I don't see any significant change anytime soon."