USCC renovations impact on State Duals unknown

Today's edition of The Gazette contained a story from Dave Franzman, who provided content about the plans for a $67 million Event Center in downtown Cedar Rapids and the current U.S. Cellular center.In the story, Franzman mentions that the 80 to 90 annual concerts, shows and events will stop for a year during the project.USCC director Scott Schoenike said he isn't accepting events scheduled between August 2011 and November 2012. The only event that is factored in to the reconstruction work is the IGHSAU state volleyball tournament.This begs the question: What about the 2012 State Duals tournament that would be held at the end of February that year?The State Duals has been a welcome site bringing in wrestling fans and teams in from all over the state, albeit for a short period of time. Still, many people have suggested the State Duals would benefit from a centralized location, including Des Moines or Ames. Hopefully, this won't be the reason needed to move the tournament.My first thought, since I believe VenueWorks runs both the USCC and C.R. Ice Arena, that the State Duals can be moved to the Ice Arena for one year. The Arena holds about 4,200 people (a little more than 3,000 less than USCC), including its standing-room only on the concourse. There should be plenty of room for six mats and is equipped with locker rooms and another rink that can be used for wrestlers to warm up.I have attended NCAA Division III National and IIAC Championships and a Class 3A district tournament at Young Arena and wouldn't think the floor space would be a problem for the tournament. I have no idea what attendance numbers have been at the State Duals, but I do know they haven't been sellouts, demanding the entire arena, so the smaller venue may work just fine.Schoenike even suggested that he might ask some events that are already booked about switching venues to the ice arena. I've seen how the events staff transformed two ice rinks into horseshoe pits without trouble. I know they'd be able to set up for the tournament, and sounds like they'd certainly consider it, if needed.It may be a moot point. I sent an email to IHSAA Assistant Executive Director Alan Beste and IHSAA Information Director Bud Legg about the possible dilemma. Part of the response I received from Legg said, "we are aware of renovations taking place at the US Cellular Center, but have seen no plans or how it will impact us."The last time a site that hosted a state wrestling tournament underwent renovations brought us a 4-day state tournament, changing the previous 3-day format. This may bring a similar change to how State Duals is conducted, but then again it could be nothing at all.