NCAA taps Upper Iowa University as host institution for 2013 Division II Women's Volleyball Championship
FAYETTE, Iowa (November 2, 2012) - Upper Iowa University has been selected as the host institution for the 2013 NCAA Division II Women's Volleyball Championship. According to the NCAA announcement, UIU will partner with the Cedar Rapids Convention and Visitors Bureau (CRACVB) to host the tournament at the U.S. Cellular Center in Cedar Rapids from December 12-14, 2013.
"We are deeply honored that the NCAA has once again entrusted Upper Iowa with hosting a prestigious national championship," said UIU Acting President Richard R. Patrick. "This is a well-deserved recognition of the contributions of our Peacock student athletes and coaches and the University's commitment to being the only Division II athletics program in Iowa."
Previously UIU hosted the 2008 NCAA Division II Wrestling Championships in partnership with the CRACVB, winning a sports tourism award for the success of the event. UIU had been selected to host the 2012 Division II Wrestling Championships in Cedar Rapids until the venue was changed to accommodate construction of the new U.S. Cellular Center.
"We could not be more pleased or proud to have been awarded the 2013 NCAA Division II volleyball Championships," said David Miller, UIU director of athletics. "This is a great compliment to the efforts of our staff, volunteers, and the Convention and Visitors Bureau and is a testament to the success of the 2008 championships. We plan to make this an even better event for all involved."
"Cedar Rapids has a long-standing relationship with the sport of volleyball, and we look forward to welcoming the NCAA Division II Women's Volleyball National Championships for the first time to the newly renovated U.S. Cellular Center!" said Mary Lee Malmberg, director of sports tourism for the CRACVB. "It was a pleasure partnering with Upper Iowa University Athletics to submit a proposal for this prestigious competition. Teams and spectators will enjoy the new amenities of the U.S. Cellular Center and the variety of food and entertainment options available in Downtown, Czech Village and New Bo areas."
About the Cedar Rapids Area Convention and Visitors Bureau
The Cedar Rapids Area Convention and Visitors Bureau (CRACVB) is the area's official destination management organization. The CRACVB is responsible for attracting new destination events to the community, providing service and support to existing and repeat events, providing comprehensive information to area visitors and helping drive decisions of future visitor product development. Locally the organization encourages community pride and educates the community on the value of visitors, tourism and travel. For more information, visit: www.cedar-rapids.com.
About Upper Iowa University
Founded in 1857, Upper Iowa University is a private, not-for-profit university providing undergraduate and graduate degree programs and leadership development opportunities to some 6,200 students—nationally and internationally—at its Fayette campus and learning centers worldwide. Upper Iowa University is a recognized innovator in offering accredited, quality programs through flexible, multiple delivery systems, including online and independent study. For more information, visit www.uiu.edu.
Contact:
Monica Bayer Heaton
Executive Director of Communications and Marketing
Phone 563-425-5773
Cell: 515-291-2070
heatonm@uiu.edu