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The numbers are in and the U.S.Cellular Center, a VenuWorks-managed, multi-purpose venue in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, reported its most profitable March in its history. The U.S. Cellular Center staff reported to the Five Seasons Facilities Commission—the government agency that oversees the venue—that the center recording $142,539.95 – hosting events and move-in/out days on 29 of 31 days – during the month.

"We were excited to see the final March numbers," said Scott Schoenike, Executive Director of the U.S. Cellular Center. "Our staff has worked non-stop since our relocation back into our offices in January to ensure that all events went smoothly through load ins and load outs."

The U.S. Cellular Center was damaged in the June 2008 due to the historic levels of flooding in Cedar Rapids. The arena floor sustained minimal damage and hosted a sold-out Taylor Swift concert just six weeks after the flood claimed over 10 square miles of the City with an estimated $6 billion in damages. The Paramount Theater, another VenuWorks managed facility in Cedar Rapids, remains closed. The U.S. Cellular Center has hosted events the Swift show, although administrative offices and the ticket office were displaced at the Cedar Rapids Ice Arena until January 2010.

In addition to a sign that the venue has fully recovered from the flood damage, the March record setting figures are doubly remarkable since they take place in a slow economy. The success seems a combination of knowing what events will appeal to the market, which includes Cedar Rapids, Waterloo and Iowa City and partnering with promoters and nearby venues. The March calendar included a record breaking event when Cirque du Soleil’s Alegria became the highest grossing show ever to play in Cedar Rapids. Other notable events included Avenue Q, NCAA Division III National Wrestling Championships and I.O.M.A. State Pool Tournament.

"We are working on series of partnerships with Hancher Auditorium which presented Avenue Q," said Schoenike. "We have booked the 2011 and 2012 NAIA National Wrestling Championships and have a two-year deal with the Iowa Operators of Music and Amusement to host the I.O.M.A. State Pool Tournament."

 The U.S. Cellular Center, a multi-use facility, is capable of hosting from 3,500 to 10,000 people and features Exhibition Space 161 10’ x 10’ booths in the Arena.