Titans to Move to Downtown Arena
August 15, 2013 - Indoor Football League (IFL)
Cedar Rapids River Kings News Release
Cedar Rapids, IA: When the Cedar Rapids Titans ownership announced the franchise back in August of 2011 at the groundbreaking ceremony for the US Cellular Center renovation in downtown Cedar Rapids, the team vowed to be a part of the rebuilding of the downtown district and have an impact on economic development in the area. The Titans echoed that vision this afternoon announcing that the soon-to-be third year Indoor Football League franchise would move from the Cedar Rapids Ice Arena, the team's home for the past two seasons to the newly renovated US Cellular Center. "We are thrilled to have the Cedar Rapids Titans make their home here at the U.S. Cellular Center arena. They are a great community organization whose 2014 season will bring fast-paced action, and quality family entertainment to downtown Cedar Rapids," said Gene Felling, Executive Director of the US Cellular Center arena.
Over the past several months the team has been exploring both options but in the end felt the downtown arena offered a better fit for long term success in the corridor. "Both the Ice Arena and the US Cellular are wonderful facilities. We want to ensure that our product stays in Cedar Rapids for many years and we felt the downtown setting offers us so many new opportunities to make sure that's what happens", said Titans Co-Owner/General Manager, Chris Kokalis.
Over the past two seasons the Titans have sold out 10 of the team's 14 regular season games averaging just over 4000 fans a game so seating capacity has been a challenge. "The new arena adds an additional 1500 seats for us to be able to grow our product and have an even greater involvement in the community." Kokalis announced that the team would offer free parking to season ticket holders & sponsors along with other additional benefits to groups, season ticket holders and sponsors. Tickets at the new arena will start as low as $8, which is $2 cheaper than at the Ice Arena. In addition the team will allow all fans on the field following each home game for autographs from players & coaches.
In making the move the Titans hope to get more of their fans to patronize the local downtown businesses on Titans game days. The team also hopes to work with the downtown businesses to offer special benefits to Titans fans such as discounts, etc.
The Titans will begin their third campaign in the Indoor Football League in February. The team finished with a 9-5 record in 2013 making it all the way to the United Conference Championship game. The team received several honors from the IFL including "Fan Base of the Year" and Titans Head Coach Mark Stoute receiving the "2013 IFL Coach of the Year" award.
Season tickets for the 2014 season are now on sale and can be purchased through the team's website www.cedarrapidstitans.com 8RtmKA0YIJ] or by calling 319-730-6301.
• Discuss this story on the Indoor Football League message board...
Indoor Football League Stories from August 15, 2013
- Titans to Move to Downtown Arena - Cedar Rapids River Kings
The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.
