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New Naming Rights for CR Arena, Hotel, & Convention Center

By Jeff Winfield Oct 23, 2020 | 10:39 AM

Alliant Energy and the City of Cedar Rapids announced a naming rights agreement for the city-owned downtown hotel, convention center and arena complex formerly known as the U.S. Cellular Center. It will now be named the Alliant Energy PowerHouse. The new 12-year agreement between the City and Alliant Energy was effective July 1, 2020.

“We’re excited for this new partnership that reinforces our purpose to serve customers and build strong communities,” said Terry Kouba, Alliant Energy’s Senior Vice President of Utility Operations and President of the Iowa energy company. “Supporting Cedar Rapids and all communities we serve throughout the state is vitally important to us. The Alliant Energy PowerHouse will support growth and economic development while providing long-lasting memories for our customers. Whether it’s through concerts, sporting events or weddings, we’ll be proud to be a small part of the memories our customers experience at events at the Alliant Energy PowerHouse.”

In the coming weeks, people visiting the Alliant Energy PowerHouse can expect to see updated signs  on both the interior and exterior of the building along with a refreshed look on the CREventsLive.com website and social media channels.

“We are extremely thankful for another partnership with such an outstanding organization in our community,” said Cedar Rapids Mayor Brad Hart. “Alliant Energy has always been a key supporter of the Cedar Rapids community, and we will all be proud to see the Alliant Energy PowerHouse name on the front of this important Cedar Rapids facility.”

The 12-year agreement’s value starts at $300,000 per year and includes an option for Alliant Energy to renew for an additional five years. The company’s investment is being fully funded by corporate shareowner dollars.

Originally known as the Five Seasons Center, the complex originally opened its doors to the public in 1979. Later named the U.S. Cellular Center, the venue closed in 2012 and underwent a complete renovation; it reopened in 2013 fully-owned by the City of Cedar Rapids and was leased to the DoubleTree by Hilton.  Featuring 267 hotel rooms, 82,000 square feet of meeting space and a 9,000-seat arena, the complex welcomes more than 300,000 guests per year through a variety of events and programming