In case you weren't aware of the reason for the increased vehicle and pedestrian traffic in downtown Cedar Rapids this week, it's volleyball time! The 2021 Girl's State Volleyball Tournament begins today at the Alliant Energy Powerhouse Arena. Teams from schools around the state and many from right here in Eastern Iowa will begin their journey either today or Tuesday, towards the state championship.

Eastern Iowa is once again well represented with area teams qualifying for the tournament. Matches begin at noon today at the Alliant Energy Powerhouse Arena. Today's matches involving area teams include;

Class 4A

#1 Western Dubuque vs. #8 Bishop Heelan at 4 p.m.

#4 Cedar Rapids Xavier vs. #5 Marion at 6 p.m.

Class 5A

#1 Iowa City Liberty vs. #8 Johnston at 12 p.m.

#4 Cedar Falls vs. #5 Dowling Catholic at 2 p.m.

1A, 2A, and 3A first-round matches will be held on Tuesday. You can see the complete tournament bracket HERE.

The Girl's State Volleyball Tournament in Cedar Rapids is a tradition that has been going on for some 30 years. But its future is now in doubt. The Iowa Girl's High School Athletic Union says that they will discuss the future location of the tournament at a meeting of its board of directors on November 3rd, according to the Cedar Rapids Gazette. A ten-year deal signed in 2011 with Cedar Rapids is about to expire. There is no indication that the tournament is leaving, but the board will listen to other offers.

From who? How about the new Xtreme Arena in Coralville. It is already the home of the University of Iowa volleyball program and could be a natural next location for the state tournament. So enjoy 2021 Cedar Rapids. It could be the end of a great high school sports tradition.

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