The complete project cost an estimated $144 million, making it the second largest convention and events centre in the state of Iowa. U.S. Cellular signed a 10-year agreement with the City for the naming rights of the Cedar Rapids convention center and arena for a total of $3.8 million, which is now known as the U.S. Cellular Center. Hilton also signed a 15-year agreement with the City for the franchise and management of the Crowne Plaza hotel, with the property now being known as the DoubleTree by Hilton.
The U.S. Cellular Center features a new exhibit hall, ballrooms, meeting rooms and pre-function space, along with a renovated events arena and renovated hotel with an additional ballroom and meeting room space. The 471,227 square foot complex offers 81,779 square feet of exhibit space, 12,359 square feet of ballroom space, and 19,383 square feet of meeting room space.
DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Cedar Rapids features spacious guest rooms and suites, catering to the business travelers. All suites are equipped with a 42-inch HDTV and high-speed Internet access with separate living and dining areas. A 24-hour fitness centre, an indoor pool, a rooftop restaurant, and a casual lounge called the Bud Light Lounge are also featured. The downtown Cedar Rapids hotel offers 80,000 square feet of meeting and banquet space, and can host a variety of special events for up to 10,000 guests.
The U.S. Cellular Center received various grants for the modernization including, the US Dept of Commerce EDA Grant of $35 million; State I-JOBS Grant of $15 million; the Hall-Perrine Foundation grant of $2.5 million; and estimated City Funds of $32 million.
