Mid-America Center

History

Mid-America Center was announced in August 1999, as the Mid-America Recreation and Convention Complex. Originally proposed as a 120,000 sqft arena, it was comparably smaller to that of the then-under development Qwest Center in Omaha, Nebraska. Additionally, the Omaha Lancers were announced to become the first tenants of the arena, following the closure of the Ak-Sar-Ben arena. In November 2000, full plans for the arena were announced, with the intent to get $150 million from Vision Iowa.

Construction began in June 2001 and Mid-America Center officially opened on October 18, 2002. By 2006, Mid-America Center was losing needed $500,000 in city subsidies. Qwest Center, which opened in 2003, was also contributing factor to the arena's loss. In December 2011, it was announced that Harrah's Entertainment would take over as the operator of Mid-America Center. Harrah's took over as the operator on July 1, 2012.

Tenants

Omaha Lancers

The Omaha Lancers of the United States Hockey League were the first home team in Mid-America Center. Originally speculated to move to the arena in 1999, the Lancers officially moved to the arena in 2002, following the closure of the Ak-Sar-Ben arena. The Omaha Lancers later moved back to Omaha at the former Omaha Civic Auditorium in 2009.

Iowa Blackhawks/Council Bluffs Express

The Iowa Blackhawks were an arena football team and a member of the American Professional Football League. Formed in 2004, the Blackhawks used Mid-America Center as their home arena. They later re-branded to the Council Bluffs Express in 2011. The team later moved to Lincoln, Nebraska and re-branded again to the Lincoln Haymakers.

Iowa Rampage

The Iowa Rampage of the Arena Football League was an arena football team that used Mid-America Center as their home arena. The team was formed in 2023 following the re-launch of the original AFL and they began playing in 2024. The team was abruptly folded that same year.

Other tenants

Along with its use as the home arena for several teams, Mid-America Center is also used to host several conventions and other sporting events. The center is used to host Anime NebrasKon. From February 19, 2011, to February 2013, it hosted roller derby bouts for the Omaha Rollergirls of the WFTDA.

Layout

Mid-America Center has a 30,000 sqft arena and a 24,500 sqft exhibit hall. The arena also includes several entrances, a kitchen, and ten meeting rooms. In total, the arena can hold up to 2,750 people. Mid-America Center was designed by HNTB and was built by J.E. Dunn Construction.

References

References

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2. [http://www.dfhservices.com/DF&H-Services,-PLLC-Featured-Projects.html DFH Services - DF&H Services, PLLC - Featured Projects] {{webarchive. link. (2013-09-03)
3. (2007-07-19). "Blackhawks will be back at MAC". The Daily Nonpareil.
4. (1999-08-18). "Bluffs Considers Sports Facility Near Casinos". Omaha World-Herald.
5. (2000-11-22). "Council Bluffs unveils arena plan". The Des Moines Register.
6. (2001-06-04). "Construction of Arena To Start With a Toast". Omaha World-Herald.
7. (2002-12-28). "Landscape centers around MAC". The Daily Nonpareil.
8. (2006-01-26). "Council Bluffs aims for hoops at MAC". Omaha World-Herald.
9. (December 13, 2011). "Caesars to manage Bluffs arena". Omaha World-Herald.
10. (2012-05-08). "City Council, Harrah's reach MAC agreement". The Daily Nonpareil.
11. (2009-02-06). "Lancers:Move upsets Bluffs mayor". Omaha World-Herald.
12. Boone, Tony. (September 12, 2012). "Council Bluffs Express moving to Lincoln". SouthWest Iowa News.
13. Dvorak, Gina. (2024-05-03). "Iowa Rampage arena football team abruptly ends inaugural season".
14. (2013-11-17). "Roller derby league switches venues for 2014 games". Omaha World-Herald.
15. "Mid-America Center".