Mid-America Center

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Mid-America Center
MAC
Mid-America Center
Former namesMid-America Recreation and Convention Complex (planning/construction)
Address1 Arena Way
Location Council Bluffs, Iowa, U.S.
Owner City of Council Bluffs
Operator Caesars Entertainment
Capacity Concerts: 9,000
Hockey: 6,793
Basketball: 7,000
SurfaceMulti-surface
Construction
Broke ground June 2001
OpenedOctober 18, 2002;22 years ago (October 18, 2002)
Construction cost$75 million [1]
($131 million in 2024 dollars [2] )
Architect HNTB
Services engineerDF&H Services, PLLC. [3]
General contractor J.E. Dunn Construction Group [1]
Tenants
Omaha/River City Lancers (USHL) (2002–2009)
Iowa Blackhawks/Council Bluffs Express (APFL) (2004–2012)
Omaha Rollergirls (WFTDA) (2011–2012)
Iowa Rampage (AFL) (2024)
Website
Venue Website

Mid-America Center, commonly referred to as the MAC, is an arena and convention center located in Council Bluffs, Iowa, United States. The arena's maximum capacity is about 9,000 for concerts and 6,700 for ice hockey and arena football. The arena continues to provide free parking. Caesars Entertainment began managing the Center in 2012, taking over from SMG. [4]

Contents

It was the home of the Iowa Blackhawks of the APFL. [5] From 2002 to 2009, it hosted the Omaha Lancers of the USHL. [6] From February 19, 2011, to February 2013, it hosted roller derby bouts for the Omaha Rollergirls of the WFTDA. [7] The arena has also hosted events including family shows, community events, and has hosted notable bands and artists. The center has hosted the Omaha Press Club Show, Peel's Salon Shows, OWH Bridal Ideas Shows, River City Hunting & Fishing Expo, and Nebraska State Bridge Tournament, which hosts Warren Buffett and Bill Gates.

History

Mid-America Center was announced in August 1999, as the Mid-America Recreation and Convention Complex. [8] In November 2000, full plans for the arena were announced, with the intent to get $150 million from Vision Iowa. [9] Construction began in June 2001 and Mid-America Center officially opened on October 18, 2002. [10] [11]

By 2006, Mid-America Center needed $500,000 in city subsidies. Qwest Center, which opened in 2003, was also contributing factor to the arena's loss. [12]

In December 2011, it was announced that Harrah's Entertainment would take over as the operator of Mid-America Center. [4] Harrah's took over as the operator on July 1, 2012. [13]

Layout

Mid-America Center has a 30,000 square feet (2,800 m2) arena and a 24,500 square feet (2,280 m2) exhibit hall. The arena also includes several entrances, a kitchen, and ten meeting rooms. [14]

References

  1. 1 2 "Sports Business Journal".
  2. ↑ 1634–1699: McCusker, J. J. (1997). How Much Is That in Real Money? A Historical Price Index for Use as a Deflator of Money Values in the Economy of the United States: Addenda et Corrigenda (PDF). American Antiquarian Society. 1700–1799: McCusker, J. J. (1992). How Much Is That in Real Money? A Historical Price Index for Use as a Deflator of Money Values in the Economy of the United States (PDF). American Antiquarian Society. 1800–present: Federal Reserve Bank of Minneapolis. "Consumer Price Index (estimate) 1800–" . Retrieved February 29, 2024.
  3. ↑ DFH Services - DF&H Services, PLLC - Featured Projects Archived 2013-09-03 at the Wayback Machine
  4. 1 2 "Caesars to manage Bluffs arena". Omaha World-Herald. December 13, 2011.
  5. ↑ "Blackhawks will be back at MAC". The Daily Nonpareil. July 19, 2007. p. 11. Retrieved June 24, 2025.
  6. ↑ "Lancers:Move upsets Bluffs mayor". Omaha World-Herald. February 6, 2009. p. 2. Retrieved June 24, 2025.
  7. ↑ "Roller derby league switches venues for 2014 games". Omaha World-Herald. November 17, 2013. p. 15. Retrieved June 24, 2025.
  8. ↑ "Bluffs Considers Sports Facility Near Casinos". Omaha World-Herald. August 18, 1999. p. 16. Retrieved June 24, 2025.
  9. ↑ "Council Bluffs unveils arena plan". The Des Moines Register. November 22, 2000. p. 11. Retrieved June 24, 2025.
  10. ↑ "Construction of Arena To Start With a Toast". Omaha World-Herald. June 4, 2001. p. 11. Retrieved June 24, 2025.
  11. ↑ "Landscape centers around MAC". The Daily Nonpareil. December 28, 2002. p. 14. Retrieved June 24, 2025.
  12. ↑ "Council Bluffs aims for hoops at MAC". Omaha World-Herald. January 26, 2006. p. 18. Retrieved June 24, 2025.
  13. ↑ "City Council, Harrah's reach MAC agreement". The Daily Nonpareil. May 8, 2012. p. 1. Retrieved June 24, 2025.
  14. ↑ "Mid-America Center". Caesers. Retrieved June 24, 2025.

41°14′15″N95°53′23″W / 41.23750°N 95.88972°W / 41.23750; -95.88972

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