Mid-America Center

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]

Mid-America Center

MAC
Former names	Mid-America Recreation and Convention Complex (planning/construction)
Address	1 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
Surface	Multi-surface
Construction
Broke ground	June 2001
Opened	October 18, 2002; 22 years ago (October 18, 2002)
Construction cost	$75 million[1] ($131 million in 2024 dollars[2])
Architect	HNTB
Services engineer	DF&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

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]