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Omaha LancersArena Name: Mid-America Center
Capacity: 6,924 (for hockey)
Built: 2002
Address: One Arena Way, Council Bluffs, Iowa, 51501
Telephone No: (712) 323-0536
Ice Surface Size: Regulation
Franchise Date: 1986-87
USHL Championships: 6, 1989-90, 1990-91, 1992-93, 1993-94, 1997-98, 2000-01
Anderson Cup Championships: 4, 1989-90, 1992-93, 2001-02, 2004-05
Colors: Orange, Blake & White
Official Web Site: http://www.lancers.com/
Unofficial Sites: Lancer Chat
Google Satellite: Click Here
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| Mid-America Center |
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| What's the Arena Like? |
The Mid-America Center opened for the 2002-2003 season. The Omaha Lancers had decided to move into the brand new arena in Council Bluffs. The Lancers had spent many years in Omaha, playing at the old Ak-Sar-Ben Coliseum. When they moved, the team name was changed from "Omaha" to "River City" in an attempt to not offend Council Bluffs residents by calling them Omaha, and to not offend Omaha residents by calling them the Council Bluffs Lancers. During the games, they PA announcer will not say "Omaha Lancers" but only "Lancers.".
Much like the Tyson Events Center, the MAC features bowl seating in the shape of a "U". Unlike the TEC, the seats are quite steep and makes it harder for someone sitting in front of you to obstruct your view. The MAC also features suites above the seating area on both sides.
As far as concessions, it's pretty similar to the TEC as well. These two arenas are nearly identical in many ways. Concessions are not an exception.
The only real complaint I have about the MAC is the lack of atmosphere the place has. The arena is also quite bland, and doesn't say it's the home of the Lancers.
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| Future
Developments |
As far as I know, there are no further developments scheduled for the Mid-America Center.
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| What Is It Like For Away Fans? |
As an opposing fan, there was no intimidation factor at all. Their fans seem quite mellow.
Intimidation Factor: LOW
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| Inside the MAC |
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How To Get There |
From I29 and I80: Take the Council Bluffs exit (1B). It will be the first one when I29 merges onto I80, and also the first for those coming in on I80. Go to the lights and make a left. Go to "Mid-America Drive" and make a left (the lights by Shell and Pilot gas stations.) Follow the road around the curves and go slightly past the casino entrance and make a right.
Parking is on-site and free.
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| Admission
Prices |
Rinkside Seating $14
Reserved Seating $12
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| Franchise History |
The Omaha Lancers opened up shop in 1986. That inaugural team holds the most infamous record in the league. They own the worst record in league history, by posting an 0-48-0-2 record. Since then, though, the Lancers have emerged as one of the most elite franchises in the USHL. The Lancers have gone on to claim six Clark Cups. In 2001-2002, the Lancers played their final season in the Ak-Sar-Ben Coliseum. They made the Clark Cup Finals that year, but would end up losing Game 5 in Omaha to Sioux City. The following year, they would move across the river to the Mid-America Center in Council Bluffs and be called the River City Lancers. A group purchased the team and Mario Lemieux decided to make them go by the Omaha Lancers so people could find where they were on a map. Head coach Mike Hastings just recently moved into first all time for career wins. He passed Bob Ferguson, who held the record for quite some time at 517 career wins.
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| Local
Rivals |
Sioux City, Lincoln, and Des Moines.
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Places to Eat Near the MAC |
The area around the arena has really blown up over the years. Right at the arena, there is a Famous Dave's, along with a Quaker Steak & Lube. If you're more of the fast food type, there is an Arby's located with the Pilot gas station as you are on your way to the arena.
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Feedback |
If anything is incorrect or you have something to add, please e-mail me at JaskulaR@aol.com and I'll update the guide.
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Copyright © Rob Jaskula
2007-08.
All rights reserved.
Last Revised: February 14, 2008
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