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COUNCIL BLUFFS — The Mid-America Center is doing what it was intended to do when it opened eight years ago, city officials said this week.
It has helped create an entertainment corridor for residents and out-of-town guests.
“There have been 2.25 million visitors who have gone through there since it opened,” said Verne Welch, chairman of the Arena Commission that oversees the arena/convention center. “Every year, we’re seeing more and more people using it. It provides visitors to the (nearby) restaurants, the movie theaters, and our hotels get filled up.”
Just this past weekend, 20,000 people attended the six performances of the Disney on Ice show and 5,000 more attended the Council Bluffs Home Improvement Show, said Charlie Schilling, general manager.
“It’s becoming exactly what people thought it would be,” said Mayor Tom Hanafan, adding that he found long lines at nearby restaurants and Bass Pro Shops packed with shoppers this weekend.
“It does make a difference,” he said.
With all those activities and visitors, the facility is bound to have some wear and tear, Welch said. “It’s a problem, but a good problem.”
The council approved a four-year plan for sprucing up the facility Monday night. It calls for $6 million in improvements and repairs when money comes available. The council must act on the recommendations because the facility is city-owned.
The top priority is safety improvements, plus parking lot repairs.
“We’re looking at fire safety and guest conveniences,” Welch said. “These are priorities always.”
Another top priority is improving the speaker system in the suites on the east side of the arena. Total cost for the top priorities is $2.7 million.
A secondary list of projects includes an update of the arena’s video board, new lighting, replacement of some wall coverings and carpeting, and the refurbishing of suites and furniture. Total cost is $1.6 million.
A third list includes improvements in signs, construction of a maintenance and storage facility plus the installation of a “green” roof with a total cost of $1.8 million.
Officials will now work toward finding the best funding source for the improvements, Schilling said.
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