Mid-America Center
From circuses, rodeos, sporting events, and much more, the Mid-America Center has hosted top names in show business as well as numerous community events with their spacious exhibition and convention spaces. Local shopping, restaurants, exciting casino gaming, a brewery, and 2,674 hotel rooms are all located within three miles making this one of Council Bluffs' top entertainment districts!
The Sports Epicenter of Council Bluffs
The Mid-America Center entertainment district is home to several sports facilities that host events from national championships to world team tournaments and local club competitions. These amazing facilities have made Council Bluffs a top sports destination!
Iowa West Field House
Iowa West Field House is a multi-sport facility that opened in early 2017 with more than 100,000-square-feet, sufficient for 12 regulation volleyball courts or eight high school size basketball courts. In addition to its courts, Iowa West Field house hosts futsal, wrestling, gymnastics, and martial arts among other sports for family, league, and tournament play.
Iowa West Pickleball
Iowa West Pickleball is a new indoor six-court facility with reserved courts and open drop-in play sessions. Each session is $5 to reserve for Council Bluffs Area Pickleball club members or $10 for non-members. Courts can also be reserved for a minimum of 2 hours ($26 for members and $40 for non-members). A schedule for each session is available via the Council Bluffs Area Pickleball Club. Located in the Iowa West Field House, Iowa West Pickleball has a separate, exterior entrance located east of the Field House’s main entrance near the Mid-America Center.
Iowa West Sports Plex
Operated by the Council Bluffs Soccer Club and named in honor of the lead donor for the project, the Iowa West Sports Plex is a 75,000 square foot indoor turf facility that hosts sports including soccer, baseball, and softball with the potential for flag football, rugby, across, ultimate frisbee, and more! Their concession stands and league play options make this a lively and active place for local and visiting athletes.
Council Bluffs Recreation Complex
Located just minutes away from the Mid-America Center entertainment district, the Council Bluffs Recreation Complex hosts numerous local league teams as well as regional and national tournaments. The facility is home to 10 regulation soccer fields, four football fields, seven softball fields, and three baseball fields.
Conveniently Located Local Dining Options
Looking for a bite to eat after the big game or event? There are great locally-owned, family-friendly restaurants just minutes away! Big Kel's Pizza & Wings serves scratch-made favorites with a fun arcade for kids, while Full Fledged Brewing Company, the city’s first brewery, pours up to 18 craft beers. Home Team Cookout has classic game-day eats, and The Porch pairs homestyle dishes with sand volleyball courts and patio dining.
The Salty Dog specializes in comfort food, especially wings, and Tish's Restaurant is a local favorite for everything from ribeye and salmon to burgers and wraps, complete with a spacious patio perfect for families or date night. For a full list of restaurants in Council Bluffs, visit our restaurant listings! Also, click the button below to view all dining near the Mid-America Center
Dining Near the Mid-America Center
UNforgettable Attractions
Ameristar Casino: Ameristar's riverboat casino consists of 38,500 square feet of gaming excitement! The Sportsbook is the place to be for real-time odds, points, and over/unders. The casino offers dining options and bars for your dining needs.
AMC Star Council Bluffs 17 & IMAX Movie Theatre: Located just steps away from the Mid-America Center, you can catch the newest movie in comfort! AMC Council Bluffs features the comfiest recliners seats, reserved seating, a bar, Dolby Cinema, and RealD 3D and IMAX viewing options.
Bass Pro Shops: Bass Pro Shops is one of the anchors to the area surrounding the Mid-America Center. Outdoor enthusiasts will find all sorts of items they want to take home here among the fishing, hunting, camping, and watersports merchandise. Even if you're not looking to purchase any outdoor gear, the shop's over-the-top outdoors decor, complete with woodland scenes and an aquarium, makes it a must-visit.
Horseshoe Casino: Get in on the action at table games, more than 1,600 slot machines, and with sports betting at The Book. The casino has multiple restaurants giving you a choice of buffet, casual, and upscale dining. The casino is open 24 hours daily.
Joe's Indoor Karting: Council Bluffs' first and only indoor karting facility, Joe's offers fast and furious kart racing with European indoor karts racing up to speeds of 45 mph. In addition to races, Joe's also offers classes and leagues. Racers must be 14 years old and up. Children between 8 and 13 may take a training course if they meet the safety criteria. Visit Joe's Indoor Karting's website for full details and information.
Iowa West Public Art
Council Bluffs is home to an impressive and outstanding collection of public art that has been created by artists that are known around the world and funded by the Iowa West Foundation through their Iowa West Public Art Initiative.
While enjoying the entertainment in the Mid-America Center district, take a walk around and enjoy these UNbelievable pieces of art. Check out all of the Iowa West Public Art sites here. For more information about the Iowa West Public Art pieces, download the Otocast App! It serves as your personal tour guide to the outstanding public art in Council Bluffs.
UNcover the Rest of Council Bluffs!
Looking to see what the rest of the city of Council Bluffs has to offer? Check out the Bob Kerrey Pedestrian Bridge that connects to Omaha over the 'Big Mo'. Visit the Historic 100 Block of West Broadway for other great local dining options and nightlife experiences, or shop till you drop at Metro Crossing Shopping Center or the Lake Manawa Power Centre.
