The TaxSlayer Center is an indoor arena located in Moline, Illinois. It has been home to several sports teams and hosts a variety of concerts, shows, and other events throughout the year. In this article, we will take a look at some of the main tenants and performers that utilize the TaxSlayer Center.
Quad City Mallards
One of the main sports teams that calls the TaxSlayer Center home is the Quad City Mallards minor league hockey team. The Mallards play in the ECHL (formerly known as the East Coast Hockey League) and have been tenants at the arena since their inaugural 1995-1996 season. The Mallards have proven to be very popular in the Quad Cities region, leading the ECHL in attendance twelve times. The Mallards games provide an affordable and family-friendly option for hockey fans in the area. They play their home games at the TaxSlayer Center from October through April annually.
Quad City Steamwheelers
Joining the Mallards as a minor league sports tenant at the TaxSlayer Center are the Quad City Steamwheelers. The Steamwheelers are an indoor football team that plays in the Indoor Football League (IFL). They started as an expansion team in 2017 and quickly built a loyal following. The Steamwheelers have their home games at the arena from February through June each year. The action-packed indoor football games are known for their high energy and affordability, making for an exciting outing for sports lovers.
Quad City River Bandits
While no longer playing at the TaxSlayer Center, the Quad City River Bandits minor league baseball team used the arena for a portion of their history. The River Bandits played at the arena, then known as The MARK, during the 2008 and 2009 seasons while their long-time home of John O’Donnell Stadium was being renovated. Although baseball has since moved back to the River Bandits stadium, the TaxSlayer Center proved capable of hosting professional baseball during the River Bandits’ temporary stay.
Quad City Symphony Orchestra
In addition to sporting events, the TaxSlayer Center frequently hosts performances by the Quad City Symphony Orchestra. The symphony, which was established in 1915, puts on a series of concerts at the arena each year as part of its Masterworks, Pops, Chamber, and Family series. The excellent acoustics and spaciousness of the TaxSlayer Center make it an ideal venue for the full symphony orchestra. They typically perform a combination of classical and popular music selections during their concerts at the arena.
Concerts
The TaxSlayer Center arena also attracts major concerts by big-name music artists throughout the year. Some of the popular musicians who have performed at the TaxSlayer Center in recent years include:
- Eric Church
- Bob Seger
- Elton John
- Jeff Dunham
- Mercy Me
- Travis Tritt
- Sublime with Rome
- Chris Stapleton
- Casting Crowns
The arena offers top-notch sound, lighting, and amenities for these concerts, which can draw crowds of 10,000 people or more. The schedule of concerts at the TaxSlayer Center is sure to include something for fans of rock, country, comedy, Christian, and other musical genres.
Other Events
In addition to the regular sports teams and concert lineup, the TaxSlayer Center plays host to a wide array of other special events throughout the year. These have included:
- WWE wrestling matches
- Monster truck rallies
- Motocross and supercross races
- Equestrian shows and rodeos
- Circuses
- Ice skating competitions
- Graduations
- Conferences and conventions
- Trade shows
The versatility and capacity of the TaxSlayer Center appeals to promoters of these unique events. The arena has over 30,000 square feet of floor space and seating for up to 12,000 attendees, depending on the event setup. This allows it to accommodate events of all types and sizes.
TaxSlayer Center History
The TaxSlayer Center has been a fixture of entertainment in the Quad Cities area since it first opened in 1979. Here is an overview of the arena’s history:
- Original opened as The MARK (Mid-America Regional Convention Center) in 1979
- Home to several minor league hockey teams over the years including Quad City Mallards (1995-present)
- Hosted over 25 million guests for various events as of 2007
- Renamed i wireless Center in 2007 when i wireless acquired naming rights
- Installed new video scoreboard system in 2012
- Renamed TaxSlayer Center when TaxSlayer acquired naming rights in 2016
- Completed $4.5 million renovation of concourse and bathrooms in 2017
- Celebrated 40th anniversary in 2019
The TaxSlayer Center has gone through its share of name changes and renovations over the decades, but has maintained its reputation as the Quad Cities’ premier venue for sports, concerts, and entertainment.
TaxSlayer Center Amenities
Part of what makes the TaxSlayer Center such a great place to take in events are the many amenities available to guests. These include:
- Convenient downtown Moline location along the Mississippi River
- Over 200,000 square feet total area
- 12,000 person capacity for concerts (lower for sporting events)
- 30,000 square foot exhibit hall
- 25 suites and 2 party decks for premium seating
- 3 concession stands and 2 team stores
- Free parking in surrounding surface lots
- Modern locker rooms, media areas, and training facilities
- LED video scoreboard and 360-degree LED ribbon boards
- Excellent acoustics and lighting for concerts
These features and more make enjoying events easy and comfortable for attendees. The city-owned arena has kept up with improvements over time to remain a top venue in the Midwest.
Upcoming Events at the TaxSlayer Center
There are always great events on the horizon at the TaxSlayer Center. Some of the key upcoming events scheduled include:
Date | Event |
---|---|
October 18 | Quad City Steamwheelers Home Opener |
October 28 | Casting Crowns Concert |
November 5 | Quad City Mallards Home Opener |
November 13 | Cirque du Soleil Crystal |
December 17 | Trans-Siberian Orchestra |
Be sure to check the arena’s full event calendar on their website to see all upcoming concerts, games, and shows. From sports to monster trucks and everything in between, the TaxSlayer Center truly offers entertainment options for all tastes.
Buying Tickets to TaxSlayer Center Events
There are a few different options for buying tickets to events at the TaxSlayer Center:
- Online via Ticketmaster – Convenient for purchasing ahead of time and picking your exact seats. Fees apply.
- TaxSlayer Center Box Office – Can buy tickets with no fees during open box office hours.
- Arena Ticket Windows – Open on event days for last minute purchases.
- Reseller sites – Such as Stubhub allow resale of tickets from other fans.
The box office typically recommends buying in advance online or directly through them to get the best ticket prices and selection. Promotions and discounts are sometimes available for advance purchases too. Plan ahead and get your tickets early before they sell out!
Parking at the TaxSlayer Center
One of the best parts of catching an event at the TaxSlayer Center is that parking is free and plentiful. There are several lots surrounding the arena that provide ample parking for all events. Additional satellite lots may open up and offer shuttle service for exceptionally large events such as concerts. Parking lots open 90 minutes before arena events and typically fill up on a first come, first served basis.
Food and Drinks at the TaxSlayer Center
The TaxSlayer Center offers a good variety of standard arena fare at concession stands located on the concourse. Fans can enjoy grab-and-go foods like hot dogs, nachos, pretzels, popcorn, and candy. For those wanting more substantial meals, there are items like burgers, chicken tenders, fries, and pizza by the slice. Beverages include the typical sodas, beers, wines, and mixed drinks.
It’s also possible to preorder party trays for groups or have food delivered to premium suite areas. Special discounts are sometimes offered on food and drinks as part of ticket deals and promotions.
Getting to the TaxSlayer Center
The TaxSlayer Center’s address and location are:
- 1201 River Drive
- Moline, IL 61265
- Downtown Moline along the Mississippi River
- Less than 10 minutes from Quad Cities International Airport
The arena is conveniently located right off Interstate 74 in downtown Moline. It’s easy to reach from surrounding areas and airports by car or rideshare services. For those looking to avoid parking, there are also options to take public transportation via MetroLINK buses.
Hotels Near the TaxSlayer Center
Looking to make a whole weekend out of your arena event experience? There are lots of great hotels a short distance from the TaxSlayer Center, many within comfortable walking distance. Here are some of the top options:
- Hotel Blackhawk – Upscale, historic hotel adjoining the TaxSlayer Center
- The Current Iowa – Boutique hotel along the riverfront
- Hampton Inn and Suites Moline – Newly built with modern rooms and amenities
- Element Moline – Extended stay suites with kitchens
- Homewood Suites by Hilton – Spacious suites with free breakfast
- Radisson on John Deere Commons – Full-service hotel with restaurants and bar
Booking a room at one of these nearby hotels can maximize convenience and allow you to extend your TaxSlayer Center visit into a full weekend stay. Enjoy downtown Moline and the Quad Cities area!
The TaxSlayer Center Provides Quad Cities Entertainment
Over 40 years since first opening, the TaxSlayer Center remains the Quad Cities’ premier venue for sports, concerts, and entertainment. The arena continues to attract new events and top-name performers year after year. With its convenient location, free parking, and comfortable amenities, the TaxSlayer Center offers an excellent fan experience. So whether you’re a sports buff, music lover, or looking for unique family fun – be sure to check out the upcoming event schedule at the TaxSlayer Center!