Look Back at 30 Awesome Years Of The Mark In Moline Illinois

The Mark of The Quad Cities.  The iWireless Center.  The TaxSlayer Center.  The Vibrant Arena at The Mark.  The Quad Cities has been able to enjoy so many events over the last 30 years in Moline Illinois.

It was in May 1993 that the doors would open for the first of many sold-out events when Neil Diamond would play in front of nearly 12,000 people.

Now, with an awesome video that you can see below, the Quad Cities can remember what was there before construction even started up to the latest shows with the new/old name.

History of The Mark of The Quad Cities

On May 14, 1989, booms rang across downtown Moline and the Quad Cities.  But they were the booms of progress.

Six brick buildings dating to the 1900s that were once used by John Deere came crumbling down in nine seconds clearing the way for what was at that time referred to as the "Civic Center Site".

In July of 1989, the Illinois General Assembly officially passed the $259 million dollar civic centers and parks package which earmarked $20 million for the Moline civic center.

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By November of 1990, the design for the still-to-be-named arena was complete.  From The Daily Dispatch on November 15th which you can see below, Kansas City design architects Ellerbe Becket delivered the new design which was approved.

The 44-year effort was starting to come together.  With work already underway, the official groundbreaking took place on July 5, 1991

The first concert was now set with Neil Diamond opening "The Mark of the Quad Cities" on May 28, 1993.  With such high demand for the show, Neil Diamond would add another date and both May 28 and 29 would sell out with people sleeping in lines at SouthPark Mall waiting for tickets.

Construction was officially complete and the facility was ready for the public on April 1, 1993.

The rest as they say, and as you can see below, is history.

Some of the most memorable moments at The Mark

The below video first takes you on a trip through the above history with historic photos, newspaper clippings, and quotes from the people who made it all happen.

Then, it zips through just some of the amazing performers and moments at The Mark.

After Neil Diamond, you can see pictures of Frank Sinatra, Aerosmith, Eric Clapton, Ozzy, The Eagles, Metallica, Pearl Jam, Taylor Swift, and Sir Paul McCartney to name a few of the concerts.

But The Mark has hosted more than concerts.  Championship teams in the Mallards, the perfect season Steamwheelers, ice skating, Monster Trucks, WWE, rodeos, and more.

Watch 30 Years of The Mark

Depending on when you were born or moved to the Quad Cities what you call the venue may be different.  But one thing we can all agree on, having the Vibrant Arena at The Mark as a part of the Quad Cities has given us, and will continue to give us, amazing moments of entertainment.

Now it's time to take a trip down memory lane.  Enjoy 30 years in 3 minutes.  And here's to 30 more.