Next Event: NETWAR @ MAGE ’21

Mid-America Center
Council Bluffs, Iowa
LAN Party: November 20-21, 2021
Saturday 10:00am until Sunday at Noon
Non-Stop 26 hours long!

What is this event?

Mid-America Gamers Expo (MAGE) is a first ever weekend expo, tournament, and LAN party being held at the Mid-America Center in Council Bluffs, Iowa!

Powered by the Iowa West Foundation, this multi-tiered, three-day eSports festival will feature three main components:

  • A Gamers Expo with speakers, entertainment and a showcase for local and national sponsors and vendors who provide services and peripherals for gamers.
  • A Tournament of Champions featuring 64 teams consisting of high school, college, and independent teams playing either Valorant or Rocket League for thousands in cash and prizes.
  • A 26-hour LAN Party with hundreds of gamers simultaneously playing multiplayer games within the same room.

NETWAR is running the LAN party for MAGE ’21! As an attendee you’ll bring your computer or gaming console and have a dedicated space to play video games with hundreds of fellow gamers for the entire event!  Your LAN party ticket will grant you a seat at the LAN Party (BYOC) area of MAGE.  It also includes the Three-Day Pass for full access to the Expo and the eSports Arena to watch the competitive tournaments (Valorant and Rocket League) being played on stage.

We’ll also be supporting a variety of game servers for leisure-play, as well as our normal casual tournaments within the LAN Party. Review the What To Bring section on the website to see a list of things you’ll want to bring.

If your team wishes to participate in the Tournament of Champions to play competitively on the mainstage in the arena (PC’s provided), you will need to purchase a team ticket and register your team.  This is seperate from the LAN Party, but you can participate in both if you choose.

Tickets

452 Seats BYOC (Bring Your Own Computer / Console) – $55.00 + $3.58 fees / each.

BUY TICKETS

Each ticket/seat grants you 32 inches width of space on a table.  If you want more table space and/or the ability to bring a larger monitor (greater than 32 inches wide) or two monitors, you will need to purchase two tickets. View MAGE layout

Ticket refunds are available up to seven days before the event if you are unable to attend. Spectators need to purchase tickets for MAGE.

Event Location for MAGE ’21


Mid-America Center
1 Arena Way
Council Bluffs, IA 51501
Google Map

Nearby Hotels

OFFICIAL HOTEL OF MAGE ’21
Courtyard Omaha East/Council Bluffs, IA
2501 Bass Pro Drive
Council Bluffs, Iowa 51501
+1 712-318-3330

Country Inn & Suites
(712) 322-8282
$84

Holiday Inn Hotel & Suites @ Ameristar
(712) 322-5050
$90

Hampton Inn & Suites @ Ameristar
(712) 328-2500
$90

For more information about Council Bluffs and the partner hotels, visit the Council Bluffs Convention + Visitors Bureau

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discord-icon

Questions, comments, just want to hang with the NETWAR family? Connect with us on Discord for all thing NETWAR!  We use Discord for all communication and updates during our event.

JOIN US ON DISCORD

Charity

The LAN party at MAGE ’21 will support local hospitals in Council Bluffs, IA.  Working with Gamers Outreach, our event proceeds will be able to furnish GO Karts.  These are portable, medical-grade video game kiosks that enable hospital staff to easily provide bedside recreation to hospitalized children who are unable to leave their rooms.  Thank you for supporting our event!

Popular Games Played at NETWAR

  • Apex Legends
  • PlayerUnknown’s BattleGrounds
  • Rainbow Six Siege
  • Counter-Strike
  • Overwatch
  • Fortnite
  • League of Legends
  • Rocket League
  • Team Fortress
  • DOTA
  • World of Warcraft
  • Minecraft
  • Unreal Tournament
  • ARK
  • Battlefield
  • Rust
  • Call of Duty
  • Grand Theft Auto
  • Payday
  • StarCraft
  • Left 4 Dead
  • Diablo
  • Chivalry
  • Borderlands
  • For Honor
  • Hearthstone
  • Heroes of the Storm
  • Quake
  • Halo
  • AND MANY MORE!

Event Sponsors

NETWAR at MAGE ’21 is made possible by the generosity of Iowa West Foundation.  For a complete list of event sponsors please check out the official MAGE website!

Outside Food and Beverages

You MAY NOT bring your own drinks, food, or snacks into the venue – due to Mid-America Center rules. NO alcohol is allowed at the LAN party. Why? Read more.

The venue will have concessions cooking food during the event for purchase.

Prizes

Thousands of dollars of prizes from our sponsors will be raffled off during the event.  This is something you do not want to miss, as you could be taking home an amazing prize!

By purchasing a ticket for the event you are automatically entered into the raffle.  Names for the raffle are selected at random from the pool of registered attendees.  There will be one prize drawing during the event – check the event schedule for the day and time. You must be present to win and you can only win one prize per NETWAR event.  If you are drawn more than once by accident, please notify us.  You may not claim a prize for someone else.

Event Schedule & Tournaments

  • Free play occurs throughout the entire event, feel free to play your favorite video games with the majority of other gamers at the event.  If you have a video game you enjoy, chances are someone else at the event enjoys that game as well, connect with them at the event and game on!
November 20 – Saturday
10:00am – Doors Open and Gaming Begins!
11:00am – Minecraft – SGP*
NOON
12:00pm – TBD
3:00pm – TBD
5:00pm – TBD
5:30pm – TBD
6:00pm – TBD
10:00pm – TBD
November 21 – Sunday
2:00am – TBD
4:00am – TBD
6:00am – TBD
10:00am – TBD
10:45am – TBD
11:00am – RAFFLE
NOON End of Event

* – All times are tentative and subject to change.

Why are you not organizing a tournament for <insert game here>?

View Hall of Fame of past tournament winners!

Tournaments & Contests

  • Tournaments are open to both Computer and Console systems if the game supports cross-play such as Rocket League and Apex Legends. However, if a game is not cross-play compatible or systems like XBOX Live are down, then the tournament is PC only.
  • There are NO cash prizes for tournaments.  Winners will receive an awesome laser etched trophy.
  • Tournament teams consist of teams or PUGs (throw together teams at the event). If you are in an existing team you can play together in a tournament at the event. If you are not in a team you can easily join a throw together team or get picked up to play for a short handed team. This will be done at the event a little bit before the tournament starts.
  • To join a tournament all that is required is to be at the event before that particular tournament starts and register for it on our Intranet site at the event.
  • Playing in tournaments at the event is NOT required, you can pick and choose what tournaments you want to play in or you can just free play all your favorite games with others the entire event. You can even start your own tournament in a game of your choosing.
  • Read more about how tournaments are chosen.

*Suggested Game Period

  • This will be a period of time listed on the schedule where we select one game and urge everyone to play this game on the game servers that we will have running.  The purpose of this is to get as many players at the event playing the same game at the same time. It is not required that you play this game, it is only suggested.  This is not a tournament, you can join and quit the game at any time.

Important Information For Those Under 18

If you are under the age of 18 and plan to attend NETWAR, your parent or legal guardian must sign this document.  Please print, have them complete it and then bring it along with you to the event. You must present this completed document to the NETWAR staff at the event to be able to attend.

What to bring to NETWAR

  • If you are Under 18: Bring this document signed by your legal parent or guardian
  • Your seven character ticket code found on the registration confirmation email you received. It can also be found under My Tickets section in the event registration page.
  • Computer tower, laptop, or gaming console.
  • If you are bringing a Nintendo Switch, please be sure to bring a wired gigabit network adapter.
  • Monitor / TV (Only 1 monitor allowed per seat, 32 inches wide or less)
  • Long Category 5e/6 Network Cable (25 Feet or Longer) – Here is one on Amazon prime
  • Your computer or gaming console MUST have a wired network card.  No wireless (WiFi) is available for gaming.
  • Power cable for monitor / TV
  • Power cable for computer / console
  • Video cable (DVI, HDMI, etc.)
  • Keyboard **
  • Mouse **
  • Mouse Pad
  • Audio Headset **
  • Game Controller **
  • Software (Games and Operating System)
  • Deodorant (Makes you smell better)
  • Money – Cash/Debit/Credit card for food, drinks, etc.
  • Optional: Your favorite desk chair (A folding chair is provided)
  • Optional: Sleeping bag & pillow (Sleeping is allowed on the second level concourse – do not sleep in the aisles)

** – We recommended using wired devices (keyboard/mouse, controller, headset, etc.) instead of wireless to avoid any potential interference with your gear at the event.  It is very likely your wireless gear won’t work at all.

  • Network cable (That is also long enough, minimum 25 feet)
  • Power cord
  • Mouse pad
  • Gaming skillz 🙂

System Check List (Before you leave your house)

  1. Install all games you wish to play. (Before the event!)
  2. Patch all games you installed to their latest version (Including updating all Steam games)
  3. Install all updates for your computer's operating system
  4. Scan computer for Viruses with Trendmicro Housecall https://www.trendmicro.com/en_us/forHome/products/housecall.html
  5. Scan computer for Malware and Spyware Malwarebytes - http://www.malwarebytes.org
  6. Make sure that your system is in working order before attending.

Let's Review

Network Cable

Bring a 25 foot or longer Category 5e/6 Ethernet Cable.

Headphones

You are NOT allowed to bring your speakers, they take up too much space and make too much noise. Please bring a headset along with you.

Monitor Size Limit

While we do allow a lot of sizes, we would appreciate if you would limit it to 32 inches wide or less (per seat). You will be expected to work with us on space if we need it. If you feel you have an inability to compromise, we suggest you bring a smaller monitor.

Power Restrictions

Two (2) 110V sockets (computer/console and monitor).  Anything beyond a computer/console and monitor/TV has to be approved by the admins.  If you need to charge your phone, plug it into a USB port on your computer.  We may check your computer's power draw if there is a power issue on your circuit.  In the event issues keep occuring we may ask the participant to relocate seats or make changes to their system to reduce power draw.

What not to bring

  • UPS (Uninterruptible Power Supply).  They can trip our breakers when their batteries charge.
  • Power strips, splitters, tri-taps, etc - you are only allowed (2) 120V sockets
  • Sofas, recliners, futons and other large furniture of the sort
  • Drugs, alcohol and weapons
  • A bad attitude
Failure to follow these rules is grounds for dismissal from the event at the staff discretion.

Rules

These rules apply to everyone attending NETWAR and can change without notice.  Failure to follow these rules is grounds for dismissal from the event at the admins’ discretion.

These rules apply to everyone attending NETWAR and can change without notice.
  • By attending NETWAR, you fully agree to and adhere to all Terms & Conditions, Disclaimers, and Legal Notices in this Agreement.
  • You are responsible for your actions and equipment. We are not liable for anything that happens to you or your equipment.
  • Do not bring alcohol or drugs, no alcoholic beverages are allowed in the venue.
  • Do not attempt to steal items from the event or anyone else. Legal consequences will be a result.
  • Act in a responsible and mature fashion. We want good sportsmanship in a fun environment.
  • Smoking is only permitted outside of the building.
  • Cheating is not tolerated.
  • Do not bring any type of hacks/viruses/etc to the event.
  • Listen to those in charge.
  • You may only consume a third of the space of a table with your gear, you are required to allow enough space for two other attendees to share the table with you.
  • We reserve the right to remove anyone from the premises for any reason we see fit.
  • Absolutely no ghosting (looking at opponents screens). This is cheating. Your team will be removed from the tournament.
  • No cheating / hacking. Mod menus, exploits and hacking of any kind is strictly prohibited.
  • Team captains are responsible for their team (i.e. getting them on the server in time when called to join a server).
  • If your team is unable to be ready within 5 minutes of being called you will forfeit the match.
  • The NETWAR Tournament Admin has the final say in any dispute.

Terms & Conditions

By attending NETWAR, I fully agree to and adhere to all Terms & Conditions, Disclaimers, and Legal Notices in this Agreement.

Sleeping

Sleeping will be allowed at the event.  Please bring a sleeping bag, pillow or a tent if you so choose.  Please do not block any aisles.  Hotels are within a few minute walk from the venue if you prefer to sleep comfortably.

Calling All Volunteers

Please fill out this volunteer form if you are interested in lending a hand to such a great charity event.  No experience is necessary.

We need all the help we can get because it takes a lot of work setting up and tearing down these events.  Thank you!

FAQ – Frequently Asked Questions

You sure can! In your room, by yourself, giving yourself a high-five when you take that sweet win! You see where I am going here? There is a reason why hundreds of attendees flock to each of our events. We are a tight knit community, which makes the events a blast of fun to be a part of. The social atmosphere, the competitiveness and the camaraderie all play into it. Now imagine taking that sweet win with your team all sitting next to each other. You yell out in victory while high-fiving each other, and hear the other team cry out in defeat. Pretty sweet right?
Now maybe you are not competitive, perfectly fine, hang out with your friends at the event, meet MANY other likeminded gamers in the local community and make some new friendships.   Win HUGE prizes in our raffle. You have a high likelihood of winning a graphics card, computer case, gaming gear and many other prizes that are worth many times your ticket price.   While all of this is going on, the event proceeds are going to work as a charitable donation. That's right, the entire event is a non-profit, we raise money for local charities. It's a great time to be a gamer! See the event details for more information.
There is currently no functionality to transfer a ticket to another account. However, you can update the ticket details in your account with the attendees information that you wish to "pass" the ticket to. If you have any issues, please Contact Us.
To request a refund, please Contact Us and ask for a ticket refund. Please provide as many details on the ticket as you can so we can easily locate it. Refunds will be issued in the form of the original ticket price. No refunds will be issued within seven days of the event. Please request refunds before this deadline!
Of course, anybody who enjoys playing multiplayer games and has a computer or gaming console should attend our gaming events!
We recommend using your rolling desk chair (if bringing one) to haul your gear. Or, ideally, bring a portable cart with you. Read this for a cart we recommend or pick up a nice LAN backpack.
No, when you are at the event you can choose which tournaments you wish to play in, or choose NOT to play in any of them.
Nope, we have attendees that attend and come as a team to play in tournaments, and many other attendees in attendance that are not on a team. You can play whatever games you wish to play with others. If you wish to participate in the tournaments, you can play as a team if you have a full team, or easily join a throw together team or get picked up to play for a short handed team. Join the Free Agents in our tournament software during tournament registration, which occurs about an hour before tournament start time.
That is perfectly fine, you may show up any time the event is in progress. If you plan to play in a tournament, make sure you arrive before the tournament start time, with plenty of time to setup your gaming gear. If you are late for the tournament you will not be able to play in it.
Absolutely not, you may come and go as you please. Although, you must be present at the time of the raffle to be eligible to win (see event schedule).
No, you must bring your own computer or gaming console to participate in our gaming event / LAN Party. Please review the what to bring section.
Our network is an all Cisco Nexus enterprise network. We have powerful servers that run our dedicated game servers. Our network is connected to a high speed fiber Internet connection.
Our events are open to all ages. If you are under 18 you will need to have your parents/guardian sign the waiver and bring it with you to the event.
When you purchase your ticket for the event you will be able to select an open seat and reserve it. Make sure you have your team or friends pick seats next to you if you want to sit near each other. You can always change your seat later in the event registration system.
Yes, guests are allowed, although they can’t stay for a very long nor can they participate in any games or activities.
Yes, bring a sleeping bag and pillow, or even a tent. The sleeping area is located on the second level concourse on the far sides of the concession stand. If you wish to sleep comfortably, there are a few hotels within a few minutes of walking, see event location details. Or you could crash at friend's or relative's place.
You may, however we ask that you confirm it is okay with your neighbors while at the event, so you are not distracting to them. Also, please don’t live stream while spectating games viewing all players.
By purchasing a ticket for the event, you are automatically entered into the raffle.  Names for the raffle are selected at random from the pool of registered attendees.  There will be one prize drawing during the event - check the event schedule for the day and time. You must be present to win and you can only win one prize an event.  If you are drawn more than once by accident, please notify us.  You may not claim a prize for someone else.
Yes, outside food and beverages are allowed (no alcohol). Please be respectful of people around you and the space your cooler occupies. Please leave large coolers in your car. We reserve the right to ask you to remove your cooler if it impedes aisles.
Few really big reasons: 1. We have minors at the event and don’t want to deal with the liability. 2. By law, we would have to close at 2am… Well, that’s no fun. 3. By law, we would need even more security and ID checkers to staff. 4. Most of our attendees would crash early and not be able to stay up and game hard all night… FYI, there are a bunch of bars and restaurants across the street from the venue.
A few weeks after we open registration for the event, we send out a tournament voting survey to all paid attendees. From this survey we gather what are the most popular games and for what games our attendees want us to host a tournament. We pick the top four most requested games to host a tournament for. Sometimes our ability to host a server depends on (and can be prevented by) our ability to obtain private servers or other restrictions from the developers. We understand that there are a lot of popular games out there, but we can’t possibility run a tournament for them all. We have to limit to four tournament games due to the length of the event. We have tried doing more in the past, but always run into time issues. We also can’t run them in parallel due to attendees wanting to play in more than one, as well as the confusion when we make announcements and organize the tournament.

Contact Us / Chat with the Community

Connect with our local gaming community on  Discord, Facebook and Subreddit.

For questions, suggestions, assistance with registration issues and refunds, please Contact Us.

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