Sec Taylor Arena
Des Moines, Iowa
by Norman McMullen and Mike Garrity
The arena was originally built as a minor league baseball stadium near the
Des Moines river in the late 20th century. By 2008 the stadium was closed
due to low attendance. By 2012 there was attempt to reopen the stadium, but
it was destroyed during the Food Riots. Rebuilt, but not reopened due to the
Short War and was abandoned during the Dark Years. By 2030 Des Moines had
recovered to the point to reopen the stadium, but didn't due the lack of
interest in baseball teams.
In 2035 the stadium was considered as a possible arena
site, but was shelved due to the state's anti-dueling laws. Then in 2049 a
change in the laws brought up the arena idea again. Going on a revised design
of the Aksarben Arena in New Omaha (based on the results of the 2047 World
Championship held there) the arena backers commenced construction. Being
the first and largest arena to open in Iowa in 2049, the Sec Taylor Arena
maintains its lead in attendance and revenue to this day.
The arena hosts boat and hovercraft duels and races on
the Des Moines river. The annual Des Moines Grand Prix, held in June, is
open to cars with racing bodies and uses the streets of downtown Des Moines
for the race course.
Click on thumbnail to see the full-sized image. Arena
measures 32" x 42"
Arena Features:
The outer walls and obstacles are 15 feet high and have 200 DP. Gates have
20 DP, stand 10 feet high, and will open when rammed. The central TV tower
is 60 feet high and has 150 DP. In addition there are two jumps near the tower,
and are angled at 40 degrees and have 100 DP each. Located on the obstacles
and TV tower are defensive universal turrets, armed with a VMG each. Tunnels
are 10 feet high.
Schedule:
Monday - Closed.
Tuesday - Practice sessions.
Wednesday - Amateur night.
Thursday - Team events.
Friday - Challenge night.
Saturday - AADA Divisionals.
Sunday - Special events.
Special Events:
Thru and Up - The duelists must go through all three tunnels, complete one
jump, then return to their starting gates. The first one to complete this
task wins. Prestige is doubled.
Tournaments - Local, national, and regional level events are held at the
Sec Taylor Arena. Prestige is multiplied by the tournament level (local x1,
national x2, and regional x3).
Races - A race course is designated in the obstacle-filled arena, the exact
path varying from time to time. The start/finish line is always in one of
the open areas of the arena. Dropped weapons are banned and direct-fire weapons
are limited. Races usually last for five laps. Prestige is tripled.
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