The Landers Center ice is in. Crews finished installing the hockey rink at the Southaven arena on Tuesday, Oct. 13, clearing the way for the Mid-South Monarchs to play their first home game there on Friday, Oct. 23. That night will bring professional hockey back to the Landers Center for the first time since 2018.
Landers Center Ice Finished in Half the Usual Time
EK Automation handled the installation. Company president Jerry Edwards told Action News 5 that his crew finished in about four months, a job he said usually takes around eight.
“It was a bit of a rush,” Edwards said, adding that the crew took on the challenge and was proud to be part of it. He also said the rink meets NHL quality standards.
Installing the ice is one of the last big steps before the Monarchs’ first season at home. The team plays in the Federal Prospects Hockey League (FPHL) and opened the season on the road.
Pro Hockey Returns to Southaven
The Landers Center hasn’t hosted a professional hockey game since the Mississippi RiverKings folded in 2018. Hockey fans in DeSoto County and the wider Mid-South have waited nearly eight years for its return.
The Monarchs lost their first two games at Monroe, 6-3 and 5-1. They play at Fresno on Oct. 16 and then come home for the opening weekend.
Monarchs Home Opener Details
The Landers Center has scheduled two games against the Baton Rouge Kingfish for opening weekend:
Friday, Oct. 23: Monarchs vs. Baton Rouge Kingfish. Doors open at 6 p.m., and the game starts at 7 p.m.
Saturday, Oct. 24: Monarchs vs. Baton Rouge Kingfish. Doors open at 6 p.m., and the game starts at 7 p.m.
Where: Landers Center, 4560 Venture Drive, Southaven
Tickets: On sale now through Ticketmaster, linked from the Landers Center event page. Box office: (662) 280-9120.
The arena calls the series the start of the team’s “inaugural season” on home ice. Fans who want good seats for the opener should buy tickets early.
