The Iowa Events Center is a public events complex located in downtown Des Moines , Iowa , United States .
42-609: The Iowa Events Center consists of the existing Community Choice Credit Union Convention Center , the existing Polk County Convention Complex, the new Hy-Vee Hall, and the new Wells Fargo Arena . The new buildings were designed by Populous (formerly HOK Sport Venue Event), who were also the architects of the renovated Principal Park in Des Moines, the United Center in Chicago , and many other arenas and stadiums in
84-588: A 28,800-square-foot ballroom to the Iowa Events Center in addition to 25 new meeting rooms. At this time, the naming rights were sold to Community Choice Credit Union. However, the structure itself is still referred to as the Veterans Memorial building. Veterans Memorial Hall was also added as a part of the renovation. The Hall showcases Iowa Veterans' sacrifices since Iowa became a state. Downtown Des Moines Downtown Des Moines
126-635: A project-labor agreement with local labor unions that guaranteed favorable wages and working conditions in exchange for no work stoppages . Polk County was soon sued by right to work supporters who claimed that the use of a project-labor agreement on a public project violated Iowa's right to work laws. The lawsuit halted construction for several months, but on November 14, 2002, the Iowa Supreme Court ruled in Polk County's favor. On April 22, 2004, Polk County agreed to transfer management of
168-551: A revitalization of the Walnut Street Corridor. The city envisions a walkable, urban pathway dotted with high end retail and restaurants. Public gathering and green space will be included to complement the completion of the newly renovated Cowles Commons. Des Moines has a wide area of green space available to its downtown residents and visitors. The John and Mary Pappajohn Sculpture park is one example of an expensive green space available for public use. Additionally,
210-512: A stunning, multimillion-dollar sculpture park and several gleaming corporate campuses. Western Gateway stretches from 10th Street in the east to 17th Street on the west, and from High Street on the North to Walnut Street to the south. Centered in the district is the John and Mary Pappajohn Sculpture Park, boasting 28 pieces of art over 4.4 acres of green park space. The sculpture park is free and open to
252-640: A unique skywalk system that connects nearly every building in the district on the third floor crossing city streets. Several notable, highly visible buildings are located within the district including 801 Grand and the EMC Insurance Building . Additionally, the Des Moines Performing Arts is located within this district and boasts a nearly 5,000 seat performing arts space. Since 2013, the City of Des Moines has been planning
294-761: A unique triangular building housing a bathroom and snack shop known as the Hub Spot. Also along the Riverwalk is the Brenton Skating Plaza, the Simon Estes Amphitheater, a dog park and a children's park. Located east of the Des Moines River and north of Grand Avenue, the skating plaza operates as an ice skating rink throughout the winter. During the summer, the plaza serves as a concert space for many events. A large canopy
336-554: Is Principal Financial Group's 801 Grand and surrounding campus, which is currently undergoing a $ 397 million renovation. Downtown Des Moines is connected to I-235, which runs past the north portion of downtown and connects downtown to I-80 and I-35. Other major thoroughfares connecting downtown to the remainder of the city are Fleur Drive, Martin Luther King, Jr. Parkway and Keosauqua Way. Major streets in downtown are Locust Street, Grand Ave, and Court Ave. Downtown Des Moines
378-557: Is a building located in downtown Des Moines, Iowa , that is part of the Iowa Events Center . Named to honor the World War II veterans of Polk County , it opened on February 1, 1955. On May 22, 1956, Elvis Presley was the first major act to perform there while on tour of the upper Midwest. Elvis would perform in the auditorium twice more, on June 20, 1974, and his fourth to last concert ever on June 23, 1977. It
420-467: Is a recently completed public gathering space featuring a large sculpture and water features among trees and foliage. Cowles Commons will serve as an oasis and event space among the skyscrapers of downtown. Opened on May 7, 2021, the 88,000 square feet Lauridsen Skatepark is currently (as of July 2021) the largest public skatepark in the United States. Running throughout downtown Des Moines
462-532: Is also undergoing a resurgence that is quickly changing the retail and physical landscape of Des Moines . While the Downtown Des Moines area is defined as the area between the Des Moines and Raccoon Rivers and 15th, 18th, and Center Streets, downtown includes neighborhoods extending all the way to I-235 to the north and Martin Luther King, Jr. Parkway to the west, as well as SE 14th Street to
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#1732776491829504-557: Is bounded by the Des Moines River on the East and the Polk County Courthouse on the west. The district is known for its excellent nightlife and many bars and restaurants and the streets are dotted with period-style lanterns, planters, and advertisements. Street advertisements painted on the sidewalks is unique to the area. Also the oldest neighborhood in Des Moines, many of the buildings are unique and historic. Throughout
546-474: Is erected over the plaza during the summer to protect patrons from the sun and the elements. Also located east of the Des Moines River between East Grand Avenue and East Locust Street, the Simon Estes Amphitheater hosts numerous outdoor concerts during the summer. A fenced in dog park can also be found along the riverwalk, located near the Iowa Women of Achievement Bridge. Additionally, a unique children's park
588-523: Is located near the Iowa Women of Achievement Park that was donated to the city by the Rotary Club. The park is in the shape of a fishing bobber and includes swings and seating areas for parents. The Des Moines Symphony is based at the Civic Center of Greater Des Moines . Ballet Des Moines , primarily based out of Hoyt Sherman Place northwest of downtown, occasionally stages performances at
630-466: Is served by the Des Moines metro's transportation authority, Des Moines Area Regional Transit (DART). DART has several routes serving downtown, including a state-of-the-art, LEED certified transit station known as DART Central Station which opened in November 2012 and is located at 620 Cherry Street on the southend of downtown. Additionally, DART operates a free downtown shuttle on Route 42 known as
672-628: Is the Principal Riverwalk . The Principal Riverwalk is the result of a unique public-private partnership between the Principal Financial Group and the City of Des Moines . The Riverwalk is 1.2 miles long and includes connections across the river via the Iowa Women of Achievement Bridge and a converted train trestle bridge. The areas surrounding the river include landscaped promenades and large sculptures. It also includes
714-717: Is the central business district of Des Moines, Iowa and the Greater Des Moines Metropolitan Area . Downtown Des Moines is defined by the City of Des Moines as located between the Des Moines River to the east, the Raccoon River to the south, Center Street to the north, and 18th and 15th Streets to the west. In 2014, Downtown Des Moines was listed as the number one "up-and-coming downtown" in America, by Fortune.com . As of
756-588: The Hy-Vee supermarket chain (based in West Des Moines ) owns the naming rights to, is the Iowa Events Center's new exhibition hall. It features 100,000 square feet (9,000 m) of space for trade shows, conventions, and other major events. It also features eight meeting rooms with a total of 15,000 square feet (1,400 m) of meeting space. The south end of Hy-Vee Hall houses the Iowa Hall of Pride, which honors
798-675: The United States . The project cost $ 217 million, making this the largest public project in Iowa history. Funding for the project came from Polk County and its cities, private donations, and the Vision Iowa Fund that Gov. Tom Vilsack signed into law in 2000. Gambling profits from the Prairie Meadows casino in nearby Altoona are expected to pay off the debt. Construction began in early 2002 after Polk County reached
840-581: The 2010 Census, Downtown Des Moines, including the East Village, had a population of 5,431 with a total of 3,667 housing units, with 3,085 of those being occupied. According to the 2010 Census, 70.1% of the population was white; 20.8% was Black or African American; 4.7% was Asian; 1.9% was American Indian or Alaska Native; 0.2% was Native Hawaiian or Other Pacific Islander; and 5.7% reported Other. Of these percentages, 10.6% reported as white also reported Hispanic or Latino descent. The average household size
882-485: The Beaux-Arts style as well as ornate City Beautiful era balustrades, walkways, bridges, and lighting along the Des Moines River . Many of the buildings within the district were built between 1900 and 1928. The district still maintains much of the early 1900s era riverfront development. The Court Avenue District is a boisterous bar and restaurant district in downtown Des Moines. The district runs along Court Avenue and
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#1732776491829924-718: The Civic Center as well. Every year, the Western Gateway Park area hosts the Des Moines Arts Festival , 80/35 Music Festival and the World Food and Music Festival . Downtown is home to a variety of unique entertainment venues for many different performance mediums. The wide array of performance venues adds to the creative vibe of downtown Des Moines. Each performance venue offers its own unique attributes and atmosphere and speaks to
966-526: The Convention Complex is located south of the other buildings, Global Spectrum marketed it as part of the Iowa Events Center. The facility has since been converted into a YMCA. 41°35′31″N 93°37′18″W / 41.591944°N 93.621667°W / 41.591944; -93.621667 Community Choice Credit Union Convention Center Community Choice Credit Union Convention Center (formerly known as Veterans Memorial Auditorium )
1008-699: The D-Line Shuttle. This shuttle runs from the steps of the Iowa State Capitol to the Pappajohn Sculpture Park . Additionally, Des Moines is served by a wide variety of taxi cab companies. In 2014, the popular ride share service Uber was introduced, much to the dismay of the Des Moines City Council. Many members of the city council believe that Uber should follow local taxi regulations while others believe
1050-754: The Des Moines area's primary venue for sporting events and concerts since it opened on July 12, 2005. The state high school wrestling and basketball tournaments have been held there since 2006. In fall 2007, it became home to the Iowa Energy (later named Iowa Wolves ) of the NBA D-League/G League . The following spring, the reactivated Iowa Barnstormers arena football began playing at the Wells Fargo Arena. Wells Fargo Arena seats 15,181 for hockey games, 16,110 for basketball games, and as many as 16,980 for concerts. Hy-Vee Hall, which
1092-504: The East Village. Today, the East Village is a vibrant district filled with fine dining, unique retail destinations, antique stores, and many bars and clubs. Des Moines' collection of gay bars are also located within the East Village. Within the East Village, one can find many notable, nationally recognized restaurants. Many of the buildings in the East Village are included on the National Register of Historic Places . Because of
1134-444: The Iowa Events Center to Global Spectrum , a Comcast subsidiary, of Philadelphia . Global Spectrum soon announced that the new Iowa Stars hockey team would be the center's primary tenant. In September 2004, Global Spectrum announced that ticket purchases will be done through Patron Solutions, another Comcast subsidiary, instead of Ticketmaster . Named for title sponsor Wells Fargo Financial Services, Wells Fargo Arena has been
1176-584: The achievements of Iowa high school athletes and performers. Although it was still incomplete, Hy-Vee Hall hosted its first event, the Autumn Festival, from October 21 through October 23, 2004. It was formally dedicated on December 15, 2004, while the Iowa Hall of Pride opened to the public on February 23, 2005. Originally an arena known as Veterans Memorial Auditorium that served as home to Drake University basketball and Iowa Barnstormers arena football , Community Choice Credit Union Convention Center
1218-528: The center of downtown. Many of the areas high rise buildings are slowly being converted into apartments, creating an urban neighborhood unlike any other in Des Moines. Central Downtown contains a large downtown mall known as the Kaleidoscope at the HUB, though it has struggled in recent years to remain viable and will soon be demolished to be replaced by a high rise apartment building. Central Downtown also uses
1260-424: The east. With these boundaries, many new districts and neighborhoods are included. The Historic East Village lies east of the Des Moines River and west of the Iowa State Capitol . The district was once a collection of dilapidated, run-down buildings that were slated to be torn down. However, in 2000, a group of business leaders and concerned community members stepped in and began a decades-long transformation of
1302-651: The green areas surrounding the Des Moines Central Library and the Temple for Performing Arts are also intended for public use. Downtown is connected to the Iowa network of trails via several trails, including the Meredith Trail. The Meredith Trail connects downtown to the adjacent Gray's Lake Park , and expansive park featuring a large lake and several walking paths and trails. Cowles Commons
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1344-504: The head off a bat . World Wrestling Entertainment also broadcast their WWE Raw program from the venue. It was also the site of the 1989 steel cage match between Hulk Hogan and Big Boss Man on Saturday Night's Main Event XXI . With the opening of Wells Fargo Arena , the auditorium was relegated to a supporting arena role. In the fall of 2010, it was closed and renovated into a state-of-the-art convention facility that added
1386-430: The headquarters of Wellmark Blue Cross Blue Shield , Nationwide Insurance , Meredith Corporation , and ING . These buildings give the park a frame and add to the energy of the area. Additionally, Kum and Go is constructing a $ 92 million corporate headquarters designed by famed architect firm Renzo Piano. Though the center part of downtown is generally characterized by office space, a recent transformation has begun in
1428-402: The morning. The city has made an effort to better connect the skywalk system to the sidewalk, resulting in many new sidewalk access stairways and elevators throughout the system. The city has also created an expansive directory system to aid travelers in navigating the system. Downtown Des Moines has many unique and lively districts that each have their own individual style and culture. Downtown
1470-507: The public and provides self-guided cell phone tours. On the eastern edge of the sculpture park is the iconic Des Moines Central Library. The library was designed by famed British architect David Chipperfield and is composed of floor to ceiling glass panels across the entire building and a green roof. The Temple for the Performing Arts also anchors the east end of the park. Surrounding the park are several corporate campuses including
1512-421: The recent renaissance and transition to a trendy, walkable neighborhood, many young professionals have flocked to the area. This helps contribute to the vibrant atmosphere of the district. The Civic Center Historic District flanks both sides of the Des Moines and Raccoon Rivers and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places . The district is characterized by several public works buildings reflecting
1554-417: The service should operate as an app rather than a taxi service. One unique aspect of Des Moines transportation is the expansive network of skywalks connecting the downtown buildings. The skywalk network is over four miles long and reaches as far as Wells Fargo Arena. Most of the skywalk system is air conditioned and features automatic doors. Expanded hours keep the skywalk open late into the night and early in
1596-665: The summer, the Court Avenue District also plays home to the nationally recognized Downtown Des Moines Farmers Market. The Market boast over 300 vendors and is free and open to the public. Additionally, the Des Moines Bicycle Collective offers free valet parking for bikes, which is a unique feature of the Des Moines Farmers Market. The Western Gateway area of downtown is a modern, rehabilitated district characterized with
1638-542: Was 1.58 members per household while the average family size was 2.83 members per family. Downtown Des Moines boasts several corporate campuses, with Principal Financial Group's global headquarters calling downtown home. Other major corporations and downtown employers include Wellmark , Nationwide , Meredith Corporation , Voya, Wells Fargo, Banker's Trust, Ruan Transportation, and EMC Insurance Company. Many of these companies have made huge investments into downtown by building large, impressive corporate campuses. Most notable
1680-721: Was home to the Drake Bulldogs men's basketball team from 1957 to 1992, who had previously used the Drake Fieldhouse as their home court and played their first game in their new home on January 11, 1957, against the Iowa State Cyclones . When it was home court for the Bulldogs, it had 11,411 seats with the capacity to add an additional 4,000 for concerts and another 7,500 bleacher seats for basketball games. Commonly known as "Vets" or "The Barn," it
1722-618: Was renovated and reopened as a convention hall in January 2012. Nicknamed "The Plex" the Polk County Convention Complex opened in 1985. It features 60,000 square feet (5,600 m) of exhibition space on two levels and 27 meeting rooms. Polk County originally planned to close the Convention Complex when Hy-Vee Hall opened, but they decided to transfer management of the building to Global Spectrum in August 2004. While
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1764-401: Was the long-time host for minor league basketball, arena football, Iowa high school basketball and wrestling tournaments, and high school graduations. Prior to the opening of Wells Fargo Arena , Vets Auditorium had served as the primary venue of sporting events and concerts in the Des Moines area for many years; this was also the site of the January 20, 1982 concert in which Ozzy Osbourne bit
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