Downtown DSM Sports

Here in Downtown Des Moines (DSM), sports are always in season. Fans love to watch talented professional athletes and passionately cheer for the local teams.

Local Teams

From world-class hockey at Wells Fargo Arena to home runs at Principal Park, Downtown DSM has it all. Check back here for information on your favorite teams, including the Iowa Cubs, the Iowa Wild, the Iowa Wolves and the Barnstormers.

National Events

At the collegiate level, Downtown DSM has been home to the NCAA Wrestling and Men's Basketball tournaments at the Wells Fargo Arena.

Sports entertainers like WWE and the Harlem Globetrotters have also played at Wells Fargo Arena. Monster Jam makes its way to the arena often, bringing the popular truck racing to the region for legions of fans.

Lauridsen Skatepark was completed in 2021, immediately hosting Dew Tour. The space will likely host many more national skating events.

Local Events

Running events such as the Ironman Des Moines, Dam to DSM, IMT Des Moines Marathon, Race for the Cure® and Grand Blue Mile, as well as holiday fun runs will keep you moving all year long. Check websites for dates as locations change each year. 

Youth Tournaments & Sports Opportunities

Each year thousands of competitors and fans from around the State of Iowa fill Downtown DSM and Wells Fargo Arena as their teams compete in everything from wrestling and cheerleading to basketball and volleyball.

The YMCA of Greater Des Moines brings volunteer coaches and student athletes to its Downtown DSM location for racquetball, fitness classes and youth basketball games. Within the YMCA of Greater Des Moines is the MidAmerican Energy Aquatic Center and Prairie Meadows pool the region's only Olympic-sized pool, which has played host to several nationally renowned events since opening in 2018 including the USA Swimming Spring Cup and the TYR Pro Swim Series. Swim lessons and lifeguard certification courses are also available.

Gyms/Fitness Classes

Along with YMCA of Greater Des Moines, Downtown DSM is home to an array of workout facilities and classes. Power Life Yoga, located on Ingersoll Avenue, provides group fitness options nearby Downtown. 

If sports are something that you enjoy, then step up to the plate and get into the game. You’ll find plenty of them here in Downtown DSM.

Looking for additional ways to utilize Downtown DSM for training or recreation? Read more on the Outdoor Recreation and Trails page.