Hometown SHErow: How Des Moines’ Historic Court District is Honoring Caitlin Clark

A wave of excitement is sweeping through Downtown Des Moines’ (DSM’s) Historic Court District, all thanks to a tribute to one of the area’s most remarkable athletes.

On the side of Court Avenue Restaurant & Brewing Company, a towering, multi-story banner of Caitlin Clark — Greater Des Moines (DSM) native and WNBA sensation — graces the building’s exterior (pictured above). A second banner has been placed on the adjacent Elliot Building, creating the perfect backdrop for fans of the former Iowa Hawkeye basketball star (pictured below).

“Every time I come in and out of the parking lot or go outside at all, there’s people outside taking pictures,” said Court Avenue Restaurant & Brewing Company General Manager Bob Trader.

Without the addition of the banners, it’s already one of the busiest times of year for the restaurant. The nearby Iowa Events Center hosts back-to-back high school championship tournaments, while the Des Moines Civic Center draws in crowds with a variety of performing arts shows.

Court Avenue Restaurant & Brewing Company Special Menu Items

Trader knows that not every fan stopping by for a photo will venture inside for a bite, but he’s hopeful that those who do will be treated to something special.

To mark Clark’s rise to fame, the restaurant has introduced a selection of special menu items in her honor:

• ‘From the Logo’ Burger: A nod to Caitlin’s love for breakfast sandwiches.

 

• Strawberry Stepback: A refreshing mix of house-made pineapple vodka, strawberry purée, lime juice and ginger beer.
  • Also available as a NA cocktail for even the youngest Clark fans!

 

• Hometown SHErow Seltzer: This tasty hard seltzer — loaded with orange, banana and pineapple — commemorates Caitlin’s success in the WNBA and honors one of our favorite Hawkeyes to ever grace a basketball court.
• 22 And You: A light American Lager that is as easy to drink as it is for Clark to score a 3-pointer! Enjoy this crispy boy and cheer on all women.

In addition, Court Avenue Restaurant & Brewing Company is offering a 2-for-$22 deal on all appetizers. These promotions will run for approximately four weeks, or as long as the banners remain in place.

“We know everybody that takes a picture out there isn’t going to come inside,” Trader said. “I’m sure we’ll see probably even more than we normally see.”

A portion of the proceeds from the featured menu items will go toward the Caitlin Clark Foundation, which supports girls' sports in the Des Moines region through the Community Foundation of Greater Des Moines.

Photo Caption: Bob Trader, General Manager of Court Avenue Restaurant & Brewing Co., stands proudly in front of a Caitlin Clark-themed photo wall near the restaurant's entrance.

While Trader isn’t sure if Clark herself will swing by, he’s hopeful she might visit during the Iowa High School Girls State Basketball Tournament.

He’s also working with Nike and Clark’s team to organize a special memorabilia giveaway for fans, adding even more excitement to this incredible hometown tribute.

Downtown Des Moines (DSM) is a growing, vibrant community that offers the energy, sophistication, housing and attractions of a burgeoning city with a brilliant future. It’s also easy to visit with plentiful and affordable street and ramp parking options. Find event information and follow @downtownDSMUSA on Facebook and Instagram for other news, tips and events happening downtown.