Touchdown Tailgate Presented by Willis Nissan Returns to Cowles Commons

Whether you bleed black and gold, or cardinal and gold — grab your school colors and lawn chairs and head on down to Cowles Commons on Saturday, Sept. 9 from 10 a.m. – 10 p.m.

If you don’t have a ticket to the big CyHawk rivalry game in Ames, Cowles Commons in Downtown Des Moines (DSM) is the next best place to be! Admission to Des Moines’ largest tailgate is FREE and open to all ages.

 

About the Touchdown Tailgate

Two jumbotron TVs will be set up downtown for all to enjoy. There will be music, entertainment and games all day long! Including the following games broadcast on the jumbotrons:

• 11 a.m.: Nebraska at Colorado
• 2:30 p.m.: Iowa at Iowa State
• 6 p.m.: Texas at Alabama

Bring the whole family down — or grab your buddies, because it will a day filled with football, food and cold beer. Ricochet Bar will be on site serving cold beverages for purchase. There will also be four local food truck vendors on hand:

• General Lee’s Smoke Shack
• Lacheles Battle Bus
• 2nd Avenue Sandwiches
• Sweet Swirls Ice Cream

Katherine Zihala, a student at Roosevelt High School will sing the National Anthem LIVE immediately before the Iowa vs. Iowa State game.

There will also be a cornhole tournament from 1 – 3 p.m. The grand prize is $300 cash, and second place will receive $100. People can visit Ricochet’s website for more information and to sign up!

No outside coolers or food will be allowed.

Des Moines Performing Arts is a private not-for-profit organization celebrating over 40 seasons of presenting the performing arts to Iowa and the surrounding states on four stages in Des Moines – the Civic Center, the Stoner Theater, the Temple Theater and the outdoor space, Cowles Commons. Des Moines Performing Arts is a presenter of major Broadway and educational touring companies, performers and groups, and is home to many local and regional groups, including the Des Moines Symphony. All performances of the Broadway Series are supported by Willis Auto Campus. All performances at the Temple Theater are supported by Prairie Meadows. All performances of the Family Series are supported by Wellmark Blue Cross and Blue Shield. For more information, visit DMPA.org.

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.