From Triple-A baseball to hard-hitting hockey, high-energy hoops, and summer soccer, Des Moines gives fans plenty of reasons to cheer all year.
Why Des Moines is a great sports city
Des Moines punches above its weight when it comes to live sports. Within a short walk or drive of downtown, you can catch the Iowa Cubs at Principal Park, the Iowa Wild and Iowa Wolves at Wells Fargo Arena, and the Des Moines Menace at Valley Stadium or Drake Stadium. Each team brings a different flavor of game day, and together they create a calendar that makes it easy to find a home game almost any month of the year. To help you plan, this guide highlights four local favorites, mixes in what real fans are saying online, and points you to official resources for tickets and schedules.
Catch Triple-A baseball with the Iowa Cubs at Principal Park
If you want a classic summer night in Des Moines, start with the Iowa Cubs, the Triple-A affiliate of the Chicago Cubs, at Principal Park. The ballpark sits at the confluence of the Des Moines and Raccoon Rivers, so you get skyline views along with foul balls and walk-up music. Families love the relaxed pace and the between-innings fun that Minor League Baseball is known for.
Fans on review sites consistently call the park clean, friendly, and affordable. One recent traveler wrote that it offered a “fun family atmosphere” with “very affordable” ticket and food prices (Tripadvisor).
“Super clean and fun family atmosphere. Prices for tickets and food very affordable.”
Of course, not every comment is glowing, and that is useful to know before you go. One reviewer complained about a strict bag policy and locker fees (Tripadvisor). If you like to bring a tote or camera bag, check the ballpark’s A-to-Z guide ahead of time so you are not surprised at the gate.
Planning tip: The I-Cubs run theme nights and promos through the year that can add perks like fireworks and giveaways. You can scan dates and buy seats directly from the team’s official schedule. If you are trying to keep your trip car-free, the riverwalk and downtown hotels make it easy to stroll to the stadium; one reviewer even highlighted staying nearby and walking to both the El Bait Shop and the game (Tripadvisor).
Feel the energy at an Iowa Wild hockey game
When the weather cools, Wells Fargo Arena heats up. The Iowa Wild, AHL affiliate of the Minnesota Wild, deliver fast, physical hockey with a rowdy but family-friendly crowd. The arena’s compact sightlines keep you close to the action, and promotional nights add a little extra buzz.
Fans praise the combination of atmosphere and comfort. One reviewer said the “music is great” and the venue is “first-class,” adding it is a good choice even for first-time hockey fans (Tripadvisor). A recent Yelp comment raved about the “terrific time” and easy parking for a holiday game (Yelp).
“The music is great, the venue is first-class… I recommend [it] even if you’re a first-time hockey fan.”
What about the arena itself? Reviews of Wells Fargo Arena often mention easy navigation and strong sightlines, though some visitors wish for better food variety. One attendee summed it up as a “favorite” venue that is “very easy to get around” with comfortable seating (Tripadvisor), while another praised the straightforward parking options (Tripadvisor).
Planning tip: Check the Wild’s news and promo calendars for themed nights and giveaways. The team publishes season details and promotional slates on its site, like the 2024-25 schedule and homestand notes (Iowa Wild news). You can also scan upcoming games on the Games page during the season.
Hoops nights with the Iowa Wolves
If you like up-tempo basketball, the Iowa Wolves of the NBA G League are a fun, affordable way to get close to future NBA talent. Games are also at Wells Fargo Arena, so you get the same comfortable seating and downtown convenience. Theme nights are a big part of the experience, from Alpha’s Birthday to Education Day. The Wolves and arena keep an updated page with directions, parking, and fan info (Iowa Wolves schedule), and the arena site rounds it out with event-center details (Iowa Events Center).
For logistics, Wells Fargo Arena reviews suggest that even the upper sections provide good views and that moving around is easy (Yelp; Tripadvisor). If you are taking kids, look for weekend afternoon tip-offs and promotional games. The team also announces key home dates well ahead of time, which is handy if you are planning a winter visit (Iowa Wolves news).
Summer soccer with the Des Moines Menace
Come late spring and summer, join the red-and-black of the Des Moines Menace, one of the best-supported clubs in USL League Two. Home matches are typically at Valley Stadium or Drake Stadium, and the supporters bring drums, flags, and a family crowd that blends youth teams with longtime locals. The league page lists the Menace’s home field and a link to the team site, and the club’s news feed keeps you current on roster moves and results (Menace official site; USL2 team page).
Because League Two runs a short, intense season, seat availability can change quickly. Check the club’s ticket links early, especially for rivalry nights and playoffs. The atmosphere is welcoming to kids, and stadium setups usually include easy parking and space to stretch. If you are building a sports weekend, it is very possible to combine a Menace match with an afternoon at the ballpark or a morning bike ride along the river trails.
How to plan your game day
- Check schedules first: Each team maintains an updated schedule page where you can filter home and away dates. Start with the I-Cubs official schedule, the Wild’s season news and games listings, and the Wolves’ schedule hub. For the Menace, consult both the club site and the USL League Two page.
- Arrive early for promos: Theme nights and giveaways are common, especially with the Wild and Wolves. The Wild posts promotional slates and season openers on its site (Iowa Wild news). For the I-Cubs, check the promotions listed within the schedule.
- Know the venue: Wells Fargo Arena reviews highlight easy movement, good views, and convenient parking (Tripadvisor; Tripadvisor). Principal Park’s A-to-Z guide covers entry policies, seating, and parking maps (Iowa Cubs ballpark guide).
- Balance feedback: Online comments are helpful. Most call Principal Park family-friendly and affordable (Tripadvisor), but some mention bag policies and food value as downsides (Tripadvisor). Use those insights to pack light and plan a quick bite before or after the game.
- Make it a weekend: Downtown hotels and riverwalk paths make it easy to pair a game with dining, brewery stops, or a morning at the Farmers’ Market when in season. One guest even highlighted staying near Principal Park and walking to both dinner and the game (Tripadvisor).
Sample itineraries
Family Friday: Check the I-Cubs schedule for a fireworks night, arrive early for a hot dog and a lap around the concourse, and sit along the first-base line near the kids’ play area. If it is a school night during hockey season, look for an earlier puck drop with the Wild and plan a quick exit near the end of the second period.
Downtown doubleheader: Grab lunch downtown, then an afternoon I-Cubs game at Principal Park. Stroll the riverwalk back toward Wells Fargo Arena for an evening Wolves tip-off. Parking once near the arena can cover the whole day if you are up for the walk.
Summer supporter day: Pick a Menace home match, arrive when gates open to catch warmups, and sit near the supporters’ section for songs and drums. Those matches often wrap by sunset, so you still have time for dessert or a nightcap nearby.