Jump to content

Iowa Events Center: Difference between revisions

Add links
Coordinates: 41°35′31″N 93°37′18″W / 41.591944°N 93.621667°W / 41.591944; -93.621667
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Browse history interactively
← Previous edit
Content deleted Content added
VisualWikitext
MatthewUND (talk | contribs)
18,647 edits
No edit summary
 
(123 intermediate revisions by 71 users not shown)
Line 1: Line 1:
{{Short description|Public events complex}}
⚫
The '''Iowa Events Center''' is a public events complex located in downtown [[Des Moines, Iowa]].
[[Image:IECmarquee.jpg|thumb|250px|right|The Iowa Events Center's marquee thanked the construction workers for their efforts after [[Wells Fargo Arena (Des Moines)|Wells Fargo Arena]] opened.]]
⚫
The '''Iowa Events Center''' is a public events complex located in [[Downtown Des Moines|downtown]] [[Des Moines, Iowa|Des Moines]], [[Iowa]], [[United States]].


==Overview==
==History==
[[Image:VilsackatIEC.jpg|thumb|150px|right|Gov. [[Tom Vilsack]] speaks at the [[Wells Fargo Arena (Des Moines)|Wells Fargo Arena]] dedication ceremony on July 12, 2005.]]
When completed in [[2005]], the Iowa Events Center will consist of the existing Veterans Memorial Auditorium, the existing Polk County Convention Complex, the new Hy-Vee Hall, and the new Wells Fargo Arena. The new buildings were designed by [[HOK Sport]], who were also the architects of the renovated [[Principal Park]] in Des Moines, the [[United Center]] in [[Chicago, Illinois|Chicago]], and many other [[arena]]s and [[stadium]]s in the [[United States]]. The project is expected to cost $217 million, which makes this the largest public project in [[Iowa]] history. Funding for the project comes from [[Polk County, Iowa|Polk County]] and its cities, private donations, and the Vision Iowa Fund that Gov. [[Tom Vilsack]] signed into law in [[2000]].
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 (Des Moines)|Wells Fargo Arena]]. The new buildings were designed by [[Populous (architects)|Populous]] (formerly HOK Sport Venue Event), who were also the architects of the renovated [[Principal Park]] in Des Moines, the [[United Center]] in [[Chicago, Illinois|Chicago]], and many other [[arena]]s and [[stadium]]s in 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, Iowa|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, Iowa|Altoona]] are expected to pay off the debt.<ref>{{cite news|first=Kevin|last=Dobbs|title=We built it... will they come?|url=http://docs.newsbank.com/openurl?ctx_ver=z39.88-2004&rft_id=info:sid/iw.newsbank.com:AWNB:DMRB&rft_val_format=info:ofi/fmt:kev:mtx:ctx&rft_dat=10B515F72BC7FE18&svc_dat=InfoWeb:aggregated5&req_dat=0D0CB57AB53DF815|work=[[The Des Moines Register]]|date=2005-07-11|page=1A}}</ref>


Construction began in early [[2002]] after Polk County reached a project-labor agreement with local [[labor union]]s that guaranteed favorable wages and working conditions in exchange for no [[work stoppage]]s. 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 15]], 2002, the Iowa Supreme Court ruled in Polk County's favor.
Construction began in early 2002 after Polk County reached a project-labor agreement with local [[labor union]]s that guaranteed favorable wages and working conditions in exchange for no [[work stoppage]]s. 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.<ref>{{cite news|first=Frank|last=Santiago|title=State Supreme Court upholds Polk County's labor agreement|url=http://docs.newsbank.com/openurl?ctx_ver=z39.88-2004&rft_id=info:sid/iw.newsbank.com:AWNB:DMRB&rft_val_format=info:ofi/fmt:kev:mtx:ctx&rft_dat=0F759BD6522BEDB3&svc_dat=InfoWeb:aggregated5&req_dat=0D0CB57AB53DF815|work=The Des Moines Register|date=2002-11-15|page=4A}}</ref>


On [[April 22]], [[2004]], Polk County agreed to transfer management of the Iowa Events Center to [[Global Spectrum]], a [[Comcast]] subsidiary, of [[Philadelphia, Pennsylvania|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]].
On April 22, 2004, Polk County agreed to transfer management of the Iowa Events Center to [[Comcast Spectacor#Global Spectrum|Global Spectrum]], a [[Comcast]] subsidiary, of [[Philadelphia, Pennsylvania|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]].<ref>{{cite news|first=Kyle|last=Munson|title=Events Center bypasses giant in ticket deal|url=http://docs.newsbank.com/openurl?ctx_ver=z39.88-2004&rft_id=info:sid/iw.newsbank.com:AWNB:DMRB&rft_val_format=info:ofi/fmt:kev:mtx:ctx&rft_dat=1054BEC88E46D5AF&svc_dat=InfoWeb:aggregated5&req_dat=0D0CB57AB53DF815|work=The Des Moines Register|date=2004-09-21|page=3B}}</ref>


==Venues==
===Veterans Memorial Auditorium===
===Current===
Named to honor the [[World War II]] veterans of Polk County, Veterans Memorial Auditorium opened on [[February 1]], [[1955]]. It has 7,227 permanent seats, with the capacity to add an additional 4,000 seats for [[concert]]s and an additional 7,500 [[bleacher]] seats for [[basketball]] games. Vets also features 44,972 square feet (4,100 m&sup2;) of exhibition space at its main arena and an additional 50,806 square feet (4,700 m&sup2;) at its exhibition hall. [http://www.iowaeventscenter.com/default.asp?lnopt=6&sn1opt=4&sn2opt=3&sn3opt=1&month=1&year=2005&newsID=0]
⚫
====Wells Fargo Arena====
[[Image:Wellsfargoarena.jpg|thumb|250px|right|Wells Fargo Arena]]
{{Main|Wells Fargo Arena (Des Moines, Iowa)}}
Named for title sponsor [[Wells Fargo]] Financial Services, [[Wells Fargo Arena (Des Moines)|Wells Fargo Arena]] has been 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 G League|NBA D-League/G League]].<ref>{{cite news|first=Tom|last=Witosky|title=Des Moines set to announce new pro basketball team|url=http://docs.newsbank.com/openurl?ctx_ver=z39.88-2004&rft_id=info:sid/iw.newsbank.com:AWNB:DMRB&rft_val_format=info:ofi/fmt:kev:mtx:ctx&rft_dat=11795DCD572F5938&svc_dat=InfoWeb:aggregated5&req_dat=0D0CB57AB53DF815|work=The Des Moines Register|date=2007-02-26}}</ref> The following spring, the reactivated [[Iowa Barnstormers (AF2)|Iowa Barnstormers]] [[arena football]] began playing at the Wells Fargo Arena.<ref>{{cite news|first=Tom|last=Witosky|title=Barnstormers revived as af2 team|url=http://docs.newsbank.com/openurl?ctx_ver=z39.88-2004&rft_id=info:sid/iw.newsbank.com:AWNB:DMRB&rft_val_format=info:ofi/fmt:kev:mtx:ctx&rft_dat=11BCECC6EF53C8A0&svc_dat=InfoWeb:aggregated5&req_dat=0D0CB57AB53DF815|work=The Des Moines Register|date=2007-09-20}}</ref> Wells Fargo Arena seats 15,181 for hockey games, 16,110 for basketball games, and as many as 16,980 for concerts.<ref>{{cite web|author=Global Spectrum|title=Iowa Events Center - Arena Info - Wells Fargo Arena|url=http://www.iowaeventscenter.com/arena_info_wells_fargo.aspx|accessdate=2008-02-02|url-status=dead|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20080807123134/http://www.iowaeventscenter.com/arena_info_wells_fargo.aspx|archivedate=2008-08-07}}</ref>


⚫
====Hy-Vee Hall====
Vets Auditorium has served as the primary venue of sporting events and concerts in the Des Moines area for many years. Performers such as [[Elvis Presley]], [[Lawrence Welk]], [[Neil Diamond]], and [[AC/DC]] have played here; this was also the site of the infamous [[1982]] concert where [[Ozzy Osbourne]] bit the head off a live [[bat]]. Vets Auditorium was also home to the [[Iowa Barnstormers]] [[arena football]] team from [[1995]] to [[2000]] and was the longtime home of the Iowa state [[high school]] basketball and [[wrestling]] tournaments until 2005. In recent years, however, Vets began to show its age as newer and larger arenas were opening in other cities. The Barnstormers moved out because of the inadequacy of "The Barn" (as Vets was known during their games) and concert promoters began to bypass Des Moines for other cities.
[[Image:HyVeeHall.jpg|thumb|250px|right|Hy-Vee Hall]]
{{Main|Hy-Vee Hall}}
⚫
Hy-Vee Hall, which 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<sup>2</sup>) 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<sup>2</sup>) of meeting space.<ref name="facilities">{{cite web|author=Global Spectrum|title=Iowa Events Center - About Facilities|url=http://www.iowaeventscenter.com/cc_facilities.aspx|accessdate=2008-02-02|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090105165406/http://www.iowaeventscenter.com/cc_facilities.aspx|archive-date=2009-01-05|url-status=dead}}</ref> The south end of Hy-Vee Hall houses the Iowa Hall of Pride, which honors 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,<ref>{{cite news|first=Elizabeth|last=Owens|title=Open house showcases new building|url=http://docs.newsbank.com/openurl?ctx_ver=z39.88-2004&rft_id=info:sid/iw.newsbank.com:AWNB:DMRB&rft_val_format=info:ofi/fmt:kev:mtx:ctx&rft_dat=10721A65091B3E0E&svc_dat=InfoWeb:aggregated5&req_dat=0D0CB57AB53DF815|work=The Des Moines Register|date=2004-12-19|page=4B}}</ref> while the Iowa Hall of Pride opened to the public on February 23, 2005.<ref>{{cite news|first=Erin|last=Morain|title=Iowa Hall of Pride opens as sports fans fill Greater Des Moines|url=http://www.businessrecord.com/main.asp?ArticleID=2191&SectionID=30&SubSectionID=42&S=1|work=Des Moines Business Record|date=2005-02-20}}</ref>
Vets Auditorium will be modernized as part of the Iowa Events Center work. It will still be used for smaller arena events and exhibitions after the new buildings open. The Des Moines [[skyway|skywalk]] system connects Vets with Wells Fargo Arena, Hy-Vee Hall, and the Polk County Convention Complex.


====Community Choice Credit Union Convention Center====
⚫
===Hy-Vee Hall===
[[Image:VetsAuditorium.jpg|thumb|250px|right|Community Choice Credit Union Convention Center]]
⚫
Hy-Vee Hall, which the [[Hy-Vee Food Stores]] chain owns the [[naming rights]] to, is the Iowa Events Center's new exhibition hall. It features 100,000 square feet (9,000 m&sup2;) 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&sup2;) of meeting space. [http://www.iowaeventscenter.com/default.asp?lnopt=6&sn1opt=3&sn2opt=2&sn3opt=1&month=1&year=2005&newsID=0] The south end of Hy-Vee Hall houses the Iowa Hall of Pride, which honors the achievements of Iowa high school athletes and performers.
{{Main|Community Choice Credit Union Convention Center}}
Originally an arena known as Veterans Memorial Auditorium that served as home to [[Drake University]] basketball and [[New York Dragons|Iowa Barnstormers]] [[arena football]], Community Choice Credit Union Convention Center was renovated and reopened as a convention hall in January 2012.


===Former===
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.
====Polk County Convention Complex====<!-- This section is linked from [[Des Moines, Iowa]] -->
[[Image:ConventionComplex.jpg|thumb|250px|right|Polk County Convention Complex]]
⚫
Nicknamed "The Plex" the Polk County Convention Complex opened in 1985. It features {{convert|60000|sqft|m2}} of exhibition space on two levels and 27 meeting rooms.<ref name="facilities"/> 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.<ref>{{cite news|first=Frank|last=Santiago|title=Manager, Polk ink arena deal|url=http://docs.newsbank.com/openurl?ctx_ver=z39.88-2004&rft_id=info:sid/iw.newsbank.com:AWNB:DMRB&rft_val_format=info:ofi/fmt:kev:mtx:ctx&rft_dat=104B34764C4487DF&svc_dat=InfoWeb:aggregated5&req_dat=0D0CB57AB53DF815|work=The Des Moines Register|date=2004-08-24|page=1A}}</ref> While 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.


==References==
⚫
===Wells Fargo Arena===
{{Reflist}}
Named for title sponsor [[Wells Fargo]] Financial Services, Wells Fargo Arena will be the Des Moines area's new venue for sporting events and concerts. Its primary tenant will be the [[Iowa Stars]] hockey team, while this will also be the new home for the state high school wrestling and basketball tournaments starting in [[2006]].

Wells Fargo Arena will seat 15,181 for hockey games, 16,110 for basketball games, and as many as 16,980 for concerts. [http://www.iowaeventscenter.com/default.asp?lnopt=8&sn1opt=1&sn2opt=1&sn3opt=1&month=1&year=2005&newsID=0]. It will also feature the River Hills Restaurant, which will provide views of the [[Des Moines River]] and the [[Iowa State Capitol]].

Completion is scheduled for the summer of 2005.

===Polk County Convention Complex===
⚫
Known locally as "the Plex," the Polk County Convention Complex opened in [[1985]]. It features 60,000 square feet of exhibition space on two levels and 27 meeting rooms. [http://www.iowaeventscenter.com/default.asp?lnopt=10&sn1opt=1&sn2opt=1&sn3opt=1&month=11&year=2005&newsID=0] 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 2004. While the Convention Complex is located south of the other buildings, Global Spectrum markets it as part of the Iowa Events Center.


==External links==
==External links==
* [http://www.iowaeventscenter.com Iowa Events Center]
* [http://www.iowaeventscenter.com Iowa Events Center]
* [http://www.iowahallofpride.com Iowa Hall of Pride]
* [http://www.iowahallofpride.com Iowa Hall of Pride]
* [http://www.absolutedsm.com/Projects%20and%20Construction/Iowa_Events_Center/iowa_events_center.htm Iowa Events Center photo gallery] from AbsoluteDSM.com
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20060212202144/http://www.absolutedsm.com/Projects%20and%20Construction/Iowa_Events_Center/iowa_events_center.htm Iowa Events Center photo gallery] from AbsoluteDSM.com

* [http://desmoinesregister.com/apps/pbcs.dll/section?Category=NEWS&theme=IOWA_EVENTS_CENTER&template=theme Iowa Events Center-related stories] from the ''[[Des Moines Register]]''
{{Des Moines}}
{{Authority control}}

{{Coord|41.591944|N|93.621667|W|region:US_type:landmark|display=title}}


[[Category:Indoor arenas in the United States]]
[[Category:Event venues established in 2003]]
[[Category:Indoor ice hockey venues]]
[[Category:Convention centers in Iowa]]
[[Category:Buildings and structures in Des Moines, Iowa]]
[[Category:Tourist attractions in Des Moines, Iowa]]
[[Category:2003 establishments in Iowa]]

Latest revision as of 18:10, 22 May 2023

The Iowa Events Center's marquee thanked the construction workers for their efforts after Wells Fargo Arena opened.

The Iowa Events Center is a public events complex located in downtown Des Moines, Iowa, United States.

History

[edit]
Gov. Tom Vilsack speaks at the Wells Fargo Arena dedication ceremony on July 12, 2005.

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 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.[1]

Construction began in early 2002 after Polk County reached 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.[2]

On April 22, 2004, Polk County agreed to transfer management of 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.[3]

Venues

[edit]

Current

[edit]

Wells Fargo Arena

[edit]
Wells Fargo Arena
Main article: Wells Fargo Arena (Des Moines, Iowa)

Named for title sponsor Wells Fargo Financial Services, Wells Fargo Arena has been 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.[4] The following spring, the reactivated Iowa Barnstormers arena football began playing at the Wells Fargo Arena.[5] Wells Fargo Arena seats 15,181 for hockey games, 16,110 for basketball games, and as many as 16,980 for concerts.[6]

Hy-Vee Hall

[edit]
Hy-Vee Hall
Main article: Hy-Vee Hall

Hy-Vee Hall, which 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 m2) 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 m2) of meeting space.[7] The south end of Hy-Vee Hall houses the Iowa Hall of Pride, which honors 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,[8] while the Iowa Hall of Pride opened to the public on February 23, 2005.[9]

Community Choice Credit Union Convention Center

[edit]
Community Choice Credit Union Convention Center
Main article: Community Choice Credit Union Convention Center

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 was renovated and reopened as a convention hall in January 2012.

Former

[edit]

Polk County Convention Complex

[edit]
Polk County Convention Complex

Nicknamed "The Plex" the Polk County Convention Complex opened in 1985. It features 60,000 square feet (5,600 m2) of exhibition space on two levels and 27 meeting rooms.[7] 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.[10] While 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.

References

[edit]
  1. ^ Dobbs, Kevin (2005-07-11). "We built it... will they come?". The Des Moines Register. p. 1A.
  2. ^ Santiago, Frank (2002-11-15). "State Supreme Court upholds Polk County's labor agreement". The Des Moines Register. p. 4A.
  3. ^ Munson, Kyle (2004-09-21). "Events Center bypasses giant in ticket deal". The Des Moines Register. p. 3B.
  4. ^ Witosky, Tom (2007-02-26). "Des Moines set to announce new pro basketball team". The Des Moines Register.
  5. ^ Witosky, Tom (2007-09-20). "Barnstormers revived as af2 team". The Des Moines Register.
  6. ^ Global Spectrum. "Iowa Events Center - Arena Info - Wells Fargo Arena". Archived from the original on 2008-08-07. Retrieved 2008-02-02.
  7. ^ a b Global Spectrum. "Iowa Events Center - About Facilities". Archived from the original on 2009-01-05. Retrieved 2008-02-02.
  8. ^ Owens, Elizabeth (2004-12-19). "Open house showcases new building". The Des Moines Register. p. 4B.
  9. ^ Morain, Erin (2005-02-20). "Iowa Hall of Pride opens as sports fans fill Greater Des Moines". Des Moines Business Record.
  10. ^ Santiago, Frank (2004-08-24). "Manager, Polk ink arena deal". The Des Moines Register. p. 1A.
[edit]

41°35′31″N 93°37′18″W / 41.591944°N 93.621667°W / 41.591944; -93.621667

Retrieved from "https://en.wikipedia.org/enwiki/w/index.php?title=Iowa_Events_Center&oldid=1156406566"