Iowa Sports Venues: Cheer for the Home Team

Looking for the true spirit of this heartland state? You’ll find it at ballparks, in stadiums, and on playing fields all across Iowa. Cheering for the home team is a passion in small towns and college hotspots. Home of the University of Iowa Hawkeyes Big Ten football team, Kinnick Stadium in Iowa City bursts with energy and excitement every fall. The NCAA Division I Hawkeyes also play basketball at Carver-Hawkeye Arena and games at Duane Banks Field.

In Des Moines, the action is at Wells Fargo Arena. This massive downtown venue hosts the Iowa Barnstormers of the Arena Football League, the Iowa Energy of the NBA D-League, and the Iowa Wild of the American Hockey League. Nearby in Ames, the Iowa State Cyclones play NCAA Division 1 football in the Big Twelve Conference at Jack Trice Stadium. Iowa is also a hotspot for Minor League Baseball - catch games at Veterans Memorial Stadium in Cedar Rapids, Modern Woodmen Park in Davenport, and Principal Park in Des Moines. Hockey fans can cheer for the RoughRiders in Cedar Rapids.

Kinnick Stadium

The 70,000-seat stadium is routinely referred to as one of the best football game day experiences in the nation – be sure to visit Kinnick Stadium. A 2006 renovation of the original 1929 structure refreshed the classic brickwork and updated many facilities but kept the “old school” feel. The stadium is the proud home to the University of Iowa Hawkeyes, where they compete in the Big 10 Conference. Catch a game this fall and watch the Hawkeyes take on all comers. Your tour of eastern Iowa isn't complete without a trip to Kinnick Stadium; drive in from nearby Coralville.

Wells Fargo Arena

As a top attraction in Des Moines, the Wells Fargo Arena is a definite must-see on your next trip into central Iowa. Opened in 2005, the Wells Fargo Arena is in downtown Des Moines – a short drive from nearby Clive. With a max seating capacity of 16,980, you're bound to find a seat to whatever event you're hoping to catch. The Wells Fargo Arena in Des Moines is home to the Iowa Barnstormers of the Arena Football League, the Iowa Energy of the NBA D-League, and the Iowa Wild of the American Hockey League. So, if you're a sports fan traveling into Des Moines, the Wells Fargo Arena has you covered.

Principal Park (Iowa Cubs)

Home of the Iowa Cubs, Principal Park provides sports fans with their own home field advantage in Des Moines. The Iowa Cubs are MLB’s minor league affiliate for the neighboring Chicago Cubs, lending to the excitement at the ballpark on game day.

The Cubs (of Iowa) compete in the Pacific Coast league where they defend their 11,500 capacity ballpark every summer against rival teams. Catch a game and cheer on future MLB stars this summer. Make the drive in from Clive and enjoy your visit to central Iowa.