We went to the Barnstormer's game last night at the arena and were treated to a fun night of action. It wasn't packed but it was a decent crowd. They do a good job here hosting events and providing a good atmosphere where you can enjoy your time and feel safe! The seats could be cleaner and the prices of all the concessions are higher than expected, but I guess they have to keep the lights on! Good job to all the workers who make it enjoyable! read more

Wells Fargo Arena - Big screen - Venues & Event Spaces Near Me - Des Moines, Iowa

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If you or loved one has sensory sensitivity, they have a calming room on the main concourse near 119. read more

Wells Fargo Arena - Zamboni at the Iowa Wild game - Venues & Event Spaces Near Me - Des Moines, Iowa

We had the pleasure of obtaining the vip single barrel experience tickets for the Chris Stapleton concert at the Wells Fargo arena in Des Moines Iowa. So first and foremost, I gotta let you guys know, if you have vip tickets then try not to be late. It's sort of confusing on how to find where they are hosting the Vip area. They do give you the info by email but if you're a tourist over there like we were, you find yourself asking the staff, who you feel would know more than you do. Turns out the staff there were clueless about what's happening in their own venue the whole time. We spent 45 minutes trying to find the Vip area and this is after we were 30 minutes late. As a result we didn't get first entrance to the front row as was part of our vip experience, but it's okay, we enjoyed the vip room still and took some awesome pictures. They had a bunch of nice props in the vip room to take pictures with like Chris Stapleton old guitars that he actually used, his hit record labels, and many other picture moments. They also had free food, free tastings of his favorite whiskeys, and they had a bar with local beers from Iowa like our new favorite one called Ruthees. The food was less than great but they had a peach salsa that was so yummy, it was missing everything besides a kick. We were excited to try corn fritters for the first time and heard so much about how Iowa is the largest producer of corn. We were saddened that their free corn fritters just tasted like dry heat lamp. When we got to the arena, there were huge lines like you would expect to buy beer and event type foods like funnel cakes and hot dogs, but we were happy to see some vendors with no lines selling beers at a premium price so we just did that so we can enjoy more of the show. I just wish they had someone to clean the floor at the pit sometimes because it was getting slippery from all the beer being spilled since they forced us to pour out beers into cups rather than keeping them in the cans, this caused major spillage issues and since they are the ones you caused that issue to occur they should also make sure to clean up the mess it causes so no one gets hurt. I almost slipped a few times and I watched a few others actually slip in front of me. This was mostly an issue with the pit, they knew people would be in a crowd dancing and having fun, so why pour it in an open cup and throw away the can? Lol? What really saved my review from going below a 4 star was a few things. 1: Chris Stapleton did an amazing show, it was magical watching him perform in person and it was worth the entire experience and the journey to get there. 2: the event center itself was in great shape and we liked it, and there were a huge amount of vendors there. 3: the people of iowa are so friendly and warm, there was only one rude girl but she was rude to everyone. I know this has nothing to do with the event center itself but the locals over there at the concert were some of the friendliest people were ever encountered. Unlike friendly people in other cities we've visited they didn't seem to have an agenda and we're just beautiful pure hearted souls. Overall I would definitely go back and watch another event there read more

Wells Fargo Arena - Enjoying beers at Chris Stapleton concert iowa - Venues & Event Spaces Near Me - Des Moines, Iowa

My knowledge of Iowa before my trip last October was limited to northern Iowa. My late friend lived there. It was also easy to do road trips in this area when I lived in southern Minnesota. As a Minnesota Wild season ticket holder, I get free tickets to see the Iowa Wild, the American Hockey League (AHL) farm team of the former. Cool! With AHL teams, I have cheered for and attended games for the following teams over the years: - Manitoba Moose - Toronto Marlies Cheering for the Iowa Wild was different, but I was up for a change. The cool thing about the Iowa Wild is that the logo is similar to the Minnesota Wild. I didn't need to wear anything different to support the team. My Minnesota Wild t-shirt worked perfectly to see the Iowa Wild. After checking in to the hotel, I drove over to Wells Fargo Arena. I was impressed looking at the arena as I approached it. I found parking nearby and walked over. The arena is equally as impressive inside as it is outside. Going through the metal detector is different here. At Xcel Energy Center, you take out all metal items before you walk through it. At this arena, you walk through the metal detector with everything. The other difference is that you can't bring a bag into Xcel Energy Center. You can at this arena. I'm so used to going in with my phone and a credit card that I did the same thing here. Your ticket is digital, so you get it scanned by a staff member. Done! I got a couple of snacks: - Pretzel with cheese sauce - Gold Peak unsweetened tea You order and pay at a kiosk. The order process was easy. The payment machine needs improvement, though. It took minutes to get an approved response. A male customer with his girlfriend also noticed this weirdness. He saw a light on the side of the machine that lit up. He pointed that out on my machine as well. Both our transactions were approved. It would be great to actually get a message, rather than looking for a tiny light. I waited for my food. It came out in roughly five minutes. I thanked the man and headed to my seat. Sections, rows, and seats are clearly marked at this arena. There were hand rails everywhere. My seat was comfortable. My soft pretzel was yummy. There was way too much salt on it. I took most of it off, which looked like a small mound of snow. The cheese sauce was fine. It wasn't anything to write home about, but it made the pretzel experience enjoyable. I was pleased to get unsweetened tea. It was cold and hit the spot. Sadly, the Iowa Wild lost this evening. I did have a great experience taking in my first game at West Fargo Arena. I used the washroom before I headed back to the hotel. It was clean and nicely maintained. I'm not sure when I'll take in another Wild game, but it was a lot of fun. I'd do it again. (450) read more

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Facility was clean and easy to get too. The Disney on Ice pricing was steep in my opinion but then again it's Disney. I will say parking was $10 and limited so makesure to leave plenty of time ahead of your show to get it otherwise I would assume it's meter parking and possibly alot of walking. read more

Wells Fargo Arena - Venues & Event Spaces Near Me - Des Moines, Iowa

Wells Fargo is pretty cool place. You could come for a hockey game, stay for a concert and they will have the wrestling mats down the next day. They have tons of concessions or even the List for some dining. It's pretty giant place that can easily be filled up. The bathrooms are always in pretty good condition. We have been here lots, there is always something going on. Tonight we came for a Wild hockey game. Wooo. And then Dropkick Murphy concert afterwards. The game was good and then the concert was set up fast and we enjoyed a great night in Wells. read more

Wells Fargo Arena - Venues & Event Spaces Near Me - Des Moines, Iowa

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I have purposely held off in this writing of a review of the Wells Fargo Arena in Des Moines for one reason. I was waiting to witness yet another concert by my favorite band - the Eagles which was this past Thursday, Nov. 17th. We have attended several concerts at Wells Fargo, as our musical interests vary. Now I'm going to make a point here about the sound system, and make no mistake, I like my music loud. But ... I also like it recognizeable. Over the years, I have heard MANY people comment that they feel the sound system at Wells Fargo doesn't live up to modern arena standards. For example, just the night prior to the Eagles concert, we saw Chris Tomlin and Hillsong United, and I came away from the concert very disappointed with the Hillsong portion of the show (although we loved the songs!) It was very apparent to us (and people around us) that the Hillsong singers appeared to be trying to "out-shout" one another. So, here's my point .... even though we knew the songs they were singing, it was difficult and at times impossible to understand the lyrics. The sound system seemingly was unable to keep up with them. At the Eagles concert (and yeah - with Joe Walsh and Steuart Smith banging out riffs on Rocky Mountain Way) it was damn loud at times. We understood every word. So, my review is as follows: Comfort of seats ... 5 stars Concessions ... 5 stars Restrooms ... 5 stars Sound system ... 4+ stars So please ... sound technicians and roadies ... do multiple sound checks and and have someone take performers aside, have them check their egos at the door, and ask them to take it down a few levels. read more

Wells Fargo Arena - Local Choral and Orchestral Groups joined on several songs - Venues & Event Spaces Near Me - Des Moines, Iowa

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Came to a game for the Iowa Wild. Absolutely do not like the changes that spectra the concessions people made. Kiosks everywhere to order your food. Customer service has gone downhill. They claim it's to make service faster which is needed or they need to pay more and get quality employees to man the concessions. I am an avid fan of all the team that play there so I will return and fork over my wallet. read more

Wells Fargo Arena - Iowa Wild!! - Venues & Event Spaces Near Me - Des Moines, Iowa

Wells Fargo Arena is a pretty versatile space. We've been here for hockey games, concerts, Cirque du Soleil, Disney on Ice, Monster Trucks...just a huge range of events. The space allows for a big draw from national acts. But they do pack the seats in as if everyone is a skinny 10 year old. Food and other amenities seem to vary significantly depending on the expected size or composition of the crowd. So favorites you liked one time may not be open the next. My biggest complaint is the staff. They have no idea what is or isn't allowed or how technology works. For example, during the Cirque du Soleil show they specifically said no flash or video recording. I was taking still, non-flash photos and twice the staff came up to me and said there was concern I was taking video. I even offered to show this person my camera roll of all of the obvious still shots. She said I hold my phone up too long (to get a non-flash action shot). If they don't know how a camera works, won't follow up on offered inspections and just want to harrass guests who are following the rules, then they need a better job. I've witnessed this happen at several events to others around me too. They clearly announce beforehand what's allowed but the staff has no idea how to handle it. I've had the fortune of being able to go "behind the scenes" and see locker rooms, holding areas, random huge back stage areas with vending machines, help setup for a concert, hang out with Crash from Iowa Wild...it's all a pretty well oiled machine. read more

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If I could give zero I would. March madness 2023 - LOFT experience. Way over charged for the seats. I'm sitting in a half ass seat while I look over the other sections of more comfort. Event center didn't disclose conditions. Normally loft is subject to all inclusive. Yet I over paid for seats that are worse than high school bleachers. This is a joke. DO NOT BUY!!!!!! read more

Wtf? Why would you build a venue and have no available parking. Sucks! Not handicapped accessible. We had to walk TWELVE blocks. Next time, we'll go to Kansas City where they care about the customer. read more

My work had tickets to the Loft for an Iowa Wild game. We had a small buffet. Which was pretty good. veggies and dip, shredded bbq meat and buns, cookies, brownies and fruit. The are was nice, we had several large tables and a row of regular arena seats. Our view of the game was somewhat blocked by speakers hanging down. There was concert after the game. The concert was facing the opposite way, the sound was not great. When the artist was talking you could not understand a word he said. We didn't stick around for all of the concert. The drinks are pricey. The flier on the bar said a white claw was $7, but they charged me $9.00. So I mostly drank the water and sodas that were supplied with the buffet. Over all it was a fun evening. The bathroom was nice, but littered with toilet paper. read more

I really dig Wells Fargo Arena. I have gone to multiple concerts here (Dylan 4th row, Fleetwood Mac twice and neither 4th row) I have seen a Basketball game, a hockey game, a rodeo, and even performed at an event! The arena is nice, and the seats are comfy! I dig they cup holders and sell huge beers (9 bucks for a big Bud). The bathrooms are nice and clean as is the whole arena! It's skywalk accessible, and the parking lot is close and does not cost an arm and a leg... Just an arm! The sight lines are good and even when sitting way up in the top for a concert, I didn't feel that far away!.. And I will say the sound has always been pretty darn good at shows! I can't say that about all arenas! All in all a wonderful.. modern facility for concerts, sports, or other such activities! read more

Went to the chainsmokers concert and had some great seats. We got press box tickets. It came with vip parking, unlimited food and alcohol. The line for vip was not too long. We arrived about 50 minutes early. It was pouring out. Good thing we were not outside long. Would have been better if they had another door person to check tickets though. We took the elevator up to the press boxes. The floor was not busy because it was only available for specific ticket holders. The press box doesnt have assigned seats. You just sit wherever. Its not as luxurious as the suites - but the inlimited food and drinks make it worth the money. read more

Wells Fargo Arena - Venues & Event Spaces Near Me - Des Moines, Iowa

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I came for the girls state tournament. I LOVE THE LEMONADE. I didn't love the seat with a handle missing. When I sat down an exposed screw ripped my favorite jeans and left a huge gash on my leg. read more

Wells Fargo Arena - Come for the basketball. Stay for the lemonade. This is like a cup of dreams - Venues & Event Spaces Near Me - Des Moines, Iowa

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Nice place to watch a concert. I also enjoy coming for the various sporting events held here as well, high school state wrestling and basketball championships, hockey, basketball. Nice facility, usually clean and kept up, decent amount of bathrooms, although during busy times there are lines, as with any place. Nice location in relation to downtown. It's just a few blocks to walk. I don't like how the concessions are over priced, but that's not any different than any other arena/stadium that you go to. The main thing I don't like is there's no free WiFi. They definitely need to get up to speed on that. Overall good experience. read more

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I've now been here for several concerts, an Iowa Wolves basketball game, and lots of hockey games. I continue to be impressed with this venue. We've never actually parked in the lots (price varies for event but usually $8-10) because we typically uber here. We have driven a couple times and found street parking on 5th or 6th Street. You might have to pay the meter depending on the time of the event. The Skywalk is now open to the event center, but you'll have to walk outside to get to the ticket office. If you already have your tickets, you can enter from the Skywalk entrance. The food around the arena is pretty standard venue food and prices. My only complaint is that you never know what's going to be open. Don't expect much to be open in the 200/300 sections for sporting events. Even the food stands and bars on the main (100) level are sporadically open or closed. My favorite part of the arena is The Fort. This bar/restaurant is on the suite level (open to anyone). It typically opens 90 minutes before events. We discovered this hidden gem at our 2nd hockey game and try to make it back whenever we can. The cocktails are delicious and same price but better than the main concourse bars ($8-10/drink). The best part is the food!!! Order from the bar and get a number. Then you can sit wherever you'd like. Lots of tables and high tops available. The small menu rotates weekly and usually offers some local specialties (Graziano grinders, mac&cheese bites, Iowa quesadilla, etc). The portions are pretty big and the prices seem to be similar to the food stands on the main level. I'd choose eating here over the food stands anyday!! The bartenders can get overwhelmed, and sometimes service isn't the quickest. But our food always comes out in a reasonable amount of time, and they've never messed up our order! As far as the arena, we've sat all over the place. For sporting events, there really isn't a bad seat. Even the high up cheap seats offer a pretty good view. For concerts, I definitely recommend a lower seat. The acoustics in this arena seem to be off as you sit higher up. The sound quickly gets distorted in my opinion. read more

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Wow, I really enjoyed Cirque Du Solei- Crystalize! It was amazing!! We ended up winning a pair of suite tickets from a local business and it was an amazing experience! The staff was so friendly and helpful when we had a few questions. The food service to the suite was great and super easy! The seats are comfy and it's easy to find everything (even through the arena is HUGE) This was my first event at Wells Fargo Arena and it won't be my last! Parking is kind of expensive, but it's about comparable to other area garages, and there is quite a bit. We got there early, so we got to park pretty close. read more

A great place to see top shelf national artists and iowa pro sports like iowa wild hockey and iowa wolves basketball. Always fun and exciting. Most events are family friendly. read more

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I went to the Foo Fighters concert this past weekend and the facility was fantastic! The lines to get in were a bit long but, the security and the entrance with ticketing was simple and easy. I had floor tickets to the concert. The line to the floor was a bit long but, they were being very extensive to ensure that all of the folks were actually on the floor. The lines for food/drinks were average sized and went fairly quick. The merch lines were long but, they also went quickly. The sound on the floor was fantastic and clear. It was a full house for the concert and it wasn't too crazy for the concert. There seemed to be a bit of air filtering into the room, which kept it at a comfortable temperature. The prices for drinks/food were fairly average for another arena. All of the staff were super nice, patient, and helpful to all guests! read more

We love having this venue here in Des Moines! The latest show that the wife and I went to was Green Day. We had an amazing time! It's nice to have a place like this here that gets us the big names coming through that we need! Have been to many concerts and events here since the day they opened the doors and I've never been disappointed with how Wells Fargo have handled themselves. Everyone on staff that I've ever needed to talk to has been great and very helpful with anything that I've ever needed. Make sure you try to make it here sometime. It's "Well" worth it!!! read more

Really enjoyed the Soul2Soul concert at this venue. The sound was perfect, the bathrooms were easily accessible and relatively clean for the amount of people putting them to use. Plenty of leg room in the seats we had and the views of the performance were great. Security was present though out the venue, which helped to make the show more enjoyable. The drinks and food are way over priced but this is a vendor issue. 2 beers was $18. It was good time just have your snacks before you come. read more

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The facility is a great place to see a concert. Very organized and sound system is great. The lower review is because of the person in charge of sky box tickets and group tickets. I have tried to reach Jason Evans on two occasions to rent a skybox and he doesn't respond. read more

We attended a major concert here. Security was thorough but quick. Bathrooms were clean. Seats were comfortable. Disappointed in staff though. A concertgoer near us was told she would be kicked out for standing. She was enjoying the concert and many many others were standing as well. She was verbally assaulted by a drunk concertgoer seated behind her. We weren't impressed by how it was handled. Hoping they took her to a better seat where she could enjoy the concert. Excellent concert and great space, overall good experience here. read more

Once you're in the arena, it's smooth sailing. However, when scanning tickets wells Fargo needs to go back to its original way of doing things. I shouldn't have to download and use Google pay to prove my purchase of tickets...but if I don't, my purchase isn't valid. Send me the same QR code in the confirmation email that you need for each individual ticket. We had 8 people tonight, 6 kids, it took over 10 mins to get in. read more

Fabulous concert for King and Country! Park in the ramp two blocks west of the arena for half the price and you'll get out of traffic quicker too! We went in Vets auditorium doors and took the sky walk into the arena....way shorter line and warmer than waiting outside in line to get in the north entrance doors! Arena staff was friendly and efficient in scanning tickets and checking bags. Seats were a little small/cramped but most people don't sit at concerts much anyway, right? Sound and lights were spot on. Great venue to enjoy a fab concert! read more

Went here to go to a concert for my first time and apparently only one of the three tickets I bought were allowed in the venue, when we bought the tickets from a third party site with exceptional reviews and have gone through before. I was able to contact the third party company we used to get the tickets from and they were 10 thousand times more polite and understanding than the staff was at Wells Fargo. Honestly at this point I don't even want to try going to another concert at this venue due to this, let alone another concert at all. The fact that there was multiple other concert goers that were having the exact same issue and they would just offer us to purchase additional tickets. Then to see people videos/snapchats of the concert with plenty of space in the GA section, which was "apparently sold out". This place is a joke, I've had better luck at Val Air Ballroom. Never trust a venue that is also a place that owns banks, as they are the worst type of money hungry. read more

Came out to see Red Hot Chili Peppers. The sound in the arena is great! There really isn't a bad seat in the house! The arena itself is beautiful! There are plenty of bathrooms so I never really had to wait. There's so many food and drink options too. We'll definitely be coming back for more shows here! read more

Bravo to Wells Fargo Arena for keeping it cool inside tonight for the Boston, Kansas & Blue Oyster Cult concert! Very nice! what wasn't so nice was the broken chairs in section 108 or door locks missing from doors in the women's bathrooms! Come on, maintenance dept, step it up! read more

This place needs to get on board with modern amenities. I was there for one of the Garth Brooks concerts last week. Many of the vendors do not accept credit/debit cards, while I don't want to say none of them do, every kiosk I passed said "cash only". This is the 21st century--if you're going to act like a big saccharin events center like every other place in the country, you could at least afford the courtesy of investing in some modern technology. Paid $9 for a tallboy of beer. I've paid less in professional sports venues for better quality beer than the domestic swill that was primarily being hawked. No cupholders in the floor seats either, so pretty much useless in having one. In addition, there was a party in front of us holding up a large sign that was prohibited according to their venue rules. Most other places I've been to flash a number you can send to the security team via text message that allows you to discreetly inform them of a problem. No such luck here. They also didn't respond to a Twitter message I sent. They held the sign up the entire time, which pretty much ruined our experience. Event management should act like they've been there before. read more

This is a great arena. Prices are fine and it is clean and run very well. My only complaint is they do not serve regular wine.

I'd love to meet the person or team of peeps who thought this arena would be a great idea for Des Moines. I really would like to shake their hands and sincerely say "THANK YOU!" I grew up in a Podunk town in Illinois where the chance to see such live acts was a miracle in and of itself. This venue has drawn in a lot of great acts that has given me the chance to witness shows I never thought I would in this lifetime: Garth, Def Leppard, Marilyn Manson, Slipknot, Poison, Dave Matthews Band, ect. I don't take it lightly my chances with this life to see great live music acts and to do so within the confines of where I live. Back in the day driving an hour and then some was the norm and I appreciate this venue so much. Great staff. Always seem smack happy and prices are pretty good considering. On site venue parking is great as well as overflow into other downtown parking structures. Many streets can accommodate and offer free parking. Id love to check out vip press box tickets sometime but from the nosebleed to the first row you have a great view. Sound sometimes seems to vary from one act to the next but overall this venue gives Des Moines something to smile about. read more