Have you ever wondered about the sheer scale of the Wells Fargo Arena? Maybe you're planning to catch a concert, a basketball game, or a hockey match, and you're curious about the experience. Well, you've come to the right place! This comprehensive guide will break down exactly how big Wells Fargo Arena is, what that means for different events, and much more.
Step 1: Let's Discover the Heart of Des Moines' Entertainment!
Before we dive into the nitty-gritty, let's set the stage. Wells Fargo Arena isn't just any arena; it's a prominent part of the Iowa Events Center in Des Moines, Iowa. It opened its doors on July 12, 2005, and has since become a central hub for sports, concerts, and various entertainment events in the region.
So, are you ready to explore the impressive size and features of this dynamic venue? Let's get started!
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| How Big Is Wells Fargo Arena |
Step 2: Understanding the Overall Capacity – More Than Just a Number
When people ask "how big is Wells Fargo Arena," they're often looking for its seating capacity. And for good reason! The number of seats directly impacts the atmosphere and the types of events the arena can host.
Sub-heading: The General Seating Capacity
Wells Fargo Arena boasts a general seating capacity of approximately 17,000 seats. This substantial number allows it to accommodate a wide range of events, from major concerts to thrilling sporting competitions.
Sub-heading: Beyond the Standard Seats
It's not just about the standard seating. The arena also offers premium options for an enhanced experience:
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- 39 Suites
- 20 Loge Boxes
- 630 Club Seats
These premium areas provide comfortable seating, excellent views, and often exclusive amenities, contributing to the overall capacity and versatility of the venue.
Step 3: Capacity Variations for Different Events – Tailored Experiences
While 17,000 is a good general number, the actual seating capacity can flex depending on the type of event being held. This adaptability is a key feature of modern multi-purpose arenas.
Sub-heading: Sporting Events – Home to the Action
Wells Fargo Arena is home to several professional and collegiate sports teams, and its seating configuration adjusts to optimize the spectator experience for each sport:
- Basketball: For exhilarating basketball games, the arena can seat approximately 16,110 fans. This configuration typically uses seats around the court.
- Hockey & Arena Football: When the ice or turf is in place, the capacity for hockey and arena football games is around 15,181. This is due to the larger playing surface reducing the available seating space around the perimeter.
Sub-heading: Concerts and Live Entertainment – A Stage for Stars
Concerts often utilize different stage setups, which can impact the number of available seats:
- Center Stage Concerts: For concerts with a stage in the center of the arena, the capacity can reach up to 16,980. This allows for 360-degree viewing.
- End Stage Concerts: When the stage is at one end of the arena, the capacity is typically around 16,285. This configuration is common for many musical acts.
It's worth noting that Wells Fargo Arena has seen some truly massive concert attendances, with Garth Brooks holding a multi-show run in 2016 that drew over 94,000 people across six shows, and George Strait holding a single-show record of 15,843 attendees in 2014.
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Step 4: Beyond Seating – The Physical Footprint
While seating capacity is crucial, the "bigness" of an arena also encompasses its overall physical dimensions and amenities.
Sub-heading: A Million Square Feet of Events
Wells Fargo Arena is part of the larger Iowa Events Center complex, which totals more than one million square feet in size. This entire complex includes not only the arena but also the Hy-Vee Exhibition Hall (now EMC Expo Center) and the renovated Veterans Memorial Auditorium.
Sub-heading: Key Dimensions and Features
While specific square footage for just the arena isn't always prominently advertised, the overall complex's size gives a sense of its vastness. The arena itself is designed to be a state-of-the-art facility, with features like:
- Unobstructed Sightlines: Designed to ensure that nearly every seat offers a clear view of the action.
- Modern Amenities: Including diverse concession options, premium dining experiences like "The Fort" (a whiskey bar), and accessible guest services.
- Advanced Technology: With ongoing updates, the arena incorporates modern lighting and scoreboard systems to enhance the fan experience.
Step 5: What Makes Wells Fargo Arena "Big" Beyond Just Numbers?
The true measure of an arena's size isn't just in its square footage or seating capacity; it's also in its impact and the range of experiences it offers.
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Sub-heading: A Hub for Major Events
Wells Fargo Arena consistently attracts a wide variety of significant events, showcasing its capability to handle large-scale productions. These include:
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- NCAA Division I Men's Basketball Tournament: The arena has hosted First and Second Rounds multiple times, including in 2016, 2019, and 2023.
- Major Concerts: From legendary rock bands to pop sensations, the arena has welcomed countless musical artists.
- Family Shows: Events like Disney On Ice and Monster Jam regularly fill the arena, catering to a diverse audience.
- Rodeos and Other Events: The Cinch World's Toughest Rodeo and Harlem Globetrotters are also regular fixtures.
Sub-heading: Economic and Cultural Impact
The size of Wells Fargo Arena also translates into a significant economic and cultural impact on Des Moines and the surrounding region. It creates jobs, draws tourism, and provides a venue for community gatherings and celebrations.
Related FAQ Questions
Here are 10 related FAQ questions, all starting with 'How to', with quick answers:
How to Find Upcoming Events at Wells Fargo Arena?
You can find upcoming events on the official Iowa Events Center website, specifically the Wells Fargo Arena section, or on major ticketing platforms.
How to Purchase Tickets for Events at Wells Fargo Arena?
Tickets can be purchased through Hy-VeeTix.com, the Wells Fargo Arena Ticket Office, or authorized third-party ticketing vendors.
How to Get to Wells Fargo Arena?
Wells Fargo Arena is located at 233 Center Street, Des Moines, IA 50309. You can use GPS for directions, and information on public transportation and parking is usually available on the venue's website.
Tip: Take mental snapshots of important details.
How to Access Premium Seating at Wells Fargo Arena?
Information on premium seating, including suites, loge boxes, and club seats, can be found on the Iowa Events Center's Wells Fargo Arena page, often with contact details for inquiries.
How to Find Food and Beverage Options at Wells Fargo Arena?
The arena offers a wide variety of concessions and catering options. Details on dining, including locations of different food stands and the cashless policy, are available on the venue's food and beverage section of their website.
How to Navigate the Clear Bag Policy at Wells Fargo Arena?
Wells Fargo Arena has a clear bag policy. Generally, only clear bags (no larger than 12"x12"x6") or small clutch purses (no larger than 4.5"x6.5") are permitted, with exceptions for medical or childcare bags. Always check the current policy before attending.
How to Rent a Suite or Loge Box at Wells Fargo Arena?
Information on renting suites and loge boxes, including pricing and availability, can typically be found on the Wells Fargo Arena's premium seating or suite rental pages, often with contact information for a dedicated representative.
How to Find ADA Seating at Wells Fargo Arena?
Wells Fargo Arena provides ADA-compliant seating. Information on how to purchase these tickets and access accessible areas is usually available through the venue's ticket information or guest services sections.
How to Learn About Sponsorship Opportunities at Wells Fargo Arena?
For sponsorship inquiries, you can typically find a "Sponsorships" or "Partnerships" section on the Iowa Events Center website with contact details for their sales or marketing team.
How to Find Parking for Events at Wells Fargo Arena?
Parking information, including maps of parking lots and garages, pricing, and any pre-paid parking options, is usually detailed on the "Plan Your Visit" or "Parking & Directions" section of the Wells Fargo Arena website.
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