Iowa High School State Tournament Guide 4 Families in Des Moines

Buckle up, buttercup. Late February and early March is when high school sports teams invade the “big town”. The three-week ride through Iowa’s winter sports state tournament season begins February 14th with the state wrestling tournament and ends March 9th at the final horn of the boys’ basketball tournament.

There’s nothing quite like a heated high school rivalry and something about the youthfulness of everyone involved creates a fun atmosphere at these events. It’s exciting to watch the athletes represent their school, but It’s also always heartwarming to see how a community comes out to support their team. Especially, the smaller schools! If you’re looking for a fun outing this winter, enjoy a morning or afternoon of family fun at the Well during tourney time.

Iowa High School State Tournament Guide in Des Moines

Whether you’re a sports fan looking to take in some great feats of athleticism or a local looking to avoid the crowds, here’s a rundown of where and when Iowa’s winter high school sports tournaments will take place.

Location

All three tournaments (Wrestling, Girl’s Basketball and Boy’s Basketball) are held downtown at Wells Fargo Arena, 833 5th Avenue, Des Moines. Make sure to give yourself plenty of time to get there, so you are not rushed. Visit the Iowa Girls High School Athletic Union and the Iowa High School Athletic Association websites for tournament brackets and game times.

Tickets

Tickets for all Wells Fargo Arena events are available at hyveetix.com or by calling 844-55-HYVEE. Tickets are also available at the Wells Fargo Arena box office (located in the southwest corner of Wells Fargo Arena) or can be purchased at a state qualifier’s school. Tickets are $10 per person per session. Children under two do not require a ticket, but will be required to sit on the lap of a paying customer. Make sure to double check the ticket requirement when purchasing.

Parking

Surface parking at the Iowa Events Center costs $8.00 and attendants accept cash ONLY. Other parking options include local parking ramps, which charge $1 per hour Monday through Saturday or $5-$10 for event parking. Metered street parking is also available. The City of Des Moines is currently launching a new downtown parking strategy. Current parking meter hours are Monday through Friday 8:00 am to 6:00 pm, but Court Avenue District meter hours are Monday through Saturday 9:00 am to 9:00 pm. Find a map showing recommended access to Wells Fargo Arena here. Be prepared for a hike, there can be a lot of walking between the car, arena, and your seat.

Food

Outside food and beverages, including water, are not permitted in Wells Fargo Arena. The arena offers a wide variety of food and beverages for purchase at all concession and restaurant locations. There are also many restaurants located within walking distance of Wells Fargo Arena.

Dates

2018 State Dual Team Tournament Dates

Wednesday, February 14, 2018
Session 1: 9:00 am – 1A/3A Quarterfinal; 11:00 am – 2A Quarterfinal & 1A/3A Consolation; 1:00 pm – 1A/2A/3A Semifinal & 2A Consolation
Session 2: 4:30 pm – 1A/2A/3A 5th & 7th Place matches; 6:30 pm – 1A/2A/3A Championship & Consolation Final

2018 IHSAA State Wrestling Tournament Dates

Thursday, February 15, 2018
Session 1: (8 mats) 9:00 am – 12:00 pm Class 2A 1st round & 1st round consolations
Session 2: (8 mats) 1:30 pm – 4:30 pm Class 3A 1st round & 1st round consolations
Session 3: (8 mats) 6:00 pm – 9:00 pm Class 1A 1st round & 1st round consolations

Friday, February 16, 2018
Session 4: (8 mats) 9:00am – 1:00pm Class 2A & Class 3A quarter-finals; then Class
Session 5: (8 mats) 2:30pm – 5:45pm Class 1A quarter-finals, Class 2A semi-finals & 3rd round consolations & Class 1A 2nd round consolations
Session 6: (8 mats) 7:30 pm – 8:40 pm Class 3A semi-finals and 3rd round consolations
8:45 pm – 10:00 pm Class 1A semi-finals and 3rd round consolations

Saturday, February 17, 2018
Session 7: (8 mats) 10:00am – 2:15pm Class 2A, 3A, 1A consolation semi-finals & finals
Session 8: (3 mats) 5:45pm IWCOA, IHSADA & IHSAA Awards
6:00 pm Grand march and Finals for all classes