By Danny Kotula
Updated for 2024
Have you ever wanted to treat your kids to the most popular sport in the world, but didn’t want to travel out of state for great soccer to watch? Great news: the Beautiful Game is in our backyard!
The top collegiate talent nationwide converges to create summer superteams in USL League Two, and Des Moines boasts a superteam of its own! As the Des Moines Menace marks their 30th season this summer, it’s the perfect time to catch a game. Here’s how to maximize your experience at a Menace match.
And, be sure to watch dsm4kids’ Events Calendar and Summer Fun Guide for additional things to do in the Des Moines area.
Know Before You Go
Location
Menace play six home matches this May, June, and July, and you can catch them all at state-of-the-art Valley Stadium in West Des Moines, located at 4440 Mills Civic Pkwy (no need to drive downtown!). Every Menace match is on a Saturday at 7 p.m., and dates can be found here on their website.
Tickets
Tickets are available at the gate on matchdays and can also be purchased ahead of time at menacesoccer.com/tickets. General Admission tickets are just $10. Ages 5 and under are FREE! If you’re paying at the gate, card readers can take a credit or debit card as well as cash.
Parking
Parking is FREE at Valley Stadium, so no hidden costs here and again, no cash needed.
Tips and Tricks
Tip #1 – Arrive Ahead of Time
The best part of a Menace match isn’t the awesome soccer on display–it’s the atmosphere! Get to the stadium early so you can check out our Chuck For a Buck giveaway, explore the stadium, and kick the ball around yourself with an inflatable goalkeeper.
Tip #2 – Come Early and Often
Menace only plays during the summer, and there are only six regular season home matches left in May, June and July. Don’t wait to come out for a match this summer, because you might miss your chance!
Tip #3 – Don’t Be Shy
Menace interns and staff love nothing more than to make the fan experience at a match the most awesome thing you’ll do all summer, especially for families! If you ever want or need something during a match, don’t hesitate to ask them–all Menace employees on match nights will be wearing red polos. Menace players often sign autographs and take pictures with fans after the match is over, so stick around to let your kids meet the Menace up close and personal!
Tip #4 – Listen for Other Languages
Soccer is a global game, and players from fourteen different countries make up the Menace roster! That means you could see fellow fans from all kinds of places cheering the team on, so listen out for some foreign languages you may not hear on a daily basis.
Tip #5 – Meet Maniac
You’ll know Maniac when you see him: he’s big, tall, and has a soccer ball for a head! He’s the friendliest face you’ll see all night and loves to spend time with kids. Find him during the match and say hi!
FAQs
Seating – Valley Stadium frequently welcomes over 2,000 people on Menace nights, and all seats are bleacher seating, so get there early for the best view. If you want to avoid bleacher seating and get the best possible look at the action, VIP tables are available at field level with chairs. VIP tickets cost $80 for a four-person table.
Getting There – Valley Stadium is on the west side of the metro area in West Des Moines, but it’s convenient from all areas of town.
- From Downtown: I-235 West is a great option, as it connects directly to Mills Civic Pkwy. Take exit 1B for Valley West Drive and turn left, and the stadium is a few miles down on the left.
- From Grimes, Marquisville, Johnston, or Ankeny: Hop on I-35 wherever it’s closest for you and head south to Exit 70. Turn left and it’s right there on your right.
- From Waukee: Hwy 6 and I-80 both work great to get you to I-35. Once you get there, head south and take Exit 70. Turn left and it’s right there on your right.
- From Altoona: You’ve got a few great options to get there within a half-hour, but your best bet is probably using I-80 West and taking it all the way until the I-35 split. Stick to I-35 South and take exit 70. Turn left and it’s right there on your right.
Food – Food and beverages aren’t permitted at Valley, so grab dinner beforehand or be prepared to buy concessions. Think typical high school football options here, like burgers, hot dogs, snacks, and candy.
Noise Levels – moderate. The supporter’s section has their own section on the goal line, separate from the main bleachers, and they make the most noise. They’ll be singing and playing a drum all game long, but they’re far enough away that the noise isn’t bothersome or overwhelming. Because there aren’t many goals in a typical match, the goals that do happen are celebrated big-time! Be ready for excited cheers when a goal goes through the net.
Keep in mind that the higher up you are, the closer you are to the loudspeaker, which comes into play when the PA announcer says something or when pregame/halftime music plays.
Language – mild. There usually isn’t much in the way of foul language at a Menace match, and family-friendly is the emphasis for the club.
Des Moines Menace soccer is a championship-winning team with an even better atmosphere and fan experience, and it’s a great way to introduce your kids to a new sport or show them where they might be one day if they play soccer already!
Danny Kotula is a Menace Intern
