The Iowa Wild’s season is in full swing. If you’re not familiar with the Wild, they are an American Hockey League affiliate of the National Hockey League’s Minnesota Wild. We attended games last season and will also be attending this season. With 22 home games left, here are a few tips to have a fun family outing at an Iowa Wild Hockey game this season.
Know Before You Go
Location
The Iowa Wild play downtown at Wells Fargo Arena (The Well!), 833 5th Avenue, Des Moines. Make sure to give yourself plenty of time to get there, so you are not rushed. Visit the Iowa Wild’s website or call 515-564-8700 for game time, ticket info., special promotions or if you need additional information.
Tickets
Tickets for all Wells Fargo Arena events are available at http://www.iowaeventscenter.com/. Tickets are also available at the Wells Fargo Arena box office. Children under two may 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.
Home Game Schedule
- December 9th vs. Canton Charge at 6:00 pm
- December 20th vs. San Antonio at 3:00 pm
- December 21st vs. San Antonio at 7:00 pm
- December 27th vs. Rockford at 5:00 pm
- January 10th vs. Rockford at 5:00 pm
- January 16th vs. San Jose at 7:00 pm
- January 17th vs. Stockton at 5:00 pm
- January 26th vs. Chicago at 7:00 pm
- January 29th vs. Charlotte at 7:00 pm
- January 30th vs. Charlotte at 12:30 pm
- February 5th vs. Chicago at 7:00 pm
- February 12th vs. Grand Rapids at 7:00 pm
- February 13th vs. Grand Rapids at 7:00 pm
- February 22nd vs. Manitoba at 7:00 pm
- February 24th vs. Manitoba at 7:00 pm
- March 13th vs. Milwaukee at 5:00 pm
- March 25th vs. Chicago at 7:00 pm
- March 26th vs. Chicago at 12:30 pm
- March 30th vs. Manitoba at 7:00 pm
- April 1st vs. Manitoba at 7:00 pm
- April 11th vs. Grand Rapids at 7:00 pm
- April 13th vs. Rockford at 7:00 pm
- April 15th vs. Chicago at 7:00 pm
Find the full Iowa Wild Schedule: http://www.iowawild.com/schedule/.
Parking
Surface parking costs $7.00 and attendants accept cash ONLY. There are also several metered street parking spaces surrounding the Iowa Events Center and parking garages are located a couple of blocks away. 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.
While You’re There
The Iowa Wild have several fun promotions and theme nights in store for the season. Be sure to check out what they have planned on the night you’ll be attending. My kids especially love getting the freebies. The upcoming December 20th game features the Wild’s Annual Teddy Bear Toss that benefits the pediatric unit at Mercy Hospital. And, Elf will play on the video board after the game.
An Iowa Wild Game is always fun to watch and are very entertaining. Kids will love to watch Crash the Wild’s mascot and all of the things going on during the time-outs and other breaks. The last time we attended a game there was “human bowling” on the ice. Which was family-friendly and entertaining for both parents and kids. You can sign up to take part in one of the Wild’s on ice contests on their website.
If you have never been to an Iowa Wild game, they are fast paced with good passing and hard hitting. One aspect of hockey that I don’t necessarily like is the fighting. You can witness at least one fight every game. I don’t think this should deter you from attending, but is something to keep in mind when taking young kids to a hockey game. Hockey fans can also be very enthusiastic about what is taking place on the ice, but most people are respectful of others around them.
Single game tickets start at $10.00. Tuesday nights are a great night to take the kiddos to a game as ALL KIDS EAT FREE ON TUESDAY! Kids (12 and Under) receive one Crash’s Kids Meal, which includes a hot dog, soda, popcorn, fruit snack and one Wild prize. The next Tuesday night game is on January 26th, 2016.
Kids (ages 12 and under) can join Crash’s Crew, the Iowa Wild’s Kids Club. There are two membership options Green or Gold. The Green Membership is FREE and includes tickets to four kids club games, Crash’s Mystery Prize, an autographed Crash card, a discounted birthday party, and a post-game skate on March 13th. Kid’s can also become a Gold Member for $19. In addition to the Green Member benefits, Gold Members will receive a t-shirt, puck, a bag of Chuck-a-Pucks and tickets to six kids club games.
Attending an Iowa Wild Hockey game is a fun family outing, perfect for beating winter cabin fever!
What are your tips for a family fun outing at an Iowa Wild Hockey game? Let us know below.
