News Summary

In a significant shift, the Iowa boys high school basketball state tournament will move to Hilton Coliseum in Ames starting in 2027. The Iowa High School Athletic Association announced this change, aiming to create a more intimate atmosphere for players and fans. This new venue is part of a broader effort to rejuvenate the tournament, coinciding with the development of CyTown, which promises to enhance the local experience with new amenities. Despite mixed feelings in the Des Moines community, Ames is excited for the upcoming changes and the economic boost they are expected to bring.

Ames Preparing to Welcome Iowa Boys High School Basketball State Tournament in 2027

Exciting news is on the horizon for basketball fans across Iowa! Starting in 2027, the Iowa boys high school basketball state tournament will be moving to the sleek and spacious Hilton Coliseum at Iowa State University in Ames. This decision was revealed in a recent announcement made by the Iowa High School Athletic Association (IHSAA), and the buzz around the change is palpable.

New Venue, New Energy

For over six decades, the tournament has called Des Moines its home, with the first round-ball action taking place at the Veterans Memorial Auditorium in 1963. It then made a transition to the Wells Fargo Arena in 2006. During this time, roughly 70% of the tournament has been hosted in Des Moines, making the city synonymous with high school basketball excitement. However, in a move aimed at re-energizing the event, IHSAA has chosen to relocate the tournament. The agreement is slated to run until 2032.

The decision comes after some concerns regarding the size of the Wells Fargo Arena, which has a capacity of 16,110. While it’s sizeable, IHSAA sees the Hilton Coliseum’s more intimate capacity of 14,356 as a better option for fostering an electric atmosphere during the games. It’s about making the experience more special for players, fans, and everyone involved.

Amenities and Economic Impact

The timing of the move couldn’t be more advantageous. Made even sweeter with the accompanying development of CyTown, a remarkable $200 million project that will add restaurants, shops, and hotels right before the tournament’s arrival, Ames is preparing for a vibrant atmosphere not just for the games but for a full-fledged experience.

Not just a win for basketball enthusiasts, the relocation is projected to generate a hefty combined annual visitor spending of around $3 million. This includes an estimated $1.5 million from the state wrestling tournament, and $750,000 each from both the boys and girls basketball tournaments.

Des Moines’ Mixed Feelings

While Des Moines played host to the tournament for so long, the city expressed its disappointment about the move. However, there’s a silver lining! It will continue to host other beloved events, such as the girls basketball tournament and state wrestling and soccer tournaments. The standard format for the state tournaments will remain unchanged, with the top eight schools in each classification continuing to qualify for the competition.

Interestingly, there were efforts earlier this year to create a more intimate atmosphere at Wells Fargo. The IHSAA realized improvements were limited, leading them to rethink the tournament’s home. Initial considerations were made to change the tournament format to a “Final Four-only event,” but in the end, feedback from coaches resulted in keeping the original format.

Coaches and Players: A Mixed Bag of Emotions

As the announcement settles in, coaches and players have voiced mixed feelings about the change. Many are excited about what this could mean for opportunities and a thrilling atmosphere, while others have concerns about maintaining the close-knit vibe that smaller venues provide.

A positive note came from the athletic community, including Iowa State’s Athletics Director, who is eagerly anticipating the chance to host the tournament. The goal is to craft memorable experiences for both athletes and fans alike.

Wells Fargo Arena and Beyond

The state wrestling tournament, known for its thrilling sold-out finals and renown as one of the nation’s best high school sporting events, will remain proudly stationed at Wells Fargo Arena. Even amidst the shift, Des Moines is still an essential player on the high school sports stage.

In the end, the choice of venue isn’t an indictment against Des Moines. Rather, it reflects a commitment to enhancing the venue experience for high school athletes and fans alike. As Ames gears up for this new chapter in Iowa’s basketball history, there’s a palpable sense of excitement and anticipation for what 2027 will bring!

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