From hockey to basketball to wrestling, a true Iowa winter indoor sports event can take place on the ice one night and at the three-point line the next.
Iowa Wild Hockey
Des Moines
This winter marks the 10th season the Iowa Wild have called Wells Fargo Arena home. So now is the perfect time to witness a wild game of hockey at the Wells Fargo Arena while rooting for the home team. It’s been a close season so far, but luckily, guests have plenty of games throughout the spring season until the end of April to witness a winning goal. Guests can purchase tickets for $18 to $50 depending on seat selection, or go big or go home with the $65 ticket to experience the Surly Brewing Breakout Lounge. This luxurious lounge offers an all-you-can-eat (and drink!) menu while you catch every play from above. Even if you don’t decide to make an appearance at the Wells Fargo Arena, you can still show your support for the Iowa Wild elsewhere. Luckily, Downtown Des Moines is a haven for sports bars, including Johnny’s Hall of Fame, 1908 Draught House and The Iowa Taproom. For more information, visit iowawild.com.
Iowa Wolves Basketball
Des Moines
Also calling the Wells Fargo Arena home is the Iowa Wolves basketball team, who also know how to put on a show for their fans. With the season just beginning and lasting through April, there are plenty of opportunities to see the Iowa Wolves shoot their shot at a victory. Single-game tickets are available for $18, but if you want a bang for your buck, definitely check out the Confluence Brewing Hops & Hoops package. This special offer includes courtside business zone seating, a commemorative pint glass, four pints of beer to sip during the game and an abundance of popcorn, chicken tenders and meatballs for $45. Even if you can’t catch the game at the Wells Fargo Arena, there are more than enough places where you can root for the Iowa Wolves alongside fellow fans in Downtown Des Moines. You can always rely on Walnut, a Des Moines sports bar and restaurant in a converted 20’s garage that serves up pretzel bites and buffalo chicken dip to hungry fans. For more information, visit nba.com.
Iowa Hawkeyes Wrestling
Iowa City
Iowa City comes alive in the winter when wrestling season is in full force. This year, there’s no excuse not to experience a genuine Iowa winter sporting event by betting on the Iowa Hawkeyes wrestling team. Since the team is already on a wicked winning streak, there’s a good chance that you’ll be wowed by the wrestling matches. Now through March, guests can cheer on the team as they hopefully sweep through their entire season schedule with nothing but success. Even though season tickets are sold out, guests can still cheer on the team at a local sports bar. Since all of the matches are broadcast live online, the options for watching are endless. Gather your friends and family and head to Pints Iowa City to watch some wrestling and drink some delicious brews to beat your winter blues. So, bring on the black and yellow because the harder the battle, the sweeter the victory. For more information, visit hawkeyesports.com.
Iowa Heartlanders Hockey
Coralville
Now is the time to watch an extreme hockey matchup on the ice when the Iowa Heartlanders play their home games at Xtream Arena in Coralville. Fans can look forward to plenty of home games throughout the winter season, which continues into April. Single tickets are available for $16 to $40, depending on the seat chosen. But if you’re still looking to support the Iowa Heartlanders from outside of the stadium, there are plenty of places nearby to watch the game. Guests can gather at Tailgators Sports Bar and Grill, Iowa Athletic Club or 30Hop Coralville to stay warm and watch the game from the comfort of the bar. For more information, visit iowaheartlanders.com.
Waterloo Blackhawks Hockey
Waterloo
The season has been looking good so far, but with an entire schedule full of games this winter, you’ll have to cheer on the Waterloo Blackhawks to make sure they maintain their winning streak. For just $16, you can root for the home team at Young Arena. And if you want to have a more special sporting celebration, be sure to look into the Coors Light Cold Zone. This is the coolest place to kick back and watch the Waterloo Blackhawks tear up the ice. Here, guests can anticipate a changing menu of mixed drinks, the best views of the game and equally stunning views of Downtown Waterloo. This Iowa winter indoor sport is the perfect way to get out of the house and show your team spirit. Until the end of April, fans can support the Waterloo Blackhawks at Young Arena or at various bars throughout the downtown area. From Damon’s Sports Bar & Grill to Screaming Eagle, there is no bad place to watch the game as long as you have good company. For more information, visit waterlooblackhawks.com.
Northern Iowa Panthers Wrestling
Cedar Falls
If you’ve been waiting all year for wrestling season, then be sure to witness the Northern Iowa Panthers wrestling team, Division One national champions and four-time national runners-up. There’s plenty of time before the Panthers can hopefully tackle their way to the Big 12 and NCAA championships this year in March, so gather your group to cheer on the squad. The competition is tough, but the atmosphere of an authentic Iowa winter sporting tradition is anything but stressful. General admission to single-match meets is $23 and can easily turn into an all-day event thanks to the Downtown Cedar Falls sports bars where you can meet before or after the matches. While you’re in the neighborhood, stop by The Brass Tap, which has over 150 craft beers on tap and plenty of shareables, from cheese curds to chicken wings. For more information, visit unipanthers.com.
Des Moines Buccaneers Hockey
Urbandale
Be sure to gear up in red, white and blue to root for the Des Moines Buccaneers at their very own Buccaneer Arena located in Urbandale. With the purchase of a general admission ticket ranging from $15 to $20, guests can catch all of the action from ice- or arena-level seats. At the same time, all guests are welcome to check out the Buccaneer Lounge for an even more authentic Iowa winter sporting experience. The lounge features plenty of seating options, a full-service bar and, of course, amazing views of the game from above. Before the ice melts in April, be sure to catch a Des Moines Buccaneers hockey game. And if you’re in the area, you can also enjoy the hockey from the Chicken Coop Sports Bar for mules, margaritas and mini corn dogs. For more information, visit bucshockey.com.
Cedar Rapids RoughRiders
Cedar Rapids
If you’ve been keeping up with the Cedar Rapids RoughRiders since the beginning of their season in September, then you know that it’s been a tight one with plenty of nail-biting games. Even if not, there’s still time to witness the action. Luckily for fans, the Cedar Rapids RoughRiders’ home rink, the ImOn Ice Arena, has added four brand-new party decks available for groups of up to 28 at each corner of the rink. This premier seating over the ice costs $575 to rent per game and is perfect for a holiday party or just a great time with friends and family. In addition, the Budweiser Corral can give you an even more VIP experience for just $350 per game. So gather up to 10 guests for glass-side seating in leather recliners and a custom video board announcement to get the crowd going. But if you’re just looking to cheer on the Cedar Rapids RoughRiders from the stands, tickets will be available for $16.25 to $26.50, depending on which seat you choose. There’s still plenty of time left to see your home team on the ice before their season comes to a close at the end of April. For more information, visit roughridershockey.com.
Iowa Hawkeyes Basketball
Iowa City
With a home game streak already underway, now is your chance to watch the Iowa Hawkeyes do what they do best: win. There’s a good chance that you’ve already caught a game this season, but if not, you still have until mid-March to show your support. There will be some grueling games against Iowa State, Wisconsin and Michigan coming up soon, so be sure to snag a ticket. Adult ticket prices range from $20 to $35 and will be worth every penny. Even though the Carver-Hawkeye Arena is the perfect place to catch an Iowa indoor sporting event, there are also other action-packed alternatives. From DC’s Sports Bar to Coach’s Corner, Downtown Iowa City is brimming with sports bars to keep you entertained this winter. No matter how you decide to watch the game, just be sure you’re wearing black and yellow. For more information, visit hawkeyesports.com.
Iowa State Cyclones Basketball
Ames
When it comes to the battle of the Big 10 versus the Big 12, there’s no saying which Iowa college basketball team might bring home the title this year. In the Big 12 division, you can root for the Iowa State Cyclones to beat all the rest, especially when they’re playing a home game at the Hilton Coliseum. Since the season is just heating up, now is the best time to see the team hit the court in hopes of a win. Now through March, be sure to attend a game to cheer on the Cyclones, and hopefully they can end up in the brackets of your March Madness roster. If you didn’t already purchase a season pass, single-game tickets range from $25 to $50. Even if you don’t see the game in person, the streets of Downtown Ames are always buzzing with excitement on Iowa State Cyclones game days. So, for a true Iowa winter sporting experience, head to a local sports bar like Wallaby’s Bar and Grille, which is known for its fan-favorite craft brews and beer-battered fish and chips. For more information, visit cyclones.com.