Project Overview
The City of West Des Moines is excited to embark on the construction of a multi-purpose sports & entertainment venue with flexible space for sporting events, conventions, concerts, family shows, community gatherings, and more.
In addition to providing a much needed third sheet of ice, this expansion will allow the highly successful MidAmerican Energy Company RecPlex and City of West Des Moines to better serve our community by attracting larger, more diverse events, and solidifying itself as a major tourism driver to central Iowa.
- Multi-purpose event arena with seating for 3,000 spectators
- 35,000 square feet of new event space
- Full service, state-of-the-art Grab & Go Market
- Performance training center
- Over 2,000 square feet of configurable meeting room space designed for corporate meetings, banquets and community gatherings
- 500 new parking stalls to ensure adequate capacity for all events
Ice & more!
Our new arena will feature 3,000 seats for sporting events and convertible to 4,000 seats for special events such as conventions, concerts, and graduations.
Grab & Go!
The project will include a remodel of the current Esports Center into a 2,500 sq foot Grab & Go market designed for fast, no wait service.
Meeting Space
The new arena will feature multiple community meeting areas for gatherings, meetings, and more.
Sky Lounge
The enclosed Sky Lounge will offer an intimate, climate controlled space for special events and double as a comfortable hangout with bar service during non-event days.
Project Timeline
- January 2025: City of West Des Moines City Council awarded Architectural & Engineering Services agreement to ISG Inc to begin design of the expansion
- April 2025: City of West Des Moines approves $24M in future Local Option Sales Tax funding to apply towards RecPlex expansion project
- May 2025: Schematic design of the expansion completed
- October 2025: Planned groundbreaking
- December 2026: Partial occupancy
- January 2027: Construction complete
Frequently Asked Questions
How can I contribute to the project?
Thank you for considering a pledge to the RecPlex expansion project. Pledges can be made through the Greater Des Moines Community Foundation by clicking the link here: RecPlex Expansion Pledge through Des Moines Community Foundation
Pledges can also be made directly to the City of West Des Moines by contacting RecPlex General Manager, Shayne Ratcliff at: Shayne.Ratcliff@wdm.iowa.gov or 515-440-4820
How will my contribution be recognized?
The new expansion will feature a prominent donor wall to highlight the public/private partnership needed to make a facility like this a reality.
Are there naming partnerships available?
The RecPlex currently has several naming partnerships available for both the new Event Center and the original RecPlex project. Naming partnerships are for a term of 15 years and the full contribution can be spread over multiple years.
When will the new event center open?
Construction is expected to start in fall 2025 with completion and occupancy scheduled for December 2026.
How is the expansion being funded?
The funding for the expansion will be a Public/Private partnership in the same manner as the first phase of the RecPlex. The City of West Des Moines has committed $24M in future Local Option Sales Tax revenues to the project and the remaining $16M will come from a combination of state/local grants, naming partnerships, and private contributions.
Where will the new building be constructed?
The expansion will be located on the east side of the current RecPlex in the parking lot directly adjacent to Rink #2.
Where will parking be located for the new building?
The City of West Des Moines has acquired a portion of the parcel directly to the east of the RecPlex for an overflow parking lot that will be directly connected to the RecPlex lot. The new lot will allow for an additional 500 stalls for RecPlex patrons.
How can I find more information?
Questions regarding the expansion design, funding, or partnership opportunities can be directed to:
Shayne Ratcliff, RecPlex General Manager – Shayne.Ratcliff@wdm.iowa.gov OR 515-440-4820