What to know if you're going to Iowa high school girls, boys basketball tournaments in Des Moines
It's that time of year again. Iowa's high school basketball teams are set to duke it out on the court to earn the state championship and bragging rights alike.
First up is the Iowa Girls High School Athletic Union's girls basketball tournament, which runs from Feb. 27 through March 4 at Wells Fargo Arena. The Iowa High School Athletic Association's boys tournament will take place in the same arena March 6-10.
If you're in town to watch the action of Iowa's top high school basketball teams this year, here are a couple of things to know.
More:How to watch, buy tickets for the state boys basketball tournament in Des Moines
What can you bring to Wells Fargo Arena?
Wells Fargo Arena has a clear bag policy, which means attendees are only allowed to bring one type of bag, as detailed on its website:
A clear plastic bag which can't be larger than 12" x 12" x 6".
A clear gallon freezer bag.
A small clutch purse or wallet no larger than 4.5" x 6.5".
Diaper bags and binoculars without a case are allowed in addition, though diaper bags will have to go through inspection alongside the permitted items.
There are exceptions to the rules for medically necessary items with an inspection.
Items that aren't allowed include larger purses, clear backpacks, tinted or patterned plastic bags, camera cases, strollers and selfie sticks, among others.
Here are the top 15 recruits at the Iowa state girls basketball tournament
How to get tickets to the Iowa high school basketball tournaments
You can find tickets online to the Iowa girls state basketball tournament and the boys state basketball tournament at HyVeeTIX.com. Wells Fargo Arena also has a ticketing office on-site where tickets can be purchased, though hours vary.
Where can you get food in Des Moines near Wells Fargo Arena?
There are plenty of options in downtown Des Moines, no matter your taste. From bar food along Court Avenue, creole dishes at Buzzard Billy’s, or the closest restaurant at the Hilton, there are tasty options for food to try.
More: Here are 5 restaurants to try near Wells Fargo Arena in downtown Des Moines
Not interested in venturing outside? There are plenty of options to find within the Des Moines skywalk, from sushi to burgers, convenience stores and national chains.
More:2022 Des Moines skywalk dining guide: Where to find food downtown (without having to go outside)
Where to park near Wells Fargo Arena
If you're traveling into downtown Des Moines for the high school basketball tournaments, you can park in garages, at meters, on bridges, or in surface lots. Some options like bridges and some surface parking are free, while others like metered street parking will cost.
See the map: Where to park in downtown Des Moines for Iowa state high school basketball tournaments
Things to do in downtown Des Moines if you've got some time to spare
Looking for some Instagramable spots or places to have fun? Downtown Des Moines offers entertainment like the Science Center, the largest skate park in the U.S. and more.
More:How to spend a perfect day in downtown Des Moines with food, drinks and more
Megan Bridgeman is a digital producer working with Gannett sites across the central U.S.
This article originally appeared on Des Moines Register: Where to eat or park near the Iowa high school basketball tournaments
