AAU Junior Olympic Games Facilities
Welcome to the 2026 AAU Junior Olympic Games in Des Moines, Iowa! We are thrilled to host you July 27-August 8, 2026, for one of the largest and most exciting youth sporting events in the country.
Over the course of 12 days, thousands of athletes, coaches, and families from across the nation will come together to compete, connect, and create unforgettable memories. Whether this is your first AAU Junior Olympic Games or you’re a returning competitor, we can’t wait for you to experience everything Des Moines has to offer — both on and off the court, track, or field of play.
Below is a preview of venue information for the 2026 AAU Junior Olympic Games. Additional details, including schedules, maps, and parking instructions, will be shared as we get closer to the event.
-
Address: 2719 Forest Ave, Des Moines, IA 50311
Sports: Track & FieldDrake Stadium is one of the premier track and field facilities in the country. With a seating capacity of 14,557, the stadium is home to Drake University football and the world-renowned Drake Relays, held annually on the iconic blue oval. The venue features an eight-lane Mondo surface track designed for championship-level competition and offers ample spectator seating in a central location just minutes from downtown Des Moines. The historic Blue Oval will host all of the Track & Field competitions.
-
Address: 6500 Grand Ave, West Des Moines, IA 50266
Sports: Baton, Cheerleading, Dance, Jump Rope, Judo/Grappling, Karate, Sport Stacking, Taekwondo, Trampoline and Tumbling, Strength Sports, WrestlingThe MidAmerican Energy Company RecPlex is a premier indoor sports complex designed for year-round competition and large-scale events. The facility features hardwood basketball and volleyball courts, synthetic turf fields, indoor ice arenas, pickleball courts, and a warm-up area, along with meeting spaces, exhibit halls, and an Esports center. With over 1,200 on-site parking spaces and modern amenities throughout, the RecPlex will serve as a major competition hub during the 2026 AAU Junior Olympic Games.
-
Address: 501 Grand Ave, Des Moines, IA 50309
Sports: SwimmingThe Aquatic Center features a 50-meter Olympic-size pool and warm-up pool with above-deck spectator seating for 1,200, as well as a 25-yard, 4-lane warm-up and cool-down pool. Centrally located and attached to the skywalk system, the venue is within walking distance to many hotels, restaurants, and amenities. The MidAmerican Energy Company Aquatic Center will host the swimming competition during the duration of the Games.
-
Address: 1000 NE Heritage Dr, Grimes, IA 50111
Sports: Flag FootballThe Hy-Vee Multiplex is a 50-acre synthetic turf complex and one of the largest of its kind in the Midwest. The facility features six turf pods, 12 full-size soccer fields, 18 baseball/softball fields, batting cages and bullpens (coming soon), concession/restroom buildings, and over 1,200 parking spaces. It will serve as the flag football competition venue during the 2026 AAU Junior Olympic Games.
-
Address: 1427–1483 25th St, Des Moines, IA 50311
Sports: Flag Football (Championships only)Mediacom Stadium, completed in 2023 on the Drake University campus, is a 4,000-seat synthetic turf venue built for high-level competition. The stadium has already hosted NAIA Football Championship Series playoff games and will be the home of the flag football championships during the 2026 AAU Junior Olympic Games.
-
Address: 2575 Prairie Meadow Dr, Iowa City, IA
Sports: Field HockeyGrant Field is a premier field hockey facility on the University of Iowa campus with a state-of-the-art playing surface, permanent grandstand, press box, and spectator amenities. Known as one of the top field hockey venues in the country, it has hosted undefeated home seasons and competitive Hawkeye teams. During the 2026 AAU Junior Olympic Games, Grant Field will host the field hockey competition.
