DES MOINES, Iowa (May 6, 2025) – If Greater Des Moines wasn’t on your sports radar, it should be now. Fresh off a high-octane weekend that saw WWE Friday Night Smackdown and UFC Fight Night energize downtown, the metro is stepping into the national spotlight with a jam-packed May of athletic events – and this is only the warm-up.
“This month is a testament to the kind of sports momentum that we continue to build for Greater Des Moines,” said Greg Edwards, president and CEO of Catch Des Moines. “From global entertainment brands to grassroots youth championships, our region is showing it’s a heavyweight contender in sports tourism.”
Events this May will draw thousands of athletes, coaches, and fans from all 50 states, contributing over $20 million dollars in economic impact to the region.
May’s sports lineup includes:
- Iowa USA Wrestling Freestyle and Greco State Championship (May 2 – 4)
- Midwest JVA Challenge (May 3 – 4)
- Des Moines Menace – Just for Girls Soccer Tournament (May 3 – 4)
- Missouri Valley Conference Softball Championship (May 7 – 10)
- University of Iowa vs. Oregon State 3-Game Series (May 8 – 10)
- All-Iowa Attack Basketball – Battle of the Best (May 16 – 18)
- 2025 Spring Slam Derby Jam – Junior Roller Derby Tournament (May 17 – 18)
- IGHSAU and IHSAA Co-Ed State Track Meet (May 22 – 24)
- Principal Charity Classic (May 28 – June 1)
- EMC DAM to DSM (May 31)
- Red Bull Soapbox Race Iowa (May 31)
“These events not only energize the community but also drive real results for our local economy,” said Trina Flack, vice president of sales at Catch Des Moines. “We work year-round to bring these events to life and help make Greater Des Moines the Midwest’s ultimate sports playground.”
This stacked schedule is just the beginning of a summer filled with high-profile competitions, culminating with the 2025 National Senior Games (July 24 – August 4), which will bring more than 12,000 athletes and visitors to the metro.
“Des Moines is no longer an underdog – it’s playing in the big leagues,” Edwards added. “And with the National Senior Games just around the corner, we’re ready to make this summer full of visitors.”
About Catch Des Moines
The Greater Des Moines Convention & Visitors Bureau and the Des Moines Area Sports Commission, collectively known as Catch Des Moines, is the official destination marketing organization promoting and representing Greater Des Moines to leisure travelers and meeting/sports planners. Our focus is to increase visitors to the metro and elevate the visitor experience to drive economic success and enhance the quality of life in the 14 local Greater Des Moines communities we represent. For more information, visit catchdesmoines.com.