Preliminary calculations show that Greater Des Moines experienced a $15 million economic impact from NCAA Division I Wrestling Championships that were held at Wells Fargo Arena, March 21-23, 2013.

“We’ve received considerable positive feedback from our community partners and the hospitality industry,” said Greg Edwards, Greater Des Moines Convention and Visitors Bureau/Des Moines Area Sports Commission President & CEO. “It was a team effort and we couldn’t be more proud.”

Notable successes surrounding the week’s event include:

  • The Iowa Hall of Pride saw 2,458 people through their doors; free admission was provided by Atlantic Bottling and Farm Bureau.
  • Des Moines broke overall recorded Fan Fest attendance records, with attendance growing each day.
    • Wednesday, Opening Night Reception at Fan Fest, sponsored by Dahl’s Foods and Atlantic Bottling – 825
    • Thursday – 4,518
    • Friday – 7,087
    • Saturday – 8,275
    • Total Fan Fest Attendance: 20,705

 

“Breaking the NCAA Wrestling Fan Festival attendance record is a true testament to the hard work the LOC and NCAA put in to add additional programming, including the addition of screens showing live wrestling action,” stated Global Spectrum’s Chris Connolly, General Manager of the Iowa Events Center. “Providing a first-class experience to all student-athletes and fans was a high priority for the LOC, and Fan Festival was a prime example of that.”