|
|
- Dan McCarney,
Head Football Coach
DES MOINES CITY LIFE
In the heart of Iowa you will find Des Moines. Home
to many different cultures and a wide range of entertainment possibilities,
this metropolis will keep you entertained throughout the day and night.
Des Moines activities range from live music to sporting events and dining
that will satisfy any finicky eater. The nation's best steaks can be ordered
from the menus of many restaurants in Des Moines.
Many bands have scheduled stops in Central Iowa on
their national tours. Big-name bands such as Christina Aguilera, Prince,
Goo Goo Dolls, Smashing Pumpkins, Blues Traveler, Aerosmith and the Dave
Matthews Band have rocked central Iowa. Local music festivals have recently
brought groups like Run DMC, Smash Mouth, Metallica, Soundgarden and others
to give Iowans another long sunny day to enjoy music. R&B fans have
seen their favorite stars come to central Iowa. Performers such as Boyz
II Men, Janet Jackson and Brandy grooved across the stage to packed audiences.
Jack Trice Stadium has played host to country music stars George Strait,
Tim McGraw, The Dixie Chicks and JoDee Massena, among other acts. Reba McEntire
has made annual visits to Ames.
Court Avenue, located in downtown Des Moines, hosts
blues and jazz festivals. The street is closed off and people are free to
walk around and enjoy music and food from the restaurants and clubs along
the street.
The annual Drake Relays draw people from all over
the country as one of the biggest track and field events in America. Many
of the nation's best runners compete in the Relays every year. World-class
athletes, including Michael Johnson, Jeff Hartwig and Suzy Hamilton have
showcased their dominance against other elite runners in recent years.
The Iowa Barnstormers of the AF2 league play at Veterans Memorial Auditorium. Sec Taylor Stadium is home to the Iowa Cubs, the triple-A club for the Chicago Cubs. Road trips can be made to see professional baseball or football games in less than three hours.