Together With

Good morning, Des Moines! 🌅 This is DSM at Dawn. Gas Stations are a big deal around here.

In todays issue:

• 🏪 Casey’s Center

• Dapper DJs 🎤

• 🎃 Halloween Happenings

And we’re off.

— Nick Rivas

Casey’s Center

Wells Fargo Arena has been a staple of Downtown DSM for two decades. The Multi-purpose arena opened in the summer of 2005 and has hosted events ranging from concerts to NCAA basketball tournaments to Pro basketball and hockey. That will all continue to happen, but something will be a little bit different.

Wells Fargo has decided not to renew its agreement and the building will be renamed Casey’s Center starting July 1, 2025, following a new 10-year naming rights deal with Casey’s General Stores. As part of the agreement, Casey’s will install new signage, including branding on the arena’s roof, and feature its popular food items, like pizza, during events.

With over 550 stores in Iowa, Casey’s aims to deepen its connection to the state. This move aligns with the company's focus on expanding its brand visibility. Full financial details of the deal have yet to be released.

THE ROUNDUP 🧵📱

Ashworth Road Update 🛣️ 

Anyone who has spent any time in WDM knows that Ashworth is just too dang cramped. In recent years, the four-lane road has been reduced to three lanes east of 19th Street. It’s been controversial and this most recent news will certainly ruffle some feathers.

The West Des Moines City Council has voted to go ahead with a safety project that will involve taking some land from property owners who live along the road between 19th and 22nd streets. The agreements with homeowners are not yet finalized so stay tuned.

Soccer Stadium Update ⚽️ 

The Iowa Economic Development Authority (IEDA) has awarded $23.5 million through the Iowa Reinvestment Act to further support the proposed soccer stadium and surrounding development, which includes a 4-acre Global Plaza. This investment is part of a larger $293 million initiative that will transform Des Moines’ Capital City Reinvestment District into a pedestrian-friendly zone with mixed-use neighborhoods, hotels, and recreational spaces. This project is viewed as not only important for Des Moines but as a “transformational” development for the state of Iowa

In addition, Polk County Supervisors recently voted to increase the county’s contribution to $10 million for the stadium, a key part of an ambitious development project near the downtown area. The funding contributes to the overall estimated $95 million needed for the stadium and Global Plaza. The stadium is to be located on a former Superfund site and is expected to seat 6,300 spectators, aligning with United Soccer League standards.

Around Town 🏙️📈

In this section, I am going to highlight a local business, restaurant, or non-profit. This week, a local DJ has started his own company.

Dapper DJs 🎤 

Riley Schneekloth has been a DJ for almost nine years. But if you’ve ever seen him in action you might know him as DJ Riled Up. After partnering with several companies over the years he has ventured out on his own to offer Des Moines a professional and premier DJ experience.

Dapper DJs specializes in weddings, corporate events, and private events, but they are equipped to handle any event. His attention to detail and ability to keep the crowd engaged truly sets him apart. I have personal experience with DJ Riled Up and wouldn’t hesitate to use him again. You should too! 🙂 

You can contact Dapper DJs through their website, by email, or check out his socials!
📧 [email protected]
📸 @djriledup 

@DSMATDAWN 📷

Photo Cred: @djriledup

Tag @dsmatdawn to get your photos published!

WHAT TO DO 🚨🏁

DSM Children’s Museum Halloween Party

Des Moines Children’s Museum at Valley West Mall is holding their Halloween Party this Friday evening. There will be classic and fun party games. The Children’s Museum is a great spot for family fun any day of the week and this promises to be a great time for all.

Des Moines Whiskey Festival

Horizon Events Center is hosting the ultimate whiskey experience. Like most whiskey tastings, there will be an extensive selection. But there is so much more. Live music, gourmet food, and an exclusive masterclass led by whiskey experts. Get tickets here.

Boo-tanical Brews

Seasonal brews from local breweries. If that sounds like your jam, head out to the Botanical Gardens this Saturday night for some mystical and magical entertainment in the conservatory dome. Costumes encouraged.

Day of the Dead Celebration

Des Moines Art Center is celebrating Dia de Los Meurtos on Sunday. This free, family-friendly event features hands-on art activities, food, music, and a costume contest. They are also looking for volunteers if you are so inclined.

Monstermash Halloween Bash

Get your arcade fix this Saturday at Monsterama Arcade. There will be a costume contest with spooky cocktails and onsite characters.

WEATHER   🌞 🌡️

Weather Beacon: 🟢 No change foreseen

Thursday

High 73 | Low 48 | Partly Cloudy 🌤️

Friday

High 63 | Low 37 | Partly Cloudy 🌤️

Saturday

High 63 | Low 43 | Sunny ☀️

Sunday

High 68 | Low 55 | Sunny ☀️

MUSIC SCENE 🎶🎤

Thursday

Danielle Nicole | 7 | Wooly’s
Martin Zeller | 7 | xBk Live

Friday

Jenny Kohls Band | 7 | Captain Roy’s
Krizz Kaliko & Dizzy Wright | 7:30 | Wooly’s
Best of Both Worlds | 9 | Vibrant Music Hall

Saturday

Niko Moon | 7:30 | Vibrant Music Hall | 8 | xBk Live
Night Stories w/ Traffic Death & Moon Summoner |
Emo Nite | 9:45 | Wooly’s

SPORTS 🏈🏅

Football 🏈

Smaller slate this week for the local teams, but a couple of home games.

• Northwestern @ Iowa 🦅 | 10/26 | 2:30

• Missouri State @ UNI 🐆 | 10/26 | 4

• Drake 🐶 | Idle

• Iowa State 🌪️ | Idle

Hockey 🏒 

Bucs

• @ Waterloo Black Hawks | 10/25 | 7:05

• Vs Sioux Falls Stampede | 10/26 | 4

Iowa Wild

• @ Texas Stars | 10/25 | 7

• @ Texas Stars | 10/26 | 7

THANK YOU! 🙌 

Thank you for reading DSM at Dawn.

I would love your feedback! You can respond directly to this email with any comments, recommendations, or ideas.

P.S. If you, or anyone you know, would like to sponsor a future edition of The Dawn, please contact me at [email protected] or respond directly to this email.