Hosting games for the men’s NCAA Tournament is a big job for any city. Des Moines, Iowa took on that job for a second time. The city hosted several games during the first round the men’s NCAA Tournament. It’s a job Des Moines did three years before, and were ready to do it again in 2019, learning from their 2016 experience. The Des Moines Register laid out a few things the city did to make this year’s experience a bit more polished.

1. Don’t count on the weather

There are no guarantees on the weather in the midwest especially in March, which is why the Wells Fargo Arena has connectivity to skywalks.

2. The more concessions, the better

After receiving negative comments in 2016 about long lines for food and drink, the arena increased staff along with adding portable grab-and-go stands and six vending machines.

3. Improving the ‘fan experience’

Between improving WiFi service in the arena, to adding charging stations, and showing other tournament games on TVs within the stadium, the Wells Fargo Arena is doing its best to improve the ‘fan experience.’

4. Be a good traffic cop

Des Moines leaders and the arena worked with the state Department of Transportation to monitor traffic around the stadium during tournament week. There was also a shuttle parking available to the arena to help alleviate traffic.

Read the full article from the Des Moines Register here.