Everyone loves an underdog. In Greater Des Moines, it’s our competitive advantage. From our humble beginnings as a quiet insurance town, we’ve worked hard to create a home field advantage as an unexpected sports mecca in the heart of the Midwest.

The country’s largest skatepark. An iconic track and field venue. The longest running minor league affiliation in baseball. There’s a reason we were named #1 Minor League Sports Market in the nation and that NBA Hall of Famer Reggie Miller said, “Des Moines is the best site I’ve ever been a part of.” 

Whether we’re hosting marquee sporting events like the NCAA Tournament and Dew Tour, or a youth soccer tournament in the suburbs, our fans show up loud and proud. We’ve got the venues, the people, and the passion to ensure that your next sporting event will be a winner. Big or small, let’s play ball!


Catch Des Moines

The Missouri Valley Conference crowns its 2026 Cross Country champions at the annual MVC Cross Country Championship on October 30, 2026. All eleven MVC member schools send their top distance runners to battle for individual and team titles. Hosted by Drake University on a championship course, the meet showcases elite endurance athletes from Belmont, Bradley, Drake, Evansville, UIC, Illinois State, Indiana State, Murray State, Northern Iowa, Southern Illinois and Valparaiso, with live recaps and highlights airing across MVC digital channels.

2026 The Missouri Valley Conference Cross Country Championship

Cross Country

A.H. Blank Golf Course is one of three Des Moines public courses. Located at 808 County Line Road, Blank has some of the most unique features in Central Iowa. The most unique feature is the Uplink Global Positioning System, better known as GPS. This system was installed in the spring of 2003. The GPS provides you with the pleasure of knowing the exact distance between the point of the ball to all hazards and to the flag. The system also allows you to page the beverage cart from your own cart. No more waiting for a cool refreshing drink or snack! Forgot a scorecard, that’s okay, plug your score right into the screen using the computerized scoring system.

Blank first opened in 1971 as a 9 hole golf course and expanded to 18 holes in 1985. Only one of the original nine holes still remains, but it has been altered. The course offers a formidable challenge, especially on the front nine. Water and sand come in to play on many of the holes, adding to the course difficulty. There are 31 sand traps and 10 water holes.

The blank golf course features a full-service deli, driving range, pro shop, and banquet room that holds up to 300 people. Call and book your golf outing today with one of our friendly staff members!

2026 The Missouri Valley Conference Cross Country Championship

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