Ovations provides catering and concession services to the Iowa Events Center, which is a four-venue, multi-purpose sports, entertainment, convention and expo complex all under one inter-connected roof. Wells Fargo Arena is a 17,000 seat arena, the Hy-Vee Hall is a 150,000 square foot exhibition hall, Veterans Memorial Auditorium is a flexible space with 100,000 square feet of floor space and 7,200 seats and the Polk Convention Complex is a 60,000 square foot convention center with 27 meeting rooms.
Ovations began working with the Iowa Events Center and the Wells Fargo Arena after the design phase had been completed. After reviewing the design concepts, Ovations was able to reduce the construction expenses within the permanent stand substantially, saving the county over $200,000. Ovations worked directly with the county to make sure the food and beverage areas were built to specs and we purchased most of the equipment (on behalf of the county).
Ovations also implemented a cart program that was themed after Des Moines’ bridges. These carts increased the number of points-of-sales in high traffic areas. The carts that Ovations purchased were designed to be as versatile as the building. When liquor bars were needed, the carts could be converted for that use, when additional soda locations were needed, the carts could be customized for that. Other carts that were purchased were used for equally different things such as carving fresh baked ham to selling a signature local pork nacho item.
Ovations also took what used to be the backstage area on the suite level of the Wells Fargo Arena and turned it into a full-service restaurant. Ovations helped design the space as well as worked with the client to secure a title sponsor for the restaurant. The restaurant, called River’s Edge, seats 250, and features an upscale menu and breathtaking views of the River. The other side features a view of the main concourses and a balcony that overlooks the arena floor. This area was designed as a meeting place before concerts and events.
