West Des Moines RecPlex Expands with New Event Space

The 100,000-square-foot addition will boost capacity for sports, concerts, and more.

Apr. 3, 2026 at 12:55pm

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A bold, colorful silkscreen print featuring a repeated image of a basketball hoop, conceptually representing the expanded event and sports capabilities of the West Des Moines RecPlex.The upcoming expansion of the West Des Moines RecPlex will transform the facility into a vibrant hub for sports, concerts, and community gatherings.Des Moines Today

The RecPlex in West Des Moines, Iowa has begun construction on a major 100,000-square-foot expansion project. The new space will include a 3,000-seat arena for sports events as well as an additional 1,000 seats for concerts, graduations, and other special events. The expansion also features a new 500-space parking lot.

Why it matters

The RecPlex expansion is a significant investment in West Des Moines' recreational and event infrastructure, allowing the facility to host larger crowds and a wider variety of programming year-round. As the city's population continues to grow, the expanded RecPlex will provide more opportunities for the community to gather, be active, and enjoy entertainment.

The details

The new 100,000-square-foot addition will be built adjacent to the existing RecPlex building. The expanded arena space will have a 3,000-seat capacity for sports events, plus an extra 1,000 seats for concerts, graduations, and other special events. Additionally, a new 500-space parking lot will be constructed to accommodate the increased capacity.

  • Construction on the RecPlex expansion began in April 2026.
  • The expansion project is expected to be completed and open to the public in October 2027.

The players

Shane Radcliffe

General Manager of the RecPlex in West Des Moines.

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What they’re saying

“When we opened, we knew that the demand for ice was there right away, and so what's really helped us and made us very impactful has been all of our special events. When the ice season tapers off in the spring, you need a facility that can utilize and be operated year-round.”

— Shane Radcliffe, General Manager

What’s next

The RecPlex expansion project is expected to be completed and open to the public in October 2027.

The takeaway

The RecPlex expansion demonstrates West Des Moines' commitment to providing high-quality recreational and event facilities for its growing community. By increasing the venue's capacity and versatility, the city is positioning the RecPlex to host a wider range of sports, concerts, and other special events that will benefit residents and attract visitors to the area.