# CW Pod: Chris Connolly on the Future of Casey's Center, NCAA Tournaments & Iowa Hoops in Des Moines

Page: https://stenobird.com/podcast/iowa-everywhere-5644869/cw-pod-chris-connolly-on-the-future-of-casey-s-center-ncaa-tournaments-iowa-hoops-in-des-moines
Text version: https://stenobird.com/podcast/iowa-everywhere-5644869/cw-pod-chris-connolly-on-the-future-of-casey-s-center-ncaa-tournaments-iowa-hoops-in-des-moines.md
Podcast: [Iowa Everywhere](https://stenobird.com/podcast/iowa-everywhere-5644869)
Published: 2026-07-14T15:00:00+00:00
Episode link: https://chrt.fm/track/87D9DA/traffic.megaphone.fm/CFLLC3133526578.mp3
Audio file: https://chrt.fm/track/87D9DA/traffic.megaphone.fm/CFLLC3133526578.mp3
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JSON: https://stenobird.com/v1/public/podcasts/iowa-everywhere-5644869/episodes/cw-pod-chris-connolly-on-the-future-of-casey-s-center-ncaa-tournaments-iowa-hoops-in-des-moines
Duration seconds: 4558

## Resource

Chris Williams sits down with Iowa Events Center General Manager Chris Connolly for an in-depth conversation about the future of Casey's Center, hosting NCAA Tournament games, bringing major concerts to Des Moines, Iowa basketball's return to downtown, and the continued growth of Iowa's premier entertainment venue. 🏀 NCAA Tournament & Casey's Center Chris Connolly discusses: • Missing out on the NCAA First Four bid • Why Des Moines continues to land NCAA Tournament games • What the selection process looks like • The impact of hotels, venue upgrades and community support 🎤 Concert Business The conversation also covers: • Ella Langley's rapid rise and sold-out show • Garth Brooks changing Des Moines' reputation • Landing artists like Lil Wayne, Journey, and UFC • Iowa State's growing concert partnership at Jack Trice Stadium and Stephens Auditorium 🏀 Iowa Basketball • Iowa vs. Creighton and Alabama at Casey's Center • The future of neutral-site college basketball • Whether Iowa State could eventually return to downtown for marquee games Plus • Casey's Center's future management • Polk County's consultant review • Selling alcohol at Iowa State athletic events • Behind-the-scenes stories from major sporting events and concerts CW Pod presented by Steeple Ridge Bourbon. Only on Iowa Everywhere. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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## Transcript

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