The echoes of sneakers on hardwood and the roar of high school fans filled Casey’s Center in Des Moines this week, but there was a bittersweet note in the air. For more than 60 years, generations of Iowans have flocked to the state capital each March to witness the pinnacle of boys’ high school basketball. Now, as the 2026 tournament unfolds, players, coaches, and fans alike are savoring every moment—knowing this is the final time the event will grace Des Moines before making a historic move north to Ames.
It’s a transition loaded with nostalgia and anticipation. Since 1963, the boys state basketball tournament has been a fixture in Des Moines, first at Veterans Memorial Auditorium and, since 2006, at Wells Fargo Arena—recently renamed Casey’s Center. The venue itself has become part of the tradition, a place where dreams are made, rivalries are settled, and communities gather in spirited support of their local teams. The move, announced in March 2026 by Iowa State University and the Iowa High School Athletic Association (IHSAA), marks the end of an era and the beginning of a new chapter at Hilton Coliseum in Ames, starting in 2027.
For fans like Dan Pomeroy, this week’s tournament is especially poignant. Pomeroy, a steadfast supporter of the Carroll Tigers, has attended state tournaments in Des Moines for an astonishing 40 to 50 years—almost every year. “Some of the tradition and ‘magic’ of making it to Des Moines and the capital city will be lost after so many years at Vets Auditorium and in Des Moines,” Pomeroy reflected, echoing the sentiment of many lifelong attendees. Still, he’s optimistic about the future, adding, “Even as an Iowa Hawkeye fan, I’m reluctant about Ames—but I will absolutely go and support the teams I follow.”
The Tigers gave their fans plenty to cheer about during the tournament. In a thrilling contest on March 9 or 10, Carroll edged out Pella by a single point, 50-49, in front of a raucous crowd. The win was a testament to the team’s grit and the infectious energy of their supporters—including a spirited group of elementary and middle school students known as the “Carroll Crazies.” Their enthusiasm helped fuel the Tigers’ upset over a Pella squad described as “on a mission.”
Pella’s journey to the state tournament was years in the making. Many of the team’s seniors have played together since third grade, forging bonds on and off the court. For them, reaching state was the ultimate goal, especially as they closed out their high school careers. The stands were filled with proud family members, including Damon Smith, whose son Maddox played for Pella. For Maddox’s grandmother, Gail, this year was particularly special—it marked her first opportunity to attend the tournament in person. When asked if she’d be there no matter where her grandson played in the state, Gail didn’t hesitate: “I will be there. You bet.”
The move to Ames is not without precedent. The boys state basketball tournament was held at Hilton Coliseum from 1917 to 1926, but for the vast majority of Iowans alive today, Des Moines has always been the event’s home. The upcoming shift is the result of a new five-year partnership between the IHSAA and Iowa State University, covering tournaments from 2027 through 2031. The event will remain five days long, preserving the format that fans and teams have come to expect.
Tom Keating, Executive Director of the IHSAA, has been at the forefront of the transition. In March, Keating expressed both gratitude for the decades-long partnership with Des Moines venues and excitement about the opportunities awaiting in Ames. “The folks at (Casey’s Center) have been terrific,” Keating said. “But Hilton is really a basketball facility... One of the things we’re hoping is that kids get a little better sense of the fans right there and the intimacy of the, of the arena. The other is, they get to—they watch Iowa State on TV, they watch players play in the Hilton. They think about, wow, what would it be like to play in that facility. And now we’re going to give them the opportunity to do that.”
Keating’s enthusiasm was echoed in a news release announcing the move: “We couldn’t be more excited about what this opportunity will offer our student-athletes, schools, and supporters as they experience an elite basketball environment at Hilton and an awesome new tournament community in CyTown and Ames.” He also extended “sincere appreciation” to everyone involved at Iowa State University, Discover Ames, and Cyclone Athletics for making the transition possible.
While the future promises new memories and traditions, the sense of loss is real for many. For some fans, the drive to Des Moines each March has been a family ritual—an annual pilgrimage that ties together generations. The city itself has become synonymous with the tournament, its restaurants and hotels bustling with out-of-town visitors, its downtown energized by the influx of basketball faithful. As the event prepares to relocate, questions linger about how the move will reshape the experience for teams and fans.
Yet, there’s a palpable sense of optimism about what lies ahead. Hilton Coliseum, home to Iowa State University basketball, is renowned for its intimate atmosphere and passionate fans. The hope is that high school athletes will relish the chance to play on the same court they’ve seen on television, soaking up the energy of a new setting. The five-year agreement ensures stability and the opportunity to build fresh traditions in Ames, with the possibility of extending the partnership if all goes well.
Amid these changes, Iowa’s high school basketball community remains as tight-knit and enthusiastic as ever. The Carroll Tigers’ narrow victory over Pella showcased the drama and unpredictability that make the state tournament a must-see event. The presence of the “Carroll Crazies” and the emotional journeys of families like the Smiths serve as reminders that, no matter the venue, the heart and soul of the tournament lie in its people.
As the final buzzer sounds in Des Moines, fans are taking a moment to appreciate the memories—while looking ahead with excitement to the new chapter in Ames. Whether in the capital city or under the bright lights of Hilton Coliseum, Iowa’s boys state basketball tournament promises to remain a celebration of community, competition, and the enduring spirit of the game.