The arena oozes, an Iowa long gone by ...Not the worst or best place, but favorite (old but charming): Buccaneer Arena in Des Moines is home to USHL Des Moines Buccaneers  Place is a barn in every sense of the word (good and bad). Built in the '60s, concourse and locker rooms are on the same level, so they have to curtain off parts of the hallways to let players on and off the ice. The seating is all wooden benches made for 3000, but they fit 3500, and the roof is plywood and iron. Everything else is concrete.  My buddy Simo  saw Herb Brooks's 1980 squad (that's right the miracle ice team) once play an exhibition against the Blues there, he said that there was a Rochester hockey connection between everyone at the time when hockey was a very small world indeed. The halls are clean....they have  upgraded the vendor areas, including local Iowa beers on tap. It still has the usual fare popcorn,  Iowa style pork tenderloin, various Pop and canned beers. . I love this rink. Love, love, love it. They keep it fairly clean, despite it's age. It belongs in a Slap Shot movie. It's like "letter Kenny's character Shoresy hockey  Arena " one of the last of the "great old barns" left, and it's where so many  young people  learned to play hockey and learned to love hockey. Of course, now they've got the fancy rec area and then the minor league team "the Wild" at the Wells Fargo arena... The fans that attend the Buc games are pretty funny and loyal.. They mock  the announcer all the time with chants ...they boo and chant against the referees . It's about the right size because it doesn't swallow. People up like the Wells fargo Arena.. There's been a delay in tearing this place down. I suppose it could happen any year now. They were gonna start construction of the new arena over at the merle hay mall, but that's been put on hold.  It made me smile to see lots of dads with kids and moms with kids having a fun, affordable experience. If you haven't been, you should go before it disappears. Like other lost things and all the memories of this place are gone. I have been when it's been pretty crowded, and it does get pretty rowdy. read more

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"It's like being in a movie" is what my partner said the latest time we came to a game. The fans are dressed to represent the team and certainly seem like they are regular, season ticket holders with their enthusiastic cheers (and jeers when it comes to the referees). The arena isn't huge so there really isnt a bad seat. The game is played a lot faster and more physically than the majors. A really fun time and family friendly. Be sure to follow their Facebook or check the website for any specials (eg Friday is 2 for 1 arena tickets with a fareway receipt) read more

I haven't been here in years. We went to guns and hoses. The building is definitely showing some wear and tear from the storms read more

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We had so much fun at our first Bucs game!! Ended up winning tickets through Karl Chevrolet and a jersey. We sat Ice level front row and it was fun to be right in the action. It's a smaller arena but still just as fun! Food and drinks were SUPER expensive ($8 for any beer, and 2 sodas, a hot dog, and a pretzel were like $18). But that is kind of expected for any sporting arena. A Side note- parking in their lot costs on game days. We had to run across the street to get some cash on the way into the game. read more

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I was at Buccaneer Arena for my birthday for a hockey game last year. Im not a Des Moines fan but this review is not about the players. The stadium is really cramped and run down. I would go back to watch a game here but they need to renovate it or get a new stadium. The seats are uncomfortable and the place is just overall cramped. read more

Just got done seeing the Bucs play for the second time. Had a blast both times! In between we went to see The Iowa Wild and won't bother going to another game. The whole game was so blah and commercialized/gimmicky. Love the old-school, rough and dirty feel of the Buccaneers Arena. No extra frills, no high-polished floors, no fancy-fancy, just the basics. Love the energy of the Buccaneers and love watching them in their own venue. read more

Buccaneer Arena - Stadiums & Arenas Near Me - Urbandale, Iowa

I really love old school arenas! Just think of all the sweet, cheers, tears, and bruises that this building has housed! I have been here a few times and every time it's been really fun! Really not a bad seat in the house, since it's not a huge place! This past Sunday I went to see fellow Yelp Elite Chris B. play a semi final game for his hockey league and I brought my son Nilsson for his first hockey game! We had a blast, we even snagged a puck that flew into the stands and the guy working there said we could keep it! How cool is that! You might want to bring a sweatshirt since it's pretty cold in here.. Although I enjoyed getting out of a hot car and coming into the ice box feeling of the place! The bathrooms have been modernized but were still lacking paper towels on this trip! I do like the little concessions spot too, it's glassed windows are perfect for watching the game from above and the snacks and beers are cheap too! How can you go wrong! Hockey is not my favorite sport, but damn this a fun place to come hang with friends and see a game for a few hours! read more

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Hands down my favorite place to see a hockey game! It's so up close and personal. I'm not a huge hockey fan, but something about this place and the Des Moines Bucs franchise just gets you involved in the game. It truly is an experience you have to have for yourself to understand. It's kinda chilly in there so I'd bring a hoodie or a light jacket with you. Oh yea... and watch out for flying pucks!! read more

I haven't been here in awhile but I am still a fan of watching hockey here over the bigger arenas. Yes there building needs a little updating, maybe the screen board could use a little love and attention. The bench seating is awesome for snuggling up to your friends or whomever to keep warmer in the ice rink. Take your own padding for the seat but I think the bench seating does allow for some comfort where the tiny, knee smacking folding seats do not. I think this arena has a way of making the atmosphere more exciting and personal. Some of the faces that I haven't seen in years were there still selling 50/50 tickets to the crowd and announcing for the Bucs. I think as far as game wise, the Bucs always have a great game. They play hard and I really enjoy when the Bucs get into scuffles with the other players. The give away is still part of the games, get your chuck a puc and the kids ride the Zamboni. Some nights have drink specials or food specials and you should check out this place. Its been here forever and I hope they keep working on it to keep making it better so it stays open a long time. read more

A fun arena to watch hockey! The smaller arena allows for some good noise from the crowd and can really generate some good energy. Lots of seating is available and all good views of the rink. Plenty of food and beverage options & we've never had to spend time waiting in line. read more

This review is not about the players. This review is about the venue, the staff and ticket sales. The venue itself while charming is known as 'our little dump.' The sound system is horrible. The seating is ancient and uncomfortable. As season ticket holders for many many years we have watched this place decline rapidly. Merchandise that is available is not appealing and sparse. Food and drinks available are mediocre at best. Ticket sales...!? Why is it I can go see the Iowa Wild for much cheaper than seeing the Bucs. That is unacceptable. We would love to return to watch the team but for those prices we choose to frequent the Wild. Figure it out management.... you have lost a lot of money the past several years. read more