The Des Moines Buccaneers stand as one of the most historic USHL clubs in the country, starting in the league’s second season in 1980-1981. The team has been playing in the same arena since their first season, more than 40 years ago. Urbandale is known to be a hockey town with an electric fan base of the Buccaneers. With an aging facility slowly deteriorating, the Buccaneers decided it was time for an upgrade. The new arena will hold over 3,500 people and will include three rinks intended for practice and tournament use. The Buccaneers hope to carry the team’s history in the new building and to, while continuing to elevate the area’s youth hockey programs. The new arena will accommodate for youth hockey players and give them the ability to have a place to play hockey all year round.

The arena will be the end-product of the major renovation of the Merle Hay Mall, Des Moines’ oldest shopping mall. ICON was selected to take on the project using their experienced skillset in reimagining big box retail spaces. The mall currently holds two anchor retail tenants, a brewhouse, arcade, and soon will be the new home of the Des Moines Buccaneers. The arena is expected to be completed in time for the 2022 – 2023 season.

• 3,500 seating capacity for hockey
• Three rinks for practice and tournaments with bleachers