Des Moines, IA – The Iowa Events Center was on standby for use by emergency crews June 13 as the rising river threatened to flood much of downtown Des Moines. A voluntary evacuation order was posted for the downtown area along the swollen Des Moines River; however city officials stressed the order could become mandatory over the weekend. The Iowa Events Center is located about one block outside the areas of downtown considered potentially threatened.
The building, which includes 198,000 net square feet of exhibit space, was staffed as of Friday afternoon; however no events were taking place. “Most events have already moved to other weekends and everyone has been very cooperative under these circumstances,” said Assistant General Manager Carrie Jackson. “We are keeping the building clear for this weekend to use as an emergency location. Things are changing on a regular basis.”
As of Friday afternoon, officials expected the Des Moines to crest late Friday night at or above the top of the levees.
Reach Carrie Jackson at (515) 564-8135 or cjackson@iowaeventscenter.com
