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Jacobson Exhibition Center Tickets

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The venue

About Jacobson Exhibition Center

The Jacobson Exhibition Center, officially the Richard O. Jacobson Exhibition Center, is a versatile venue located on the Iowa State Fairgrounds in Des Moines. With a fixed seating capacity of approximately 3,300 and ample space on the main floor for theatre-style seating around 3,400, the center accommodates livestock shows, trade shows, concerts, and sports events. Floor plans and information sheets are available as PDFs for detailed seating layouts, helping groups secure the best configurations for their needs.

Whether you’re planning a major trade show, a concert, or a community event, we’ve got you covered with straightforward ticketing and clear venue details to help you secure your seats. Des Moines visitors will find convenient parking on the fairgrounds and reliable transit options from DART for easy drop-off and pick-up during peak events at Gate 10. Nearby hotels and dining options offer comfortable stays and great pre- or post-event meals.

For planning purposes, the center supports multiple seating configurations: fixed seating around 3,300, main floor theatre seating near 3,400, banquet capacity around 2,500, and classroom setup about 1,750. Parking is surfaced and adjacent to the fairgrounds, with on-site options referenced in facility materials. DART Park & Ride options and daily shuttles provide convenient access during the Iowa State Fair. When you’re hosting an event or attending a show, consider nearby hotels such as Renaissance Des Moines Savery Hotel, Residence Inn Des Moines Downtown, and Des Moines Marriott Downtown for convenient lodging. We’ve highlighted affiliate hotel and restaurant partners to help you plan with ease.

Good to know

Seating, Parking & Venue Information

  • Address: 3000 East Grand Avenue, Des Moines, IA 50317.
  • Venue type: Exhibition center on the Iowa State Fairgrounds, configured for livestock, trade shows, concerts and sports.
  • Capacity: fixed seating approximately 3,300; main floor theatre seating around 3,400; additional seating options (banquet ~2,500; classroom ~1,750).
  • Floor plan: Floorplan and Information Sheet available as PDFs for detailed seating layouts.
  • Parking: adjacent hard-surface parking on the fairgrounds; on-site parking options referenced in facility materials.
  • Transit: Des Moines area transit (DART) Park & Ride options with Gate 10 for drop-off/pick-up during the Iowa State Fair; shuttles run daily.
  • Nearby hotels: Renaissance Des Moines Savery Hotel (401 Locust St), Residence Inn Des Moines Downtown (100 SW Water St), Des Moines Marriott Downtown (700 Grand Ave).
  • Notable events: Iowa State Fair events including livestock shows, concerts and sporting events; Jake's Club VIP area; notable fair activities like Cowgirl Queen Contest and six-horse draft horse hitches (per Blue Ribbon Foundation).
  • Renamed/demolition: The center is named Richard O. Jacobson Exhibition Center and remains active; no reports of demolition.