Val Air Ballroom

301 SouthaEast Ashworth Rd, West Des Moines, IA 50265, USA

Address:	301 SouthaEast Ashworth Rd, West Des Moines, IA 50265, USA
Phone:	+1 515-223-6152
Rating:	3.7

Location

Photos 100

Reviews 35

A Private User

Do not attend a concert here! I went to see Against Me! and the Dropkick Murphys on 3-4-11, and it was easily the worst experience I have ever had from any concert venue. I have worked at a major concert venue (formerly known as Deer Creek in Indianapolis), and attended concerts across the United States at both large and small venues, and this was easily the worst mismanagement I have ever seen. I arived half an hour after the doors open, which was half an hour before the show was supposed to start, and due to their lack of security staff performing pat-downs, I was in line in the cold for one and a half hours. This meant that I missed the entire opening act, and only saw 3 songs from the Against Me! set. Upon entering I was told that there is no way to re-enter, even though I had my stub for this sold out show. When I looked for someone to discuss this with, I was informed that there was 0 management on-site. In addition (after I walked out following the first set by the Murphys to try to find the manager) I saw a person, who had been dropped in the pit and was obviously injured, get a cursory glance from security and then be told "nah you look ok". So, not only is the service attrocious but their care for the people patronizing this venue borders on criminally negligent. Needless to say they will never see any more of my money, and I recommend that anyone else find somewhere else to see shows.

A Private User

My rating is one star because "no stars" is not an option. Went to this place to see the Black Keys with my boyfriend and his niece. The band was great, venue was absolutely horrible. No air conditioning, tons of sweaty people, and you couldnt leave unless you were going to smoke. (Who is the genius that decided it was ok to continue with this show???) By the end of the night it was easily over 100 degrees and full of obnoxious, angry, hot people. It seemed like a very short set (thank God) probably because the bands were sweating to death on stage. The place itself is too flat to be able to see the band and feels very claustraphobic. As Im writing this I am dreading the fact that I have to go back tonight because the Black Crowes have been moved to this venue. We called to make sure the a/c was fixed, but I still hate this place so much that I really wish they would just cancel. If it werent for my boyfriend, I wouldnt go at all - even though the Crowes are one of my favorites to see live. I will NEVER purchase tickets for a show here EVER AGAIN. Complete rip-off.

A Private User

This place blows. Depending on the show, you may not be able to step outside for any reason other than to smoke - and even then you might only be able to smoke while being jammed into a corral in between bands. I wanted to take some merch out to my car at a recent show and was told that even though I had my already purchased ticket in hand that I would have to buy another one if I wanted to come back in. And to top it all off - they only had TWO bottles of Jameson on hand for the Dropkick Murphys show... Come on, it doesnt take a genius to know thats only gonna last about 5 minutes. Get a clue Val-Air. Youre one of the coolest spaces for shows in Des Moines, dont ruin it.

Sarah Debrouse

Im very shocked this place is huge and has some great shows, the most poor ownership though ive ever seen the shows are not promoted around town no fliers nothing on the website the last time it was updated was months ago and the concert they are having for rittz on Halloween was not promoted and his name is spelled wrong on the sign i mean come on, i wonder if they are hiring a promoter???

A Private User

Do not go to this venue. I had tickets to a sold out show, and even though i had tickets and showed up on time, i did not get into the actual show until it was 2 of the 3 bands had finished playing. The band i wanted to see was the second band playing, so basically i paid $30 for nothing. DO NOT GO TO THIS VENUE!

A Private User

Get there EARLY, we got there two hours early and it still wasnt enough. We waited two hours outside and then another hour and half inside waiting for the first band. Otherwise it was clean and service seemed quick getting people through the doors.

Jerod Harney

The sound in this place is usually pretty bad. It is a cool old place but needs updates and they need to allow you to go in and out of the venue. I wish they would book better bands from time to time to.

Josh E.

This place is starting to show its age but is still a great, fun place to go to. I have several fond memories seeing bands here over the years and have enjoyed other events throughout my lifetime.

Scott Jensen

I should have only gave them a one star considering your paying to see something here and now they charge for parking!! This pay for parking is pure b~~s~~t !! Wont come back

Jill Ramos

Horrible! No air condition and we had to evacuate because of a gas leak!!! This place really needs to be brought to code and remodeled!!!

Lesa S

I have been here a few times for a rave and once for something else. I must say its a step up its clean and well put-together.

Ben David

Its a good venue but certain events serve certain liqueurs, if your doing a show make it explicit what you want.

Amanda Hedrick

Horrible!!! 1 air conditioner! Hot BEER! Had to evacuate the building an hour in to fights due to gas leak!

Mark Holte

First time back I. 20 years and the place is still a dump. AC wasnt working so hot and muggy in there

A Private User

Ive seen some great shows here. Black Keys and Band of Horses..its oldschool and fun.