What is the Des Moines Corporate Games?

The Des Moines Corporate Games is a company based competition, starting late May and ending July 31, that enables and supports teamwork, company pride and corporate wellness through healthy competition. There are twenty sports offered that include both competitive and non-competitive sports and events. All events will be held in the evening and on the weekends. Check out our 2023 Des Moines Corporate Games Flier for more details. 

Did the Des Moines Corporate Games replace the Golden Circle Games?

Yes. Beginning the mid-1980’s, companies in greater Des Moines participated in the Golden Circle Games as a way to build inter-office team building skills while “softly” competing against businesses in the region. Starting in 2016, the Golden Circle Games stepped aside to make way for the Des Moines Corporate Games which allows corporate teams to compete on a larger, more organized scale with a stronger focus on employees’ health, fitness, team building skills, and of course, competitive spirit.

How large does a company have to be to participate in the Des Moines Corporate Games?

Companies of all sizes participate in the Des Moines Corporate Games. They have varied from over 7,000 employees to less than 35.  Once registration is complete, companies will be put into divisions based on general company size. Companies fewer than 75 employees are eligible to join with other small companies to compete as one company/team (sum of employees cannot exceed 100).

When does registration for the Des Moines Corporate Games take place?

Company registration for the Des Moines Corporate Games opens December 1 prior to the competition year and continues through March 1 or until the maximum number of companies is reached. Companies are encouraged to register early.

What is the company’s investment for the Des Moines Corporate Games?

The cost varies based on size of company. Prices are as follows*:
 
100 or less employees $1,300
101-300 employees $1,600
301-600 employees $1,800
601-1,000 employees $2,300
1,001-2,000 employees $3,200
2,001-4,000 employees $4,200
4,001 employees and above $4,700








*Companies will be invoiced after registration is complete.  Fees are due by April 1.

The company investment covers costs for eligible employees to participate in all sports and events that the Des Moines Corporate Games has to offer.  This includes green fees, lane fees, registration, awards, etc.  The only exception is that cart fees for golf are not included in the company fee.  Employees who elect to use a cart will pay that fee separately. *Other small fees could be possible in 2024 depending on what new events are added.

Who is eligible to compete?

The Des Moines Corporate Games are open to any company, municipality or government agency or department in the Des Moines metro area. Participation is for regular employees (full or part-time), interns and retirees. Participants must be 18 years of age or older.

How do employees sign-up for events?

In order to participate in the Des Moines Corporate Games, employees register online and agree to our waiver.  At that point, they can "declare" interest in sports and events. Employees will be able to "declare" their interest at the conclusion of the Company Administrator meeting in early April.  For team sports and limited events, the company administrator or sport captain will determine who is competing. 

Are there virtual opportunities?

​​​​​​The Corporate Games offers a wide variety of events, including virtual opportunities to participate and earn company points. Some of these opportunities will allow employees to participate within a window of time, giving those with even the busiest schedules the ability to be part of the Corporate Games. Some events are held live virtually. 

Do I have to be an athlete to participate?

Athletic ability is not necessary! The Corporate Games truly offers something for everyone. From learning opportunities that can be done virtually, to fitness walks and hydration challenges, to trivia and dodgeball, there are opportinities for every employee regardless of ability. This allows all employees to be a part of the fun and earn points to help their company compete for the Corporate Cup.

What if an employee wants to enter multiple sports and events?

Employees are allowed to enter into multiple sports and events. However, "declaring" your interest does not guarantee your participation in that sport or event if there is a limit set for the amount of employees a company can enter. Contact your company administrator with further questions.

How many participants can a company have in each event?

That depends on each event.  Each event page lists a roster limit. Some events, such as team events usually have a limit to the number of teams per company as well as a limit on the roster size.  Most individual competitive and non-competitive events have no limit on the number of participants.  CLICK HERE to view a list of sports and their roster limits from 2022 events.

How are medals awarded for events?

Medals will be awarded to the top three finishers in most individual and team sports. There are some sports and events that do not give out medals. Refer to the sport specific rules to see if you have an opportunity to win a medal.

Are there company awards?

Yes. Company points are earned through participation at events as well as placing at competitive events. Points are cumulative, and the company leaderboard is updated weekly. The Des Moines Corporate Games trophies will be presented to the top companies in each division at the Iowa State Fair. This ceremony will take place at noon on the second Friday of the Fair in conjunction with Adaptive Sports Iowa events on the Grand Concourse.

How can companies become sponsors?

Sponsorships are available at several different levels.  Get exposure for your company while also supporting a unique event in the Des Moines metro!  CLICK HERE to contact the Des Moines Corporate Games staff.

Are companies required to have uniforms?

Companies are encouraged to be creative and provide a company t-shirt or jersey for their employees in order to show company pride, but uniforms are not required for any event.

What if there is inclement weather?

Sports using outdoor sites are weather dependent. Competition will be conducted unless the facility mangers or the Des Moines Corporate Games staff determine weather conditions to be potentially dangerous or life threatening, or if playing fields would incur significant damage. The Des Moines Corporate Games reserves all rights to change competition format, schedules or locations depending upon the situation. There will be no refunds for events canceled due to inclement weather.
Any cancellations or changes to schedules due to inclement weather will be posted on our social media sites. Participants are encouraged to follow the Des Moines Corporate Games on TwitterFacebook and Instagram

Does the Des Moines Corporate Games support a charity?

Yes. The Des Moines Corporate Games is proud to have Adaptive Sports Iowa as the charity partner.  $100 from each company's entry fee is donated directly to Adaptive Sports Iowa.  Adaptive Sports Iowa provides sports and recreation opportunities to Iowan's with physical disabilities. Programs offered in the Des Moines metro include: beep baseball for the visually impaired, wheelchair basketball, wheelchair tennis, adaptive CrossFit, youth track and field, and the only recognized adaptive RAGBRAI team.