So Many Choices Tonight!

So much for the idea of "Dead Moines." The metro area is having a huge sports nights with a plethora of events to choose from this evening.

1. Soccer - Valley Stadium, West Des Moines: The Des Moines Menace PDL soccer team won the Heartland Division in the regular season. Last Saturday they won the Division's playoffs. Tonight they host the league quarterfinals in a double header. The Chicago Fire PDL kick things off against the Ocean City Barons at 5:00 pm. Our boys in red and black face the Carey Clarets at 7:30 pm. Tickets are $9 for adults and $7 for kids (4-12)

2. Arena Football - Wells Fargo Arena, Downtown: The Iowa Barnstormers open their playoff campaign tonight against the Manchester Wolves. Kickoff is at 7:05 pm. Tickets are $14-60

3. Auto Racing - Iowa Speedway, Newton: There is a ton of stuff happening at the track. I know jack squat about auto racing, so if you are into that sort of thing then check out the schedule. There is NASCAR Nationwide practice and USAC Silver Crown Sprint Car action.

4. Auto Racing - State Fairgrounds, Eastside: Again, I know nothing about racing. The Late Model Championship runs tonight from 5-10:00 pm. Tickets are $10 for adults and $4 for kids 12 and under.

5. Soap Box Derby - Ewing Park, Southside: Ah the joys of youth! The NDR Nationals wrap up today with races starting at 7:00 this morning and wrapping up at 6:00 tonight. Admission is free.

6. Balloon Racing - Balloon Fields, Indianola: The 2009 National Balloon Classic kicks off tonight. This is the 40th year that Indianola and Warren County have hosted the event. Tickets are $3 for adults and free for kids under 12; or you can just chill at somebody's house and watch it for free. That's what I used to do when I was a kid!

7. Olympics - Various Locations: The AAU Junior Olympic Games continue tonight. Check the website for more information.

8. Non Sporting Events - Throughout the Metro: Check this link for more information about other events happening in Des Moines tonight.

The I-Cubs are in Omaha tonight. I will be at the PDL playoffs. Go Menace!