How the Heartlanders Front Office is Stepping Up their Game

By Kate Parker//Coralville, Iowa - We’ve hit the second half of the Iowa Heartlanders season, and things in the Iowa Heartlanders front office have been busy, tinged with a positive feeling. 

Team President Matt Getz has made it a priority this season to enhance the fan experience in new and inventive ways. 

“Every week we’re working on ‘how’ do we take each game and make it bigger and better,” Getz said.

This new direction for the team has been a game changer for Director of Game Operations, Jarrett Mescher. 

“It’s been great being able to work together throughout this new ownership with Matt Getz now in charge,” Mescher explained. “We walk into work every day and we know this is a group that wants it. You feel energized coming in to the office.

“I think people have been seeing a lot of similar things to years past, to the public eye, but behind the scenes, there’s certainly a momentum on things that has changed.”

Dash’s Birthday game on January 20^th stands out as a culmination of the things this new front office has been able to accomplish so far, coming in as one of the highest-attended games in Heartlanders history. 

“I pushed for Dash’s Birthday to be its own theme night,” Mescher said. “We were able to do a lot of things that were different when people were coming in the door, whether it was kid-focused or adult-focused and it was really fun to experience that.” 

“That game was an incredible success, our fourth-highest attended game in team history, which is incredible,” Getz said. The team offered five-dollar youth tickets, which resulted in a few hundred extra ticket sales. “That’s 222 kids that may not have come otherwise and we’re adding in two other youth ticket price games, I’m excited to see where that’s going.”  

The team and the fans have a lot to look forward to in the coming months. 

“I think a lot of people are going to be excited for our Country Night on February 9^th,” Mescher said. “It’s different than what we’ve done before, I’m excited to see what can come from that.”  

The game will feature $6 domestic draft beers and $3.50 soft drinks. “A lot of people have said the beer pricing was an issue,” Getz explained. “For us to have worked to be able to provide a discounted beer and soft drink night, I think that’s a step in the right direction.”  

Another exciting game coming up is Star Wars night on February 16^th. Throughout the planning, a special emphasis was put on making the in-game experience as enjoyable for fans as possible. From providing youth booklets, offering photo opportunities throughout the arena with characters. 

“I’m really looking forward to Star Wars night, that’s always one of my favorites,” Mescher said. “We have a lot of really cool video board content, a lot of cool audio clips.”

“Everything we’ve done and everything we’re working towards, none of those things leave the drawing room if not without the hard work of this team,” Getz said. 

 “We know this isn’t a three day process, a three week or even three month process,” Mescher summarized. “This is something that over three years we’re going to see a lot of positive momentum.” 

The Heartlanders take on Kalamazoo on Wed., Feb. 7 at 6:35 p.m. at Xtream Arena. Iowa hosts Country Night, presented by KISS Country, on Fri., Feb. 9 at 6:35 p.m. vs. Cincinnati. The game features $6 domestic drafts and $3.50 fountain drinks. On Sat., Feb. 10 at 6:05 p.m. vs. Cincinnati, Iowa is home again for Cancer Awareness Night pres. by iHeartMedia. Join us as we recognize the fight against all forms of cancer and honor those that have battled and are currently fighting cancer.

The Heartlanders are home for Valentine’s Day on Wed., Feb. 14 at 6:35 p.m. vs. Indy, a perfect last-minute gift to take your loved ones to the game. On Friday, Feb. 16 at 6:35 p.m. vs. Indy, it’s Star Wars Night at Xtream Arena. Celebrate with characters on the concourse. 

The Heartlanders oppose Indy again on Sat., Feb. 17 at 6:05 p.m. for Blackout Night, presented by DASH Auctions. The Heartlanders will have a glow banger giveaway to the first 1,500 fans. Wear black to the game, and the team will wear special blackout jerseys that will be available for auction on the DASH Auctions app.

Iowa completes a seven-game road trip vs. Wichita on Wed., Feb. 21 at 6:35 p.m. vs. Wichita, featuring $5 kids tickets for fans 18 and younger (with the purchase of an adult ticket).

Join the fun at Xtream Arena in the 2023-24 season

Here are some of the best options to make sure you experience the family-friendly entertainment of Heartlanders Hockey at Xtream Arena this season!

Flex Plans: Enjoy the service, savings and game dates that work best for you! Flex plans include “any game” ticket vouchers that are good for any home game during the 2023-24 regular season.  

18-game plans: With more than half the home season remaining, join us with an 18-game ticket plan, including the many perks, savings and advantages of being a half-season member. 

12-game plans: Grab tickets to your favorite 12 games! 12-game plans include savings on individually-priced tickets!

Group Tickets: Make a big impact with your group and spend an evening with the Heartlanders. Starting at a special rate of $15/Ticket. A group comprises 10 or more people and is perfect for parties, families, co-workers, clients and more.