Dance Competition FAQs

​​I'm coming to see the competition. Where can I sit?​
  • There is ample seating in Masquerade Dance Theater to watch the competition. All seating is general admission. We ask that you do         not sit or stand in the doorways or aisles. 
What items are prohibited from the venue?
  • Alcohol 
  • Use of e-cigarettes or cigarettes indoors (smoking is permitted outdoors)
  • Animals, with the exception of well-trained, leashed (or harnessed) service animals 
  • Large coolers
  • Balloons 
Can I bring food or beverages?
  • Outside food and beverages are permitted in the Ames Center at the discretion of facility staff.
  • We ask that you do not bring large catered food orders inside. You're welcome to enjoy this outside in the nearby Nicollet Commons Park.
Is there food and beverages available for purchase at the competition?
  • Yes! We have a concessions stand located in the lower lobby that sells made-to-order food items, soda, coffee, and more. Hours are 8:00a—8:00p. Hours to change based on the competition schedule.
Can I bring signs/banners/posters?
  • We encourage you to show your studio sprit during competitions! We ask that you do not adhere signs to any walls, doorways, or other surfaces. The Ames Center reserves the right to remove any signs at any time. 
Where can I bring my props for the competition?
  • All props are to be loaded in through the loading dock only. Only props utilized that day may be loaded in. Any props left at the end of the day will be removed from the facility. 
Where can I park?
  • There is ample free parking available for short-term parking near the venue. Please visit our Parking Information Page for more information.
  • Large trucks and trailers may park temporarily in designated "Bus and Truck" parking on Pillsbury Avenue. 
  • Under NO circumstances is parking available in the roundabout area off Traveler's Trail. This is a Pickup & Drop Off area ONLY.
  • Please be respectful of neighboring businesses and do not park in their lots or spaces signed for specific businesses. 
Is there a lost and found?
  • During an event, please ask a staff member to inquire about lost items. 
  • After an event, please contact the Main Office at 952-895-4680 to inquire about lost items. The Ames Center assumes no responsibility for lost items at events.
Code of Conduct
  • Dance competitions are high energy and fun! We encourage everyone to help us keep dancers and guests safe at all times.
  • Dressing spaces may be shared 
  • Guests engaging in disorderly conduct will be ejected from the venue. Disorderly conduct or disturbances include, but are not limited to:
    • Standing on chairs
    • Destruction of Ames Center property 
    • Willfully and maliciously disturbing another guest, participant, or employee
    • Knowingly breaking Ames Center building policies, including possession of prohibited items


If you have additional questions please contact 952-895-4685 or info@ames-center.com.