Iowa business plays crucial role in March Madness
For every made shot, dunk or free throw attempted at the NCAA Tournament this week in Des Moines, you’ll be watching an Iowa product in plain view.
Jefferson-based American Athletic, Inc. manufactures basketball backstops for the NBA, WNBA and G League in addition to being the official provider for the NCAA Tournament.
“It’s a big process, and it is a long process,“ said Vice President of Operations Mark Lane. “It is a lot … and lots of parts which are simple by themselves but you have to weld them and put them all together.“
The time it takes to make a single back stop? 24 hours.
2019 NCAA Tournament in Des Moines
Food trucks prepare in downtown Des Moines