prior to the opening of wells fargo arena, vets auditorium had served as the primary venue of sporting events and concerts in the des moines area for many years; this was also the site of the january 20, 1982 concert, where ozzy osbourne bit the head off a bat. world wrestling entertainment also broadcast their "wwe raw" program from the venue. it was also the site of the 1989 steel cage match between hulk hogan and big boss man on "saturday night's main event xxi".