'Wheel of Fortune' live touring show, the first of its kind, is coming to Des Moines

For 39 years, contestants have spun the wheel, bought vowels and tried to solve puzzles while winning prizes like a trip to Aruba, $39,000 or even Sheldon, the ceramic Dalmatian, during the early years of “Wheel of Fortune.”

Now the game show hits the road for a theatrical version dubbed “Wheel of Fortune Live!” Wheel watchers can catch the big wheel in action on Dec. 8 at 7:30 p.m. when it arrives at the Des Moines Civic Center.

The tour, with more than 60 stops altogether, starts in Owensboro, Kentucky, on Sept. 8.

Host Pat Sajak and hostess Vanna White won’t be on tour, but the action of the game show will. Fans can audition to appear on stage for this show, spin a replica of the iconic wheel and solve the puzzles on the tour’s puzzle-board for a chance to win prizes such as $10,000, a trip to Paris or Hawaii and more. Even random audience members can win cash and prizes.

Fans can sign up for a chance to appear on the show in Des Moines, which will not be broadcast, three hours in advance. Those who want to audition see a sample of the type of puzzle used in the show. Those who solve that puzzle have a chance to be on stage. Contestants must be age 18 or older.

And while Pat and Vanna won’t make the trek, show producers say hosts will be familiar television and media personalities. . 

How to get tickets to 'Wheel of Fortune Live!'

Tickets start at $29.50 and go on sale on Friday at 10 a.m. VIP packages are also available, and they give fans early access, premiere seats, and photo opportunities to spin the wheel. Head online to DMPA.org, call 515-246-2300 or buy tickets in person at the Civic Center ticket office.

The TV version of "Wheel of Fortune" airs weeknights at 6:30 p.m. on WHO 13, the NBC affiliate in Des Moines.

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Susan Stapleton is the entertainment editor at The Des Moines Register. Follow her on Facebook, Twitter or drop her a line at sstapleton@gannett.com.