Iowa State Cyclones Overview

Fast facts

League: Division I (NCAA)

Head Coach: T. J. Otzelberger

Team Mascot: Cy the Cardinal

Year Opened: 1971

Capacity: 14267

City / State: Ames / Iowa

Rivalries & Top Games to Attend

Iowa State vs Iowa

Rival Team: Iowa Hawkeyes

Arguably the biggest in-state collegiate sports rivalry, the Iowa State-Iowa games are a must see regardless of the sport. The two have been meeting on the hardwood since 1909 when the Hawkeyes defeated the Cyclones 30-27. Iowa leads the all-time series 44-26, but you’ll be in for a show whenever these two get together, so don’t miss an Iowa State-Iowa game.

Iowa State vs Kansas

Rival Team: Kansas Jayhawks

The Kansas Jayhawks are the Cyclones’ biggest in-conference rivals. The two teams have been squaring off since the 1909-1910 season and there is always a lot at stake when the teams meet. The two midwest schools have a long standing rivalry, so make sure to be in attendance when the Cyclones take on the Jayhawks.

Iowa State Cyclones Stadium Guide

In Game

Hilton Coliseum has earned the moniker “Hilton Magic” over the years, due to the Cyclones penchant for pulling off upsets at home, and you’ll have a magical experience when attending a Cyclones basketball game.

Iowa State fans have a lot of pride and passion for their team, which can be seen by the incredible atmosphere found inside Hilton Coliseum. The Cyclones student section, known as Cyclone Alley, does an excellent job getting after opponents and flustering them. The alumni sections are also very vocal in their support and when you combine the fan support with the pep band’s fantastic performance you get Hilton Magic.

It’s not just the atmosphere that makes attending a Cyclones game an enticing proposition. Hilton Coliseum is also home to several tributes and exhibits that are worth exploring. Inside the arena you’ll find a statue of the program’s winningest coach as well as a wide variety of memorabilia, so make sure to arrive early to take it all in.

Additionally, Ames is home to a thriving downtown that offers plenty to eat and drink before or after the game. Cy’s Roost and the Mucky Duck Pub along with many others are fan favorites and provide excellent places to hang out before or after the game.

You can’t go wrong making the trip to Ames where you’ll likely experience some Hilton Magic making you want to come back again soon.

Things to check out

Banners

Inside Hilton Coliseum you’ll see many banners from your seat. The banners honor the Cyclones retired numbers, including Fred Hoiberg’s #32 and Jeff Grayer’s #44, as well as the Cyclones team accomplishments. Take a peek at the banners to remember all of your favorite Cyclones players and moments.

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Johnny Orr Statue

Make sure to stop by the Johnny Orr statue and get a picture with the legendary Cyclones coach. Orr is the winningest coach in Iowa State history and led them to the 1986 Sweet Sixteen making him one of the most renowned coaches in Cyclones history.

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Memorabilia

While seeing the Orr statue take a minute to enjoy the memorabilia on display nearby. Here you’ll see jerseys and other artifacts, so make sure to check it out.

Cy the Cardinal

The Cardinal has been the proud mascot of Iowa State University since the 1950’s and has won two national mascot challenges: the CBS Most Dominant College Mascot and the Capital One Bowl National Mascot of the year. Cy can often be seen wandering around Iowa State’s campus as well as Ames, Iowa, taking pictures with students and local Cyclone fans.

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Pep Band

The Iowa State pep band entertains the crowd and creates a festive in-game atmosphere. The band plays a variety of school songs as well as pop songs such as “Come on Eileen” by Dexys Midnight Runners, so enjoy the pep band when attending a Cyclones game.

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Hilton Magic

The term “Hilton Magic” was coined in 1989 and is an apt moniker for Hilton Coliseum, which has produced several incredible upsets over the years. Hilton Coliseum gives the Cyclones an outstanding home court advantage, so don’t expect a win if you're a fan of the opposing team.

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Cyclone Alley

The Cyclones student section is one of the most rabid in all of college basketball and is one of the key components to Hilton Magic. The students camp out before big games to get the best seats and provide excellent support for their team, so enjoy the fantastic atmosphere they create when attending an Iowa State game.

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Fight Songs

  1. Iowa State Fight Song

    Oh, we will fight, fight, fight for Iowa State
    And may her colors ever fly.
    Oh, we will fight with might for Iowa State
    With the will to do or die!
    Rah, Rah, Rah
    Loyal sons forever true
    And we will fight that battle through.
    And when we hit the line we’ll hit it hard,
    every yard for I-S-U!

  2. Celebration” by Cool & the Gang

    Played after a Cyclones victory

    Yahoo!
    Celebration
    Yahoo!
    This is your celebration

    Celebrate good times, come on!
    (Let’s celebrate)
    Celebrate good times, come on!
    (Let’s celebrate)

    There’s a party goin’ on right here
    A celebration to last throughout the years
    So bring your good times and your laughter too
    We gonna celebrate your party with you

    Come on now, celebration
    Let’s all celebrate and have a good time
    Celebration
    We gonna celebrate and have a good time

    It’s time to come together
    It’s up to you, what’s your pleasure?
    Everyone around the world come on!

    Yahoo!
    It’s a celebration
    Yahoo!

    Celebrate good times, come on!
    (It’s a celebration)
    Celebrate good times, come on!
    (Let’s celebrate)

    There’s a party goin’ on right here
    A dedication to last throughout the years
    So bring your good times and your laughter too
    We gonna celebrate and party with you

    Come on now, celebration
    Let’s all celebrate and have a good time, yeah yeah
    Celebration
    We gonna celebrate and have a good time

    It’s time to come together
    It’s up to you, what’s your pleasure?
    Everyone around the world come on!

    Yahoo!
    It’s a celebration
    Yahoo!
    It’s a celebration

    Celebrate good times, come on!
    (Let’s celebrate come on now)
    Celebrate good times, come on!
    (Let’s celebrate)

    We’re gonna have a good time tonight
    Let’s celebrate, it’s all right
    We’re gonna have a good time tonight
    Let’s celebrate, it’s all right, baby

    We’re gonna have a good time tonight
    (Celebration)
    Let’s celebrate, it’s all right
    We’re gonna have a good time tonight
    (Celebration)
    Let’s celebrate, it’s all right

    Yahoo!
    Yahoo!

    Celebrate good times, come on!
    (Let’s celebrate)
    Celebrate good times, come on!
    (It’s a celebration)

    Celebrate good times, come on!
    (Let’s celebrate)
    (Come on and celebrate tonight)
    Celebrate good times, come on!
    (‘Cause everything’s gonna be alright, let’s celebrate)

    Celebrate good times, come on!
    (Let’s celebrate)
    Celebrate good times, come on!

  3. "Phfft! You Were Gone"

    Down here on the farm the weather gets messy
    Laying around with nothin’ to do
    When you went away, you took my cow Bessie
    I miss her darling, more than I miss you

    You took off your leg, your wig and your eye glass
    And you shoud’ve seen the look on my face
    I wanted to kiss, I wanted to hug you
    But you were scattered all over the place

     Chorus:

    Where, where, are you tonight?
    Why did you leave me here all alone?
    I searched the world over,
    And thought I found true love.
    You met another and
    Phht! you were gone.

    I know that you loved me, here’s my way of knowing
    The proofs hanging out right there on the line
    When I see the snow and feel the wind blowing
    Your nighties hugging them long johns of mine

    The noises you made at our supper table
    Your habits, my dear, were surely absurd
    But how many times do I have to tell you
    Soup is a dish to be seen and not heard

     Chorus:

    Where, oh where, are you tonight?
    Why did you leave me here all alone?
    I searched the world over,
    And thought I found true love.
    You met another and
    Phht! you were gone.

    Remember you phoned me a-sobbin’ and cryin’
    The dog bit your maw, and drug her around
    You said she looked pale and thought she was dying
    I said “Don’t worry, I’ll buy a new hound.”

    I had six kids and you had eleven
    And we had a boy, and they grew like flowers
    I wish you’d come back, without you ain’t heaven
    ‘Cause your kids and my kids are beatin’ up ours

     Chorus:

    Where, oh where, are you tonight?
    Why did you leave me here all alone?
    I searched the world over,
    And thought I found true love.
    You met another and
    Phht! you were gone

    I searched the world over,
    And thought I found true love.
    You met another and
    Phht! you were gone…

  4. "That’s All Folks” from Looney Tunes

    That’s All Folks!

  5. “Sweet Caroline” by Neil Diamond

    In addition to its popularity at Iowa State football games, Neil Diamond’s “Sweet Caroline” is also sung after big victories in every sport. If you attend a major upset at Hilton Coliseum prepare to belt out “Sweet Caroline” on your way out of the arena.

Iowa State Cyclones Bars & Restaurants

  1. Sips

    Tequila

    Great place, amazing bartenders, amazing sound system!!

    124 Welch Ave, Ames, IA 50014, USA

    515-292-6887

    Bar website

    american - $$

  2. Tip Top Lounge

    Taps Keyes Club

    We are your friendly neighborhood bar close to lots of resturants and shopping. We are known for our famous chili and Cyclones tailgating.

    201 E Lincoln Way, Ames, IA 50010, USA

    515-232-8980

    Bar website

    american - $$

  3. Mickey’s Irish Pub

    Mickeys Irish Pub

    Voted best bar to hang out with friends and best bar for karaoke in the Iowa

    109 Welch Ave, Ames, IA 50014, USA

    515-292-7378

    Bar website

    american - $

  4. Thumbs

    Thumbs

    You can't drink all day if you don't start in the morning.

    2816 West St, Ames, IA 50014, USA

    515-268-1556

    Bar website

    american - $

  5. Mother’s Pub and Coffee

    CJs Pub beer

    Bar, Restaurant

    2900 West St, Ames, IA 50014, USA

    515-292-2301

    Bar website

    sportsbar - $

  6. Whiskey River

    Whiskey River

    Upbeat haunt featuring American pub grub & lots of beers on tap, plus pool tables & drink specials.

    134 Main St, Ames, IA 50010, USA

    515-232-2858

    Bar website

    american - $

  7. Welch Ave Station

    Fat Daddys

    Laid-back watering hole featuring drink specials, nightly DJs, pool tables & sports on big-screens.

    207 Welch Ave, Ames, IA 50014, USA

    515-292-2334

    Bar website

    american - $

  8. Stomping Grounds

    Stomping Grounds

    The Stomping Grounds is much more than a "coffee shop".

    303 Welch Ave #105, Ames, IA 50014, USA

    515-292-5258

    Bar website

    cafe - $$

  9. El Azteca

    Mexican food

    Modest restaurant offering familiar Mexican dishes such as tacos & chili rellenos, plus a bar area.

    2727 Stange Rd, Ames, IA 50010, USA

    515-232-0116

    Bar website

    mexican - $$

  10. West Street Deli

    West Street Deli

    Easygoing counter-serve featuring classic & signature sandwiches & salads, plus an outdoor patio.

    2810 West St, Ames, IA 50014, USA

    515-268-4605

    Bar website

    american - bbq - $

  11. Pizza Pit

    Pizza Pit

    Pizza Pit delivers Wisconsin's most award winning pizza in the greater Madison and Dane County area.

    207 Welch Ave, Ames, IA 50014, USA

    515-292-6600

    Bar website

    pizza - $

  12. Grove Cafe

    Gus Bar & Grill Sandwich Fries Pioneer Diner Sandwich Paul Reveres Family Restaurant Sandwich Wild Magnolia Sandwich

    Popular breakfast & lunch joint known for huge pancakes & other homestyle eats, plus shakes.

    124 Main St, Ames, IA 50010, USA

    515-232-9784

    Bar website

    cafe - $

  13. Great Plains Sauce and Dough Company

    Great Plains Sauce and Dough

    The Great Plains Sauce & Dough Company offers six different pizza styles to choose from, more than anyone else they know.

    129 Main St, Ames, IA 50010, USA

    515-232-4263

    Bar website

    pizza - $$

  14. The Cafe

    The Cafe

    Smart yet unpretentious cafe featuring eclectic farm-to-table fare & a boutique bar.

    2616 Northridge Pkwy, Ames, IA 50010, USA

    515-292-0100

    Bar website

    cafe - $$

  15. B-Bops

    Fried Chicken

    Retro drive-thru featuring a classic American menu of burgers, fries & shakes, plus vintage tunes.

    1112 S Duff Ave, Ames, IA 50010, USA

    515-233-5678

    Bar website

    american - $

  16. Hickory Park

    Hickory Park

    Hickory Park’s reputation has flourished from an expansive menu filled with a variety of hickory smoked meats served in generous portions.

    1404 S Duff Ave, Ames, IA 50010, USA

    515-232-8940

    Bar website

    bbq - $$

  17. Bar La Tosca

    Bar la Tosca

    Featuring small plates, pastas, and entrees by Chef Brett DeBlieck, as well as excellent drinks and great people.

    303 Welch Ave, Ames, IA 50014, USA

    515-232-8484

    Bar website

    italian - $

  18. Olde Main Brewing Co.

    Old Main Brewing Co

    Craft beers & pub favorites like pasta & steak are offered in warehouse-like digs

    316 Main St, Ames, IA 50010, USA

    515-232-0553

    Bar website

    american - $$

  19. Jeff’s Pizza

    Jeffs Pizza

    Laid-back family owned company in Ames, Iowa

    2402 E Lincoln Way, Ames, IA 50010, USA

    515-292-2321

    Bar website

    italian - pizza - $$

  20. Dublin Bay Irish Pub and Grill

    The Waysider

    Classic Irish pub featuring woody, old-world decor, craft beers, a traditional menu & a patio.

    320 S 16th St, Ames, IA 50010, USA

    515-956-3580

    Bar website

    mexican - $$

  21. Es Tas Bar & Grill

    Es Tas Stanton

    Es Tas has all your campustown sports, food, and drinks needs covered.

    216 Stanton Ave, Ames, IA 50014, USA

    515-337-1395

    Bar website

    american - mexican - $