Cyclones Overview

Fast facts

League: NCAA Football

Head Coach: Matt Campbell

Team Mascot: Cy the Cardinal

Year Opened: 1975

Capacity: 61500

City / State: Ames / Iowa

Rivalries & Top Games to Attend

Cy-Hawk Trophy

Rival Team: Iowa Hawkeyes

Arguably the biggest in-state collegiate football rivalry, the Iowa State - Iowa game is one of the biggest tailgating events of the season. Each year the winner of the game takes home the Cy-Hawk trophy as well as bragging rights. Students from both schools use this game as an opportunity to try and outdo each other in tailgating, making it one of the most fun Iowa State games to attend.

Farmageddon

Rival Team: Kansas State Wildcats

The Iowa State - Kansas State rivalry dates back to 1917 and is the eighth longest continuous series in college football. Dubbed “Farmageddon” as a reference to the agricultural roots of each university, the game is one of the best to attend outside of the Iowa - Iowa State game. Join in on cheering the Cyclones against one of the biggest rivals by attending Farmageddon.

Cyclones Tailgate Guide

Atmosphere

Tailgating at Iowa State is a huge part of game day. The average tailgate attendance is 10-15% over the actual game attendance and for big games that number can get as high as 40% over the actual game attendance. Cyclones fans live and breathe tailgating, so get to the stadium early as the gates open up six hours before kickoff to get the most out of your game day experience at Iowa State.

School pride is alive and well at Iowa State as everyone you’ll see on game day is decked out in cardinal and gold. The parking lots located right next to Jack Trice Stadium are massive as all you’ll see when arriving at the stadium is a sea of cardinal and gold tents and grills. Tailgating at Iowa State is easy and fun with many tailgaters setting up large tents fully equipped with TVs, grills, and in some cases even dance floors. On an average game day, there are approximately 300 RVs and over 10,000 parked cars meaning there will be plenty of fellow fans for you to get down and party with.

If tailgating isn’t your scene though don’t fear as Ames offers plenty of places to grab a quick drink or bite to eat before the game. The two main areas to explore are Campustown (Welch Avenue/Northwest of the stadium) and downtown (Northeast of the stadium). At both these locations, you’ll find a wide variety of bars and restaurants all within walking distance to Jack Trice Stadium.

Whether you want to spend the day tailgating from dawn ‘til dusk or just want to grab a quick drink before the game with some friends you’ll have a great time at an Iowa State tailgate, which offers the best of both worlds.

Traditions

Cyclone Tailgate Tour

Tailgating at Iowa State is a huge part of game day. The average tailgate attendance is 10-15% over the actual game attendance and for big games that number can get as high as 40% over the actual game attendance. Cyclones fans live and breathe tailgating, so get to the stadium early as the gates open up six hours before kickoff to get the most out of your game day experience at Iowa State.

School pride is alive and well at Iowa State as everyone you’ll see on game day is decked out in cardinal and gold. The parking lots located right next to Jack Trice Stadium are massive as all you’ll see when arriving at the stadium is a sea of cardinal and gold tents and grills. Tailgating at Iowa State is easy and fun with many tailgaters setting up large tents fully equipped with TVs, grills, and in some cases even dance floors. On an average game day, there are approximately 300 RVs and over 10,000 parked cars meaning there will be plenty of fellow fans for you to get down and party with.

If tailgating isn’t your scene though don’t fear as Ames offers plenty of places to grab a quick drink or bite to eat before the game. The two main areas to explore are Campustown (Welch Avenue/Northwest of the stadium) and downtown (Northeast of the stadium). At both these locations, you’ll find a wide variety of bars and restaurants all within walking distance to Jack Trice Stadium.

Whether you want to spend the day tailgating from dawn ‘til dusk or just want to grab a quick drink before the game with some friends you’ll have a great time at an Iowa State tailgate, which offers the best of both worlds.

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CyRide Moonlight Express

Appropriately nicknamed the “drunk bus” by Iowa State students, the Moonlight Express can be seen driving through the streets of Ames, packed with partying students. The lucky few will catch a bus full of students partaking in a drunken rendition of “Sweet Caroline” or some favorite ISU chants.

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Spirit Walk

Before every Cyclones game you’ll have the chance to come face to face with your favorite players as they march into the stadium from the bus.

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Where to tailgate

Cyclones Stadium Guide

In Game

The Cyclones entrance is quite a spectacle to behold and will get you, and the rest of the crowd charged. The entrance starts with billowing out of the tunnel as the crowd gets louder and louder with anticipation, which is eventually capped off with the sounding of the tornado siren as the Cyclones take the field. The atmosphere during the Cyclones entrance is electric and will send a tingle down your spine.

The entrance does a great job of setting the tone as the heightened atmosphere continues throughout the game. Cyclones fans are die hard and will stand and support their team regardless of the score. The fans in Ames know when to get loud and when to remain quiet, which helps give the Cyclones an excellent home field advantage even in some of the more trying times recently. If you’re looking to take in a game with a bunch of die hards who know their football, then Iowa State is the gameday experience for you.

The band also puts on a great spectacle at Iowa State games and helps enhance an already electric atmosphere. Head on down to Ames for a superb game day experience that offers everything you could ever want in a college football game.

Things to check out

Cyclone Experience

On the Northeast corner of Jack Trice Stadium, there is an area called the Cyclone Experience which is a family friendly environment offering activities for the kids.

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The Victory Bell

The Victory Bell was crafted in 1980 to be used as a bell dismissal from classes but has since been moved to the stadium where it is rung after Cyclone victories. Listen for the sound of the Victory Bell after witnessing the Cyclones thrash the opposition.

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Tornado Siren

The Tornado siren will let you know when something big has happened in Jack Trice Stadium as it signals the team entering the stadium, Cyclones touchdowns, defensive stands, and other big plays. The siren is a big part of the Cyclone nation as well as the experience of taking in a game at Jack Trice.

The Cannon

The members of the Iowa State Chapter of Alpha Sigma Phi man and maintain a cannon that is discharged at home football games when Iowa State takes the field, kicks off, and scores a touchdown. The cannon is a great tradition that will get you pumped up to cheer on the Cyclones.

Sweet Caroline

Fans have recently started singing Neil Diamond’s "Sweet Caroline" in between the third and fourth quarters of games where the Cyclones are in the lead, as well as post-game after victories.

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Rush the Field

After games, students still rush the field and try to remove the goal posts to no avail. It’s a great tradition and something every fan should try at least once.

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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Fight Songs

  1. The Bells of Iowa State

    Green Hills for thy throne,

    And for crown a golden melody,

    Ringing in the hearts of all

    Who bring thee love and loyalty.

     

    Dear Alma Mater,

    Make our spirits great,

    True and valiant,

    Like the Bells of Iowa State

  2. Iowa State Fight Song

    O we will fight, fight, fight for Iowa State,

    And may her colors ever fly.

    Yes, we will fight with might for Iowa State,

    With a will to do or die,

    Rah! Rah! Rah!

    Loyal sons forever true,

    And we will fight the battle through.

    And when we hit that line we’ll hit it hard ev’ry yard for I. S. U.  

  3. For "I", For "S"

    For “I”, for “S”, forever

    For Iowa State all the way,

    Let’s go! To show them what the gang’s all here for

    Go! To show them how the Cyclones cheer.

     

    For “I”, for “S”, forever

    For Iowa State do it right!

    It’s time to climb up on the vict’ry wagon,

    Fight! Iowa State, Fight! Fight!

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 - $