Ames, Actually
← Back to all guidesCollege Life

Game Day in Ames

How to do a Cyclone game day properly, from the tailgate lots to the walk back downtown.

Tap or click the guide to explore the details, then read it section by section.

Side Quest: Find the tiny corn cob.

Read the guide

This is the text version of the Game Day in Ames illustration, so you can read it anywhere.

Cardinal-and-gold crowds, 60,000-person emotional events, and an extremely casual relationship with normal Saturdays.

The main events

Jack Trice Stadium

Home of Iowa State football since 1975; the main event and where the noise level becomes a personality trait.

Tailgating

A major part of the experience; grills, chairs, snacks, and lots of cardinal and gold.

Cardinal & gold gear

Wear school colors proudly; this is not the day for neutral energy.

Cy's Locker Room / ISU Book Store

Where fans stock up on last-minute Cyclone gear.

Hilton / Iowa State Center area

Soak up the pregame buzz around the stadium district.

What to do

  • Arrive early and walk the lots before kickoff.
  • Take photos outside Jack Trice and around the stadium district.
  • Join a tailgate or at least make friends with one.
  • Learn the fight-song rhythm and clap like you mean it.
  • If you do not have a ticket, catch a watch party in town.
  • Stay after the game long enough to enjoy the postgame buzz.

Where to eat

Hickory Park

Barbecue, big portions, and famous ice cream after the game.

Great Plains Sauce & Dough Co.

Thick-crust pizza with the famous honey drizzle.

Cafe Diem

Coffee before kickoff or recovery mode after.

Sweet Caroline's

Strong watch-party energy, TVs, and comfort-food vibes.

Tailgate classics

Burgers, brats, chips, and somebody's suspiciously excellent dip.

The vibe

  • Loud, friendly, and very committed.
  • Even people who “are not sports people” tend to get swept up in it.
  • Expect cardinal and gold everywhere.
  • Tailgating starts conversations with total strangers.
  • Game day in Ames feels big, but still welcoming.

Good to know

  • Getting around: CyRide and walking are your friends; arrive early.
  • Free parking: Exists at ISU Research Park and Central Campus, but tailgating is not allowed in those free lots.
  • Clear bag tip: Allowed bags include clear totes up to 12"x6"x12", one-gallon clear bags, or a small clutch up to 6"x9".
  • Tailgating rule: Keep it to one parking space; tents no larger than 10'x10'.
  • Best timing: Show up 2–3 hours early if you want the full experience.
  • Budget: Full fan day runs about $40–$100+; budget version around $30.

First-timer loop: gear up → tailgate lap → kickoff → postgame food.

Mistakes to avoid

  • Forgetting a clear bag.
  • Underestimating the weather.
  • Wearing the wrong colors.

Come for the football, stay for the tailgates, the postgame food, and the strange joy of clapping in unison with 60,000 strangers.

Back to all guides