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Iowa State Cyclones

Ames, Iowa - Jack Trice Stadium - Cardinal and Gold - Cy

One of the best-organized tailgate scenes in the Midwest, with acres of grass lots that open the night before.

One of the best-organized tailgate scenes in the Midwest, with acres of grass lots that open the night before kickoff.

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Stadium
Jack Trice Stadium
Capacity
61,500
Opened
1975
Conference
Big 12
How to watch

Broadcast and streaming

Mostly conference network windows for early kickoffs, with occasional afternoon national exposure for bigger matchups.

Conference network

ESPN and FOX family carries the early windows that national bundles treat as an add-on tier.

National windows

Marquee matchups move to national broadcast partners, usually announced 12 days out.

Out-of-market

A live TV bundle that includes the conference network is the simplest single subscription.

Related: Best sports streaming services / How to watch Big 12 football

Stream Big 12 football on Fubo

Stream Iowa State games on Fubo

Fubo carries conference networks, national windows and NFL Sunday action with cloud DVR. Try it free for the games you cannot get over the air.

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Tickets

What tickets actually cost you in planning

Evergreen demand patterns, not a live price feed. Verify current inventory at the source before you book travel.

  • Demand has grown steadily here; plan ahead for any ranked visitor, though a normal non-conference weekend is still reachable close to game week.
  • Ames hotel supply sells out fast on big weekends, with Ankeny and Des Moines as the reliable fallback.
  • RV tailgating is common and the grass lots south of the stadium fill the evening before kickoff, so arriving early matters even without an RV.

Where to sit

The bowl is open with a large enclosed south end that holds noise well. Sideline seats on the east side catch the least wind on a blustery day.

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Traditions

What makes a Iowa State Saturday different

Cy's arrival

The mascot's pregame walk through the tailgate lots is part of the ritual for families camped out since the night before.

Beat State chants

The in-state rivalry with Iowa carries a full week of buildup even though it sits outside the conference schedule most years.

Tailgating

  • The grass lots south of the stadium are the main scene and open the evening before games.
  • RV tailgating is common and the culture is welcoming to visitors.

A wagon for hauling gear from the grass lots and a windproof outer layer for November cover most of what this trip requires.

Best tailgating gear

Travel and stay

  • Des Moines (DSM) is 40 minutes south and is the practical airport.
  • Ames hotels sell out. Ankeny and Des Moines are the reliable fallback.

Weather: Wind is the defining factor by November, and the open corners of the stadium funnel it hard; September afternoons can still run warm.

Bundle your stay with game tickets
Around the game

Beyond the stadium in Ames, Iowa

  • CampustownThe strip just off campus is the standard postgame stop, walkable from the stadium.
  • Des MoinesForty minutes south with more flight options and hotel inventory on sellout weekends.

Rivalry weekends

vs Kansas Statevs Kansasvs Oklahoma State

Iowa State game-day packing list

6 items

Saved on this device so you can check it off the morning of the game.

Stadium

Jack Trice Stadium

Capacity 61,500Opened 1975Ames, Iowa

An open bowl on the south edge of campus with a large enclosed south end.

  • - Wind is the story in November. The open corners funnel it hard.
  • - The walk from the grass lots is long. Bring a wagon for gear.
FAQ

Iowa State questions

What channel is Iowa State on?
Mostly conference network windows for early kickoffs, with occasional afternoon national exposure for bigger matchups.
How hard is it to get Iowa State tickets?
Demand has grown steadily here; plan ahead for any ranked visitor, though a normal non-conference weekend is still reachable close to game week.
Where should I sit at Jack Trice Stadium?
The bowl is open with a large enclosed south end that holds noise well. Sideline seats on the east side catch the least wind on a blustery day.
What is the weather like for a Iowa State home game?
Wind is the defining factor by November, and the open corners of the stadium funnel it hard; September afternoons can still run warm.
Where should I tailgate at Jack Trice Stadium?
The grass lots south of the stadium are the main scene and open the evening before games.
What is the best airport for a Iowa State game?
Des Moines (DSM) is 40 minutes south and is the practical airport.
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