Skip to main content
Jack Trice Stadium - home of Iowa State in Ames, IA
NCAA FBS

Jack Trice StadiumAmes, Iowa

Iowa State

👥
Capacity
61,500
🏆
Conference
Big 12
📅
Opened
1975
🌱
Surface
Grass

Quick Actions

🏈Track All NCAA FBS📍View on Map

📖About Jack Trice Stadium

Jack Trice Stadium holds 61,500 and is the only Division I stadium named solely for an African American. Named for Jack Trice, who died in 1923 from injuries in his second college game. His legacy is commemorated with a statue and his own letter to himself displayed at the stadium.

🏛️History

Origins

Opened September 20, 1975 as Cyclone Stadium with a 17-12 win over Air Force. Renamed Jack Trice Stadium in 1997 after years of student activism. Built for $7.6 million.

Major Renovations

2005South end zone enclosed (55,000 capacity)
2015$60M Jacobson Building with premium seating
2024Video board and concourse upgrades

Notable Moments

Sep 14, 2019Iowa State upset #18 Iowa 18-17 in Cy-Hawk rivalry
Nov 27, 2021Iowa State beat #20 TCU 48-14 to clinch Big 12 title game berth
Oct 26, 2024Record crowd for Big 12 matchup

🎟️Visitor Guide

Best Seats

Jack's Lounge has premium hospitality. Sections 30-34 offer midfield views. West side has afternoon shade. Student section is in south end zone.

Parking Tips

Lots open 5 hours before kickoff. C1 and C2 lots closest to stadium. Free shuttle from Hilton Coliseum. University Boulevard traffic is heavy.

Game Day

"Cyclone Power" chant echoes through the stadium. Jack Trice statue is a must-see—read his letter before the game. Cy the cardinal mascot leads cheers. Post-game, explore Campustown. Clear bag policy enforced.

🗺️Local Recommendations

🍺Bars & Drinks

Welch Avenue Station

$$

Iconic Ames sports bar packed with Cyclones fans and a long list of taps.

📍 1.1 miles207 Welch Ave

💡 Show up early—the patio fills quickly on game days.

Mickey's Irish Pub

$$

Downtown favorite with Irish pours, TVs everywhere, and a pregame crowd.

📍 1.3 miles105 Welch Ave

💡 Great spot for an early kickoff—kitchen opens for brunch specials.

The Maintenance Shop

$

ISU student union bar with a laid-back vibe and affordable drink specials.

📍 1.2 miles2229 Lincoln Way

💡 Perfect quick stop if you’re already on campus.

Es Tas Bar

$

Small, old-school college bar known for strong drinks and a loyal local crowd.

📍 1.1 miles216 Welch Ave

💡 Cash-friendly and quick if you need a fast pregame drink.

🍽️Restaurants

Hickory Park Restaurant

$$

Ames institution for BBQ platters, massive dessert menu, and a family-friendly vibe.

📍 2.2 miles1404 S Duff Ave

💡 Expect a wait on Saturdays—call ahead or grab takeout for tailgates.

The Café

$$

Downtown bistro known for comfort classics and homemade desserts.

📍 2 miles2618 Wheeler St

💡 Great postgame dinner spot if you want to linger downtown.

Cornbread Southern Kitchen

$$

Southern comfort food with fried chicken, mac and cheese, and cornbread staples.

📍 1.2 miles116 Welch Ave

💡 Order a combo plate for a shareable pregame meal.

Provisions Lot F

$$

Creative farm-to-table plates and craft cocktails in a stylish downtown space.

📍 1.7 miles2400 N Loop Dr

💡 Reservations recommended on football weekends.

🏨Hotels

Iowa House Hotel

$$

Campus hotel inside the Memorial Union—closest walk to Jack Trice.

📍 1.2 miles2229 Lincoln Way

💡 Book far ahead; rooms are limited and fill for home games.

Gateway Hotel and Conference Center

$$

Cyclone-friendly stay with quick access to campus and stadium lots.

📍 2.4 miles2100 Green Hills Dr

💡 Easy drive with less postgame traffic than downtown.

🎭Attractions

Campanile & Central Campus

$

ISU’s iconic bell tower and quad with classic Cyclone photo ops.

📍 1.3 milesCentral Campus, Iowa State University

💡 Visit before kickoff to hear the bells and see game-day festivities.

Reiman Gardens

$$

Beautiful botanical gardens and butterfly wing near the stadium.

📍 0.9 miles1407 University Blvd

💡 Great for families—go early to avoid game-day crowds.

🅿️Parking Options

🎉

ISU Lots C1 & C2

$20-$40
Tailgate📍 0.3 miles

💡 Main tailgating zones with the loudest atmosphere—arrive 4+ hours early.

🅿️

Hilton Coliseum Lots

$15-$25
Lot📍 0.6 miles

💡 Short walk to Jack Trice and easier exit after games.

🚌

CyRide Park & Ride

$5-$10
Shuttle📍 1.8 miles

💡 Best option if you want to avoid campus traffic and tailgate congestion.

Suggest a Tip

Know a great bar, restaurant, hotel, attraction, or parking spot near Jack Trice Stadium? Share it with us.

Discover More Stadiums

🏆
Big 12
View all conference stadiums
→
📍
Iowa
View all state stadiums
→
🔍
Browse by Conference
Explore all conferences
→
🗺️
Browse by State
Explore all states
→
Learn more on Wikipedia→

🔥Rivals

→

Kinnick Stadium

Iowa

Battle for the Cy-Hawk

Iowa City, IA

→

Bill Snyder Family Football Stadium

Kansas State

Farmageddon

Manhattan, KS

→

Faurot Field at Memorial Stadium

Missouri

Battle for the Telephone

Columbia, MO

Stadiums Near Jack Trice Stadium

→

Drake Stadium

Drake Bulldogs

Des Moines, Iowa28 mi
→

UNI-Dome

Northern Iowa Panthers

Cedar Falls, Iowa69 mi
→

Kinnick Stadium

Iowa

Iowa City, IA110 mi
→

DakotaDome

South Dakota Coyotes

Vermillion, South Dakota176 mi
→

Memorial Stadium, Tom Osborne Field

Nebraska

Lincoln, NE179 mi
→

Hanson Field

Western Illinois Leathernecks

Macomb, Illinois187 mi

References

Content sourced from Wikipedia (CC BY-SA) and official team sites. Additional information verified against public sources.