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School
Iowa State University
Stadium
Jack Trice Stadium
Capacity
61,500
Conference
Big 12
The neighborhoods where Ames fans drink before, during, and after the game. Each district has its own vibe — here's where to find your crowd.
Historic entertainment district directly adjacent to ISU campus. Main gameday area with bars, restaurants, and student atmosphere. Walking distance to Jack Trice Stadium.
Notable Bars
Historic Main Street with local breweries, restaurants, and shops. More family-friendly and upscale than Welch Avenue.
Notable Bars
Newer development area with chain restaurants and local spots. More spread out, requires driving.
Notable Bars
Plan your game day around the Iowa State University Cyclones home schedule
Sep 5
Sep 12
Sep 19
Sep 26
Oct 3
Oct 10
Oct 17
Oct 24
Oct 31
Nov 7
Nov 14
Nov 21
Nov 28
* Schedule subject to change. Always verify with the official athletic department.
Fall football weather in Ames brings a mix of conditions from warm September afternoons to cold November nights. Layers are your best friend on game day.
78°
High
55°
Low
65°
High
44°
Low
50°
High
32°
Low
These months offer the most comfortable conditions for outdoor tailgating and the walk to Jack Trice Stadium.
Pack extra layers and check the forecast before you go. Indoor bars are your best friend on cold game days.
The definitive guide to Ames's college bar scene — where fans drink, what to order, and what makes each spot worth visiting on game day.
from Jack Trice Stadium
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College sports bar
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College dive bar
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Mexican restaurant/bar
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Irish pub
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Sports bar/arcade
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Craft brewery
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Upscale restaurant/bar
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Coffee shop/wine bar
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The best order to hit Ames's top bars on game day — optimized for walking distance, atmosphere, and crowd energy.
Start
Welch Ave Station (Welch Ave)
Est. Time
2.5-3 hours walking
Total Distance
1.6 miles
Start Here
Welch Ave Station (Welch Ave)
207 Welch Ave, Ames, IA 50014
2520 Chamberlain St, Ames, IA 50014
216 Stanton Ave, Ames, IA 50014
316 Main St, Ames, IA 50010
4704 Mortensen Rd, Ames, IA 50014
1732 S 4th St, Ames, IA 50011
End Point
Jack Trice Stadium
Campustown bars open at 10am on gamedays. Cy's Roost has the best patio for tailgating vibes. Park in the Campustown parking ramp (free on weekends). Most bars offer $2 Busch Light specials — it's an ISU tradition.
What makes Cyclones game day unique — the rituals, chants, and moments every fan lives for.
Two hours before every home game, the Iowa State Cyclones walk from the Bergstrom Football Complex through the massive tailgate lots to Jack Trice Stadium. Fans line the route, cheering and reaching out to players. It's an emotional tradition that connects the team to the community before every game.
Before every home game, the stadium honors Jack Trice — ISU's first Black athlete who died from injuries in a 1923 game. His statue outside the stadium tells his story, and the pre-game tribute reminds fans of the values of courage and inclusion that define Iowa State. Visit the statue before the game.
Jack Trice Stadium has one of the Big 12's best tailgate scenes — massive lots filled with RVs, elaborate setups, and cardinal-and-gold everywhere. The official Cy's Tailgate fan zone features live music, food vendors, and activities. Arrive 3–4 hours early to experience the full Cyclone tailgate culture.
Ames' free CyRide bus system runs special gameday shuttles from campus and Welch Avenue to Jack Trice Stadium. The buses are packed with cardinal-and-gold fans, and the ride itself has become a tradition. It's free, fun, and the easiest way to get to the game without parking hassles.
Welch Avenue Station is the unofficial headquarters of Iowa State gameday. Fans pack the bar from opening, and the energy builds through the morning. The cardinal-and-gold crowd spills onto the sidewalk, and the 20-minute walk from Welch Avenue to the stadium has become a beloved pre-game parade.
Top spots to eat before or after the game — ranked by proximity, quality, and game day vibes.
BBQ & American · 2.1 miles from Jack Trice Stadium from stadium
Ames institution since 1970 serving award-winning BBQ, hand-cut steaks, and legendary onion rings. The smoked meats are prepared daily and the casual atmosphere makes it perfect for pre-game gatherings.
Diner & Breakfast · 1.8 miles from Jack Trice Stadium from stadium
Local favorite breakfast spot known for massive portions and creative pancake omelets. The cinnamon rolls are legendary among ISU students and alumni. Arrive early on gameday for the best experience.
American Comfort Food · 2.3 miles from Jack Trice Stadium from stadium
Cozy restaurant serving hearty comfort food with a home-cooked feel. Their chicken fried steak is massive and the homemade pies are baked fresh daily. Popular spot for families on gameday.
Brewery & Pub Food · 2.0 miles from Jack Trice Stadium from stadium
Local craft brewery with excellent pub fare and a rotating selection of house-brewed beers. The Cyclone Burger is a fan favorite, and the outdoor patio is perfect for pre-game celebrations.
Food Trucks & Street Food · 0.3 miles from Jack Trice Stadium from stadium
Collection of food trucks and vendors right next to the stadium offering everything from tacos to BBQ to gourmet grilled cheese. The perfect quick bite before kickoff with plenty of variety.
Coffee & Breakfast · 1.9 miles from Jack Trice Stadium from stadium
Popular coffee shop with excellent breakfast burritos and sandwiches. Great spot for early morning gameday fuel with quality coffee and quick service.
The top districts in Ames for game day bar crawls and nightlife.
Historic entertainment district directly adjacent to ISU campus. Main gameday area with bars, restaurants, and student atmosphere. Walking distance to Jack Trice Stadium.
Historic Main Street with local breweries, restaurants, and shops. More family-friendly and upscale than Welch Avenue.
Newer development area with chain restaurants and local spots. More spread out, requires driving.
Turn your love of Cyclones football into income. Organize bar crawls on game days, build your crew, and get paid doing what you love.
Everything you need to know before you arrive at Jack Trice Stadium
Welch Ave Station is THE ISU bar - arrive early, it fills up fast
Jack Trice Stadium is the only major college stadium named after a Black athlete - learn his story
Cardinal and gold are mandatory - wear your ISU gear with pride
The Walk is a pre-game tradition - team walks from Bergstrom Football Complex to stadium
Tailgating at Jack Trice is massive - arrive 3-4 hours early to experience it
Cy's Roost has the cheapest drinks on Welch Avenue
CyRide (city bus) offers free gameday shuttles from campus to stadium
Iowa weather can be unpredictable - layer up for fall games
The Fighting Burrito's breakfast burritos are perfect for morning games
Downtown Ames is quieter and more family-friendly than Welch Avenue
Top hotels near Jack Trice Stadium for game day weekend
Everything you need to know about Ames game day bar crawls
Information sourced from official and authoritative references
Iowa State University Athletics
Official athletic department website for schedules and tickets
Jack Trice Stadium Info
Stadium policies, parking maps, and fan guide
Ames Visitor Bureau
Official city tourism and hotel information
Big 12 Official Site
Conference standings, schedules, and broadcast info
ESPN College Football
Live scores, schedules, and game day coverage
Ames Bar Scene Guide
Explore the best bars and bar districts in Ames on game day
Explore every bar district, find the best spots near Jack Trice Stadium, and discover where Cyclones fans drink on game day.