Jack Trice Stadium

Capacity: 61,500

Home Teams: Iowa State Cyclones (NCAA College Football)

Jack Trice Stadium Events

Only in the United States could you find a hulking stadium with a capacity of 61,500 in a city of just over 66,000, but in the small Iowa town of Ames, that is exactly what you will see, with the massive Jack Trice Stadium perched upon the main campus of Iowa State University. Home to the Iowa State Cyclones football team ever since it opened in 1975, it was the first college stadium named after a black man, Jack Trice, who died in 1923 in a football game against Minnesota of injuries sustained on the field. Trice was a trailblazer, the first black athlete at the university, and thus the stadium’s name seems a fitting tribute to his brave life and tragic end. The interior of the stadium is quite striking, with three sides of double-decked stands for a horseshoe-style effect (though the “open” side now contains an athletic center). These stands are packed on game days with fans decked out in the team colors of cardinal red and gold, singing the “ISU FIghts” songs along to the sound of the university’s marching band. A large cannon blasts off inside the stadium at every opportunity: the kickoff at the start of the game, the kickoff after half-time, every kickoff by the Cyclones, and every home team touchdown. This is now often accompanied by the sounds of a tornado siren (since 2011) and the 1890 Victory Bell, which clangs after every Cyclones victory. All in all, a visit to Jack Trice Stadium is quite the feast for the auditory as well as the visual senses. The team’s mascot is, somewhat surprisingly, a cardinal (Cy the Cardinal). This is a reference to the team’s previous name (the Cardinals, just like everyone else in turn of the century America!) and the difficulty of creating a mascot based on a storm. However, in 2005, a tornado touched down in Ames, after which the Cyclones beat Colorado 30-16 and the Colorado coach remarked that a real tornado was a pretty impressive mascot! On the field, the Cyclones have always been something of a middling team, winning their conference just twice (both in the early 1900s) and posting a Bowl record of 5-13 (and overall win percentage of just .454. Nevertheless, their fans are loyal, filling the flat lands around the stadium to tailgate each home game before they pack into the stands to support their team. Jack Trice Stadium does not often host events other than Cyclones home games, but it has recently been announced that 2024 will bring the return of concerts to the stadium for the first time since 1999, with country stars George Strait and Chris Stapleton set to play the stadium this year. Visitors to the stadium who show up hungry will find plenty of good things to eat, including Chick Fil-A sandwiches, delicious tacos, and Rita’s ice custard, along with plenty of cold beer. Cyclones merchandise can be found on sale at kiosks and shops inside Jack Trice Stadium as well as around campus.

Jack Trice Stadium Seating Chart

Jack Trice Stadium is a large venue that offers visitors a wide range of seating options. Those looking for an exclusive game day experience can opt for premium seating areas such as Jack Trice Suites, Jack Trice Club, or the Sukup End Zone Club. There are also patio tables available. All premium seats have superb service and amenities, as well as fantastic views of the action on the field. Plenty of general admission seating fills the rest of the stadium and this is really the best place to feel the pulse of the home crowd. If you would like to attend a Iowa State Cyclones game or special event at Jack Trice Stadium, check our listings on TicketX to find the most affordable tickets and use our handy seating chart to compare seats by location and price. 

Getting to Jack Trice Stadium (Transportation and Parking)

Visitors can access Jack Trice Stadium via public transportation or driving their own vehicle. 

Getting to Jack Trice Stadium via public transportation

There are public buses available within the city of Ames. Shuttle buses (some pulled by tractors) also run from parking areas to Jack Trice Stadium on game days. Cycling or walking to the stadium can also work, depending on your location or, as a fall-back, a taxi or ride-share.

Getting to Jack Trice Stadium by car

The small town of Ames witnesses a huge influx of traffic on game days, so be sure to plan your route to Jack Trice Stadium in advance. Aim to arrive early so that you can get parked and enjoy the festivities of the day. Visit the Iowa State University website for maps to the venue.

Does Jack Trice Stadium have on-site parking?

Jack Trice Stadium is located on a broad flat plain, meaning that there is plenty of parking (and space for tailgating, around the stadium itself. That said, spaces closest to the stadium are generally reserved for donors and season ticket holders, so be prepared to park at some distance and either walk or take a shuttle to the ground. Check the Iowa State University website for parking information.

How much does Jack Trice Stadium parking cost?

Parking at the stadium is usually $25 per car on campus. It is recommended to book your spot in advance. Off campus parking can be cheaper (even free, potentially) but may be quite a distance from the stadium, requiring a taxi or ride-share anyway. Visit the Iowa State University website for more info on parking spots and parking rates.