School
Iowa State University
Stadium
Capacity
NaN
Conference
Big 12
Official Iowa State University home & away games
* Schedule subject to change. Always verify with the official athletic department.
Ames experiences classic Midwest fall weather with warm early season games transitioning to cold, windy late-season matchups. September is pleasant, October brings beautiful fall colors and comfortable temperatures, while November can be brutally cold with biting winds across the open Iowa prairie. Jack Trice Stadium is fully exposed to the elements.
76°
High
54°
Low
63°
High
42°
Low
46°
High
28°
Low
These months offer the most comfortable conditions for outdoor tailgating and the walk to .
Late-season games can be cold and unpredictable. Dress in warm layers and check the forecast before heading out.
The top neighborhoods to celebrate in Ames on game day
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.
The best spots near for fans
The ultimate walking route between the top game day bars near — follow the stops in order for the best experience
Total Distance
1.6 miles
Estimated Time
2.5-3 hours walking
Bar Stops
6 Stops
Route Type
Walking Route
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
Welch Ave Station
Stop 1 of 6
Campustown's newest craft beer destination. 24 rotating taps featuring Iowa breweries and elevated pub food. Start here for a chill vibe.
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.
Skip the planning — book a guided bar crawl and we'll lead you through every stop
Book Your SpotThe rituals, chants, and moments that make Iowa State University game day unlike anywhere else
2 hours before kickoff
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.
Pre-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.
3–4 hours before kickoff
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.
3 hours before kickoff
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.
3–4 hours before kickoff
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.
Join our guided bar crawl and we'll make sure you don't miss a single ritual
Fuel up before kickoff at these local favorites near
BBQ & American · $$
Ames institution since 1970 serving award-winning BBQ, hand-cut steaks, and legendary onion rings. The smoked meats are prepared daily and the casual atmosphere makes it perfect for pre-game gatherings.
Diner & Breakfast · $
Local favorite breakfast spot known for massive portions and creative pancake omelets. The cinnamon rolls are legendary among ISU students and alumni. Arrive early on gameday for the best experience.
American Comfort Food · $$
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 · $$
Local craft brewery with excellent pub fare and a rotating selection of house-brewed beers. The Cyclone Burger is a fan favorite, and the outdoor patio is perfect for pre-game celebrations.
Food Trucks & Street Food · $-$$
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 · $
Popular coffee shop with excellent breakfast burritos and sandwiches. Great spot for early morning gameday fuel with quality coffee and quick service.
Turn your love of 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
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 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
undefined 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
Book a Bar Crawl
Book your official game day bar crawl experience
Book your Iowa State University game day bar crawl and experience Ames nightlife like never before!
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