Iowa State University officially broke ground on Cy‑Town, an entertainment district in Ames, as part of a multi‑year project expected to be finished by fall 2028. University President David Cook and Athletic Director Jamie Pollard joined a group of executives, including Wendy Wintersteen, to mark the start of construction, signaling a strategic push to broaden the university’s revenue streams beyond traditional academic and athletic sources.
Cy‑Town: A Mixed‑Use Entertainment Destination
Cy‑Town will encompass a Marriott hotel, a dedicated concert stage, multiple bars, retail shops and other hospitality venues designed to draw fans, students and the broader public into a vibrant, year‑round destination adjacent to the campus.
Jamie Pollard, who has overseen Iowa State athletics for more than two decades, announced his retirement after a tenure that produced 24 Big 12 conference titles and several national championships. In his farewell remarks, he underscored the pivotal role of athletics in the success of student‑athletes and the university’s overall mission.
President David Cook is currently steering a comprehensive search for Iowa State’s next athletic director, a process that will prioritize student‑athlete welfare and alignment with the institution’s core values, while also overseeing the continued development of Cy‑Town.
The Cyclones’ athletic schedule has been reshaped for the upcoming season: non‑conference basketball games against Alcorn State and Purdue have been moved up a day, with the Alcorn State contest set for December 1 and the Purdue matchup on December 5, while the football program will make its season debut in Week 1 wearing new cardinal helmets, jerseys and white pants, complemented by a co‑branded Big 12‑Monster patch and the Iowa State crest.
Fans can also take advantage of a promotional Cyclone Alert VIP membership, offering a 75 % discount that translates to savings exceeding $105 per year and providing free access to Paramount+ after the first year.
Looking ahead, the Cyclones will participate in a Vegas tournament series, followed by a December 10 rivalry game at Iowa, and additional contests scheduled through December 29, promising a packed finish to the fall slate.