Iowa State University Athletics
CYTown FAQ
04.04.2023 | Athletics
UPDATED: March 2023
How will CYTown impact event parking and space for tailgating?
Iowa State recognizes that adequate and safe parking is important to the more than 1 million visitors annually attending sporting events, the performing arts and other activities at the Iowa State Center and Alumni Center. Parking also is critical to the game day atmosphere and festivities around Jack Trice Stadium. The parking lot improvements are necessary, regardless of the CYTown development, for the safety of visitors, faculty, staff and students who park there on a daily basis.
On Feb. 28, construction crews started working on lots D1-D3 along University Blvd. Crews plan to grind the old asphalt on site and bring in fill dirt before resurfacing work begins. On March 20, crews will move to lots D4, C5 and C6. These six lots will remain closed until mid-August.
Approximately 1,900 parking spots will remain available for student and employee commuters. Crews will wait until the end of spring semester to begin work on the remaining C lots (3 and 4). Work on the remaining Iowa State Center lots is expected to continue into 2024. Construction traffic will be routed off U.S. Hwy. 30, along University Boulevard to Jack Trice Way.
The athletics department has added 1,800 parking spaces with the new RV Village and parking lot upgrades north and west of Hilton Coliseum and the Scheman Building. While CYTown will replace some parking along "tent row," it is expected that the overall number of parking spaces will remain the same, or increase slightly, once the project is completed.
What will happen to "Tent Row" for tailgating?
Tent row is a longstanding tradition and part of Cyclone football gameday atmosphere that will continue. The athletics department plans to relocate the tents to the Scheman Courtyard, which is directly south of the Scheman Building.
How will the project be financed?
Tuition revenue and state funding will NOT be used to finance the CYTown project. Work on parking lot improvements and infrastructure, is underway. Funding for this comes from the ISU Athletics Department, university investment income and private giving. Funding from the university and athletics will be repaid, over time, by project revenues.
It is expected that funds for future phases of CYTown will come from businesses, investors or private gifts.
Information related to construction plans, design, funding, etc., will be publicly available as part of the review and approval process by the Iowa Board of Regents. Similar to other construction projects on campus, the board approves the budget but does not provide funding for the project.
What is the timeframe for CYTown's completion?
This is a multi-year vision, so the development will happen in phases. The first phase, which includes parking lot and infrastructure improvements between Jack Trice Stadium and the Iowa State Center, is expected to be finished in August 2025.
Although the CYTown development is the current focus, the overall project vision encompasses several projects that represent a more inviting gateway into Iowa State University and the Ames community. This includes the new pedestrian bridge, RV Village and parking upgrades for the Iowa State Center, Stark Performance Center, Albaugh Family Plaza, Sukup End Zone Club and Reiman Gardens Plaza.  Â
What happens to the CyRide bus stop?
Plans are to relocate the CyRide stop to the east side of the center parking lots. This is one of CyRide's busiest routes and the relocation will improve efficiencies by simplifying the routes in and out of the area, and benefit the approximately 2,000 students, faculty and staff who park in the commuter lot and take CyRide to campus on a daily basis. The CyRide location will not move until the new area is ready to accommodate it.
What about flooding concerns?
Iowa State University Facilities Planning and Management, civil engineers, the Iowa Department of Natural Resources and the City of Ames are providing advice and support in developing flood mitigation strategies for the development to minimize any potential impact on nearby neighborhoods as well as athletic and university facilities. Similar flood mitigation strategies and water-quality enhancements were recently implemented with the $10 million investment in parking lot improvements north and west of Hilton Coliseum and the Scheman Building.
For the CYTown area, the 100-year base flood elevation is approximately 896 feet and the 500-year flood elevation is about 898 feet. The university will build CYTown buildings at 900 feet. The maximum recorded historical flood was 897.5 feet.
Is Iowa State partnering with the city or other community groups on this project?
Iowa State has and continues to work closely with city leaders and Discover Ames on the project's planning and development. The support of community partners is vital to the project's success, which aims to attract more visitors to the area, spur economic growth, and afford new amenities for the community.
How will CYTown impact other businesses and development in the community?
CYTown is expected to support and strengthen other businesses by attracting more visitors to the community and giving visitors a reason to extend their stay. The development also creates opportunities for the Iowa State Research Park, which needs more space to meet growing interest from potential tenants looking for office space and close proximity to the university.
