Ames has a sports culture that extends well beyond the Iowa State University campus. The energy surrounding Cyclone athletics carries into a community experienced in welcoming youth tournaments, collegiate championships and national competitions. With facilities for indoor and outdoor sports, Ames gives event organizers the flexibility to bring a wide range of competitions to central Iowa.
AT A GLANCE
- Top Sports: Basketball, Soccer, Track & Field
- Hotel Rooms: 1,871
- Closest Airport: Des Moines International Airport (DSM)
- Approximately 45-minute drive
- Major Highways: Interstate 35 and U.S. Highway 30
BUILT FOR SPORTS
Cyclone Sports Complex
- Home to Iowa State University's track and field, soccer and softball teams, this complex provides space for sporting events of varying sizes. The soccer facility seats 1,500 spectators and features a surrounding Hobart Texture Track Surface, four long jump / triple jump runways, two pole vault areas and 3.5 acres dedicated to throwing events.
- Lied Recreation Center
- This large indoor sports facility features 20 basketball courts that can also accommodate racquetball, badminton and volleyball. The space can be configured into eight racquetball or badminton courts, while a single basketball court can typically accommodate two volleyball courts.
- Hunziker Youth Sports Complex
- Designed for youth and amateur sports, this spacious outdoor complex features 24 soccer fields that can accommodate a variety of sports, along with four softball fields and five baseball fields. The range of fields provides flexibility for hosting different types of tournaments and competitions.
BEYOND THE GAME
- Reiman Gardens
- Just steps from Jack Trice Stadium, Reiman Gardens brings a different kind of excitement to Iowa State University's campus. Wander through 17 acres of gardens, discover seasonal displays and step inside the Christina Reiman Butterfly Wing for a colorful break from the competition.
- A scenic lake, walking and biking trails, and opportunities for kayaking give visitors a chance to enjoy the outdoors away from the competition venue.
EXPERIENCE AMESAmes combines the energy of a Big 12 college town with the amenities visiting teams and families need throughout their stay. Downtown Ames and Campustown offer restaurants, shopping and places for teams to gather after competition. Iowa State University's campus adds another dimension to the visitor experience, with recognizable landmarks, athletic traditions and attractions that give visitors a sense of the community beyond the playing field.
DID YOU KNOW?Standing 15 feet tall and weighing 3,500 pounds, Elwood the Gnome at Reiman Gardens is the world's largest concrete garden gnome. He's become one of Ames' most recognizable photo opportunities and a memorable stop for visiting teams and families.
READY TO COMPETE IN AMES?
Considering Ames for your next sporting event? Explore facilities, accommodations and event-planning assistance with Discover Ames.
Explore Sports in Ames
Justin Thiele, Business Development Specialist
515-956-4604 | justint@discoverames.com
DiscoverAmes.com
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