August 24, 2021

Dear Cyclone Fans,

Welcome to the 130^th season of Iowa State Football!

It is hard to believe that it has been nearly two years since Cyclone fans were able to tailgate and experience the excitement of a sold-out MidAmerican Energy Field at Jack Trice Stadium. Our staff is thrilled to reopen the tailgating parking lots and stadium to our loyal fans, as it has simply been too long since we were able to come together and enjoy the pageantry of Cyclone Football.

As you continue to plan your Cyclone game day routine, please keep these items in mind ahead of next week’s 3:30 p.m. season-opener against UNI.

• PlayStation Fiesta Bowl representatives will be attending the UNI game to formally present the Fiesta Bowl championship trophy in front of our fans (unfortunately fans were not part of that celebration last January). The on-field presentation will take place between the first and second quarters.

• The first game marks the debut of the North end zone renovations and state-of-the-art Stark Performance Center. Fans entering from the North will experience the new Albaugh Family Plaza, wider entrance and exit ramps, access to the Jacobson Building, a new ticket office and expanded grass hillsides that will provide fans more space to enjoy the game. For the first time in the stadium’s 46-year history, fans will now be able to walk around the entire stadium on the new interior elevated walkways, so arrive early and check out the new enhancements to our home field.

• Similar to other organizations that rely on part-time service workers, it has been a challenge for Iowa State Athletics to rehire staff and fill key positions which help make a successful game day operation. As a result, food service menus (concession stands, suites and club seats, etc.) will only offer basic stadium food items to start the season. We made this decision to provide the most efficient customer service possible, and once we can adequately staff up our food service operations, we will again offer a complete menu.

• We also ask for your patience and understanding with other game day workers (parking lot attendants, ticket takers, ushers, etc.), as many of these individuals will be new staff and/or staffing areas they have not previously worked. Our goal will always be to provide the best customer service possible, however, we also recognize because of the changes to the stadium, workforce availability, and being two years removed from hosting a sold-out game, that we will undoubtedly experience a few customer service hiccups early on. Your patience, cooperation and understanding as we work through these challenges will go a long way in making the first several home games more enjoyable for everyone.

• We recognize that every individual has a unique perspective of COVID-19 pandemic mitigation efforts. Some are fearless, others are cautious. All we ask is that you are considerate of others, follow good hygiene and most importantly, support and respect your fellow Cyclones. Although we are not requiring face coverings to be worn at this time, we strongly encourage those fans that are seated indoors (Press Box, Suites, Jack Trice Club, Sukup End Zone Club and Jacobson Building) to wear face coverings.

Thank you for helping us achieve another season ticket record! We appreciate your loyalty and support of Coach Campbell, his staff and student-athletes, and look forward to seeing you September 4 and throughout the season to cheer on our Cyclones!

Go Cyclones!