Cyclone Fans Will See Changes at Kickoff Game

KCCI.com, IA

08-30-06

Cyclone Fans Will See Changes At Kickoff Game

School Aims To Get Fans Seated When Team Hits Field

DES MOINES, Iowa -- Cyclone fans are hoping for good weather as the football team kicks of its season Thursday night in Ames.

There are some exciting changes in store for Iowa State University fans.

It's usually a pretty festive atmosphere around Jack Trice Stadium on game day, but this year the athletic department wants to build on that excitement both outside and inside the stadium.

Click here to find out more!

With 24 hours to go before game time, crews are busy setting up bleachers for the marching band.

They're also taking care of a little last minute grooming on the field.

They may be small details, but it's all part of some big changes fans will notice when they come to Jack Trice for the season opener.

For starters, there will be a lot more pomp and circumstance when the team takes the field.

"We have a new inflatable tunnel and helmet as well as smoke for the team. So that will be kind of new, exciting different entrance as opposed to coming down the side of the building like they've been doing in the past," said Mary Pink the assistant athletic director for marketing.

To get fans in the stands before the team makes its entrance, a siren will sound at 90, 60, 45 and 30 minutes before kickoff.

"I know our fans love to tailgate and they love to be out in the lots for as long as possible, but we're really trying to encourage them to get in early, support the team and encourage them at kickoff," Pink said.

Once inside the stadium, it will be hard for fans to miss another big change.

For the first time in several years, center field will be covered with a huge Cyclone logo.

There will be a lot of activity out on the field even before the game starts to get fans pumped up.

"That's what we're really looking for is that 12th man or that 12th fan to really be in the stands and get the team fired up at pregame," Pink said.

Before home games, fans can visit the "Cyclone Experience" on the south side of the stadium. There will be inflatables, food and entertainment.

Fans can also hop on trolleys, similar to those at the Iowa State Fair, to get from the parking lots to the stadium.