Iowa St. reveals plans for ‘CYTown’ development

AMES, Iowa — Iowa State announced plans Monday for a $200 million retail, office and entertainment development called “CYTown” between Jack Trace Stadium and Hilton Coliseum.

The development would sit on a 3-acre site north of the stadium and occupy the pregame party area now known as “Tent Row.”

The initial phase of the project includes a public plaza and amphitheater that could be used on game days or for concerts and other events. The athletic department said most of the funds for the construction of CY Town will come from land monetization opportunities. No target date for completion has been announced.

CyTown will be part of the Iowa State Center, a complex of cultural and athletic venues originally envisioned by former school president James H. Hilton in the 1950s. Plans and future initiatives will require approval from the Iowa Board of Regents.

The development is the next phase of a development plan that began with athletic facility upgrades such as the $60 million Stark Athletic Performance Center, the $50 million Skip Endzone Club and the $30 million Albau Family Plaza and Concourse.

The concept of CYTown is similar to Titletown near Lambeau Field and the Power and Light District near the T-Mobile Center in Kansas City, Missouri.

“Since we began this process, our goal has been to create something unique for Ames while helping our community, attracting and retaining students, businesses, visitors and new residents. And we are confident that CYTown will achieve all of that and more,” said Athletic Director Jamie Pollard.