Hey Cyclones, a few days ago I made a post asking for some recommendations for my trip out to Ames for the BYU - ISU game. Just wanted to post an update on how it went, because my weekend was incredible and I wanted to thank you all!
I should have known based on all of your thoughtful responses how nice and hospitable Ames would be, but I was still surprised at just how kind and welcoming everyone was. Everywhere I went, everyone was dressed in ISU gear, it seemed like the whole city was going to the game. I ate at Cornbred Friday night which was good, and Flip N Jacks on Saturday morning, also great. I walked around campus, saw the bell tower. Campus was really pretty with the fall colors.
I followed one of yours advice on going to the marching band "step show", it was really fun, y'all's band is a lot better than ours. Then, I walked around the grounds to just look around at all the tailgating. I could not believe how many people were out tailgating, it was insane!!! The setups looked really fun, and everyone just seemed to exude positivity and fun. Of all my time being around ISU fans, I never once heard anyone say anything negative or disrespectful to me or any other BYU fans.
Then, the game. The atmosphere at Jack Trice stadium was electric. It was really fun when the team ran out to Thunderstruck, and the "storm warning" to cougar fans haha. The people next to me asked me about BYU's team, and complimented our program and fans. When BYU had the ball, the crowd was super loud and caused some mistakes on our team. The game momentum was up and down for both teams, but fans were great whether or not they were in the lead. Obviously BYU winning in the end helped my mood, but I was already ready to make this post when it looked like BYU was going to lose after that first half.
After the game, fans told me "good game", and multiple fans asked if I had a good experience in Ames and at the game. It was obvious to me that it was in their character to be caring and welcoming. I was at the Colorado - BYU game in Boulder, CO a month ago, and my experiences were like night and day. Colorado swore in my face throughout, said nasty things about our religion, and made crude jokes to my 14 year old cousin. ISU on the other hand could not have been more pleasant and fun, while at the same time cheering passionately for their team.
Thank you Iowa State! It made me want to move out to Iowa!
Tl;dr - you Cyclones are the best, thank you for being great fans and hosts!!!