ULM fan travelling to Iowa St

NHWarhawk

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Jul 29, 2019
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ULM fan who will be travelling to Ames for the game in September. Few questions hoping someone could provide info.

Is it better to stay in Ames or Des Moines? Can you suggest some things to do/see, places to eat, etc.

Looking forward to the game. I know you guys will be favored, but we’ll be ready to battle after playing Florida Stste the week before.
 
ULM fan who will be travelling to Ames for the game in September. Few questions hoping someone could provide info.

Is it better to stay in Ames or Des Moines? Can you suggest some things to do/see, places to eat, etc.

Looking forward to the game. I know you guys will be favored, but we’ll be ready to battle after playing Florida Stste the week before.

I think I'd pick DSM. More food options and such.

Just for fun, we might be better than Florida State. And I mean these next words sincerely, thank you for the chance to ever type those words. We've had some bad runs around here.
 
I hope you have a great time in Central Iowa. The tailgate scene should be fairly friendly (I hope).

On a game day, depending on where you are in Des Moines, it could take well over an hour to get to the stadium so it depends on your priorities. Ames doesn't have near the hotel capacity so if you can get a good rate on a hotel there, I'd grab it. But if it's already expensive for the hotels in Ames, you can look in Des Moines, pay a bit less and get going earlier to the stadium.
 
  • Informative
Reactions: MrPeske
Stay in Ankeny (half-way between Des Moines Airport and Ames), unless you really want to experience the culture of Des Moines (seriously, stuff like the sculpture park is awesome). Ames hotel prices will be cranked up.

We are a friendly bunch. Expect to get lots of advice. And even some that is good. Hope you like snarkiness too.
 
How long will you be here and how are you getting here? A little more information will allow us to give better advice.
 
OK, here is the most important question. Are you hauling your own tailgate gear? This is important because if you want your own tailgate, you will need one set of advice, such as how to get a parking pass for donor lots. If you are just going to wander and drop in on other tailgates, you will need other advice, such as places to park within easy access of the stadium and/or other tailgates. And if you are going to be with the team, then never mind about tailgating, we can just stick to debates about whether Hickory Park is the best place in town or not.
 
Cyclone Liquor is a must see. In addition to being a fine liquor store with an exceptionally nice name, their specialty beer racks back by the office are outstanding. And the speakeasy you enter from behind the building or through the freezer door is a personal favorite.
 
Welcome WarHawk fan(s)! Just a warning, Iowa State should be better this year than Alabama was in 2007! :) Seriously, I hope you have a GREAT TIME and the weather is good. Iowa State is a beautiful Campus, ISU GameDay is fun, and both Ames and Des Moines are nice to visit. Let us know where you end up, so we can guide you right. Just don't break out into a "Let's Go 'Hawks!" chant. We definitely do not like that! :p
 
  • Agree
Reactions: Cy4Lifer
Walk around our campus! It is beautiful! Eat at Hickory Park in Ames. Nice hotels in both cities. Probably more cultural things to do in Des Moines. Plan plenty of time to tailgate with us Cyclones!

First weekly hickory park debate on opposing fan seeking advice thread in 3.... 2.... 1.....

Old Main Brewery has good micro brews and pretty dang good food.

Skip hickory park, go to Cornbred bbq instead.

Olde Main is closed down.
 
Some of the best tailgating and friendliest fans in the country.
If it were me, I’d stay downtown Des Moines Friday night. So much fun can be had.
Then I’d stay in Ames after the game. For an off the beaten path dive bar, go to Thumbs. If you want to chill at a professionally run cheap bar after the game and watch some other football, go to Welch Ave Station. Order some pitchers, pizza, wings, etc.
 
ULM fan who will be travelling to Ames for the game in September. Few questions hoping someone could provide info.

Is it better to stay in Ames or Des Moines? Can you suggest some things to do/see, places to eat, etc.

Looking forward to the game. I know you guys will be favored, but we’ll be ready to battle after playing Florida Stste the week before.
Are you here for just the Saturday or staying a few more days? Tailgating is fantastic around the stadium, so get to the game early and enjoy. When the game time gets announced there will be a better idea of how early you will need to get to the stadium and where would be better to stay too.
 

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