Why Game Day Parking is Important 

Home football games are exciting times for residents – gathering with friends, supporting the team, and enjoying the game. While the Ames community welcomes football fans, illegal game day parking creates significant public safety concerns.

Over the years, neighborhoods closest to Jack Trice stadium have become filled with illegally parked vehicles to the extent that safe access to residential streets is compromised. Blocked driveways and intersections, limitations on emergency vehicle access, and pedestrian hazards all contribute to neighborhood concerns.

To combat the increasing number of vehicles parking illegally during home football games, the Ames City Council approved the Game Day Parking Ordinance, which went into effect during the 2019 football season.

What is the Fine for Parking Illegally in Restricted Areas?

This ordinance increases fines for illegal parking from $20 to $40 in designated neighborhoods from 6 a.m. to midnight on home football game days. More than 500 signs are posted in the impacted neighborhoods. 

Where Are the Penalty Zones?

Neighborhoods around Jack Trice Stadium included in the new Game Day Parking ordinance with increased fines:

 What Games Are Included?

All Iowa State University home football games are included for increased fines. This does not impact any other sport.

The 2024 home football games for Iowa State are:

Saturday, August 31, 2:30 p.m. vs. North Dakota

Saturday, September 21, 1 p.m. vs. Arkansas State

Saturday, October 5, 6:30 p.m. vs. Baylor

Saturday, October 19, 6:30 p.m. vs. UCF

Saturday, November 2, 2:30 p.m. vs. Texas Tech

Saturday, November 16, 7 p.m. vs. Cincinnati

Saturday, November 30, TBA vs. Kansas State

What Are Some Other Options?

Legal parking is available in the game day lots on Iowa State University campus, as well as in additional campus lots, and along certain residential streets as posted. Get more information on Iowa State University parking options here.

Football fans are encouraged to walk, take CyRide, park remotely, and carpool as a way to reduce congestion near the stadium.