Ames Community Facilities

Within 10 minutes from campus there are several conference hotels with offerings for additional meeting space to complement your event, as well as unique alternative options such as wineries, library meeting space and more!  Our staff can assist you with sourcing and contracting Ames facilities, in addition to your campus needs.

Auditoriums

Ames City Auditorium & Durham Bandshell

515 Clark Ave

515.239.5365

  • Seating for 881
  • Parking adjacent to building
  • Complimentary Wi-Fi
  • Short walk to nearby shops and restaurants

Join the growing number of businesses and performing arts groups who have chosen the Ames City Auditorium. Reasonably priced, the auditorium is ideally suited for meetings, lectures, and all types of dance, music and theatrical performances.

The beautiful Auditorium, seating for 881, is suitable for meetings, lectures, and performances. Durham Bandshell, nestled in Ames oldest park, is perfect for outdoor events.

Benton Auditorium – Iowa State Center

  • 450 person capacity
  • Located in building adjacent meeting space
  • Rental includes sound booth, technology and technician

Ensconced in the Scheman building, as part of a 4 building complex with onsite catering, and adjacent meeting rooms, this is the perfect setting for your next general session.

Fisher Theater

200 Beach Ave

(515) 294-3347

  • 451-seat theater
  • No seat is more than 13 rows from performance
  • Media booth with full lighting capabilities
  • Permanent and portable sound systems

The uniquely designed Fisher Theater is the perfect setting for intimate performances or as a breakout for a large group session, and conveniently located next to the Scheman Building and C.Y. Stephens Auditorium.

No member of the audience is more than 13 rows from the speaker in the uniquely designed 451-seat Fisher Theater. It is a perfect setting for intimate performances.

ISU Academic Auditoriums

  • 20+ auditoriums
  • Seats 120 to 450 people
  • Equipped with Smart Technology options

With tiered seating, our fully equipped auditoriums all have a great view. Located in buildings with nearby classrooms for interactive sessions, we’ve got you covered!

Stephens Auditorium

1805 Center Dr

515.294.3347

  • 2,749-seat auditorium (including the 112 seat orchestra pit)
  • Main Floor seating for 1,702
  • Onsite equipment and technical staff
  • Adjacent Parking

The facility, which seats 2,749, has consistently won praise for its excellent acoustics. It was specially designed for viewing many different types of performances which provides meeting planners with a striking environment for lectures, meetings and performances. The staff can take care of any light, sound, and media needs.

This 2,747-seat auditorium (including the 112 seat orchestra pit) creates a great event with a striking environment and excellent acoustics for lectures, meetings, performances and speeches.

Special Events Venues

Ames City Auditorium & Durham Bandshell

515 Clark Ave

515.239.5365

  • Seating for 881
  • Parking adjacent to building
  • Complimentary Wi-Fi
  • Short walk to nearby shops and restaurants

Join the growing number of businesses and performing arts groups who have chosen the Ames City Auditorium. Reasonably priced, the auditorium is ideally suited for meetings, lectures, and all types of dance, music and theatrical performances.

The beautiful Auditorium, seating for 881, is suitable for meetings, lectures, and performances. Durham Bandshell, nestled in Ames oldest park, is perfect for outdoor events.

Ames/ISU Ice Arena

1507 Gateway Hills Park Dr

515.292.6835

  • Indoor ice arena hosts high school and college-level hockey, also offers recreational skating
  • Annually hosts Midwest High School Hockey Championships and ISU Cyclone Hockey games.
  • Public skating
  • Hosts hockey games, including collegiate level

Home to Cyclone Hockey, the Ames/ISU Ice Arena is a perfect escape for fans and skaters of all ages.  Lessons, open skate, and rentals are all available at this location close to campus.

A facility operated jointly by the City of Ames and ISU, the ice arena hosts public skating, skating lessons, hockey games and special events. Located south of the ISU Towers on Mortensen Road.

Fisher Theater

200 Beach Ave

(515) 294-3347

  • 451-seat theater
  • No seat is more than 13 rows from performance
  • Media booth with full lighting capabilities
  • Permanent and portable sound systems

The uniquely designed Fisher Theater is the perfect setting for intimate performances or as a breakout for a large group session, and conveniently located next to the Scheman Building and C.Y. Stephens Auditorium.

No member of the audience is more than 13 rows from the speaker in the uniquely designed 451-seat Fisher Theater. It is a perfect setting for intimate performances.

Reiman Gardens

1407 S. University Blvd

515.294.2710

  • Largest public gardens in Iowa
  • Conservatory Complex
  • 14-acre complex

Reiman Gardens offers a beautiful setting for weddings, corporate retreats, holiday parties, special events and more! We’ve combined facilities and open spaces to create a flexible, affordable option for your next gathering, large or small.

17-acre public botanical garden including tropical plant conservatory, butterfly wing with hundreds of live butterflies, and gift shop. Events open to the public and annual changing displays.

Meeting Space

Classrooms and Lecture Halls

  • 215 general university classrooms in 36 buildings
  • Includes advanced instructional technology including data projectors/monitors and audio system
  • Offers both fixed and flexible seating options

Wherever you are located on campus, we have some options nearby to fit your size and layouts that will support the session format you prefer!

Conference Hotels

Within 10 minutes from campus there are several conference hotels with offerings for additional meeting space to complement your event, as well as unique alternative options such as wineries, library meeting space and more! Our staff can assist you with sourcing and contracting Ames facilities, in addition to your campus needs.

Fisher Theater

200 Beach Ave

(515) 294-3347

  • 451-seat theater
  • No seat is more than 13 rows from performance
  • Media booth with full lighting capabilities
  • Permanent and portable sound systems

The uniquely designed Fisher Theater is the perfect setting for intimate performances or as a breakout for a large group session, and conveniently located next to the Scheman Building and C.Y. Stephens Auditorium.

No member of the audience is more than 13 rows from the speaker in the uniquely designed 451-seat Fisher Theater. It is a perfect setting for intimate performances.

Hansen Agriculture Student Learning Center

2508 Mortensen Rd

515.294.4950

  • Seating for 835 in Arena
  • Large Atrium with capacity for 550
  • 4 meeting rooms and board room

This unique facility includes a heated 33,000 square foot arena, and has been home to agricultural events, concerts, political rallies and more!

The Jeff and Deb Hansen Agriculture Student Leaning Center is a unique facility to Iowa State University. It includes a 33,000 sq. ft. arena, four classrooms, and large atrium.

Hilton Coliseum

1700 Center Dr

This venue is perfect for exhibit space, meal functions, performances or special events.

  • 20,000 square feet of pillar free exhibit space
  • 14,500 flexible seats
  • Additional meeting rooms available for breakout areas

This unique and flexible space allows everyone at your event to be a part of the “Hilton Magic.”

Hilton Coliseum, a world class facility with 30,000 sq. ft. of pillar free space, is perfect for various convention activities including large or small banquets, meetings and exhibits.

ISU Alumni Center

429 Alumni Lane

515.294.6525

  • 34,500square-foot facility
  • 2 Ballrooms, and several multi-purpose spaces
  • Ample free parking

Home to the ISU Alumni Association, and conveniently located near the Iowa State Center. Great space for your high-touch meetings, featuring beautifully themed Iowa State meeting space, ballrooms, and unique reception areas.

A one-of-a-kind venue for meetings and special events. Contact our professional events staff to help plan your upcoming event. We are also home to the ISU Alumni Association.

ISU Memorial Union

2229 Lincoln Way

515.296.6848

  • 22 meeting rooms
  • Ballrooms accommodate up to 650 people
  • in-house banquet and catering services
  • Adjacent Parking ramp makes parking easy!
  • Complimentary Wi-Fi

Enjoy contemporary services in a historic setting.  The ballrooms are a great fit for exhibit space for trade shows and exhibits, and diverse meeting space sizes to fit a variety of needs.

Located in the heart of Iowa State, The Memorial Union houses the University Book Store, food, convenience store, art studio, bowling, entertainment, parking ramp and event/meeting facilities.

Reiman Gardens

1407 S. University Blvd

515.294.2710

  • Largest public gardens in Iowa
  • Conservatory Complex
  • 14-acre complex

Reiman Gardens offers a beautiful setting for weddings, corporate retreats, holiday parties, special events and more! We’ve combined facilities and open spaces to create a flexible, affordable option for your next gathering, large or small.

17-acre public botanical garden including tropical plant conservatory, butterfly wing with hundreds of live butterflies, and gift shop. Events open to the public and annual changing displays.

Scheman Building

Scheman Building, Suite 102

1805 Center Drive

515.294.3347

  • 25 meeting rooms
  • Features Benton Auditorium, a 450 capacity auditorium
  • 30,600 square feet of meeting space
  • Generous outdoor flat space
  • Convenient onsite catering available

The center of the Iowa State Center Complex, this building will make a great centerpiece and ‘hub’ for your next event.

Scheman acts as a great central location for any conference or gathering. The building is 30,600 square feet, and features 25 meeting rooms and two lobbies.

Stephens Auditorium

1805 Center Dr

515.294.3347

  • 2,749-seat auditorium (including the 112 seat orchestra pit)
  • Main Floor seating for 1,702
  • Onsite equipment and technical staff
  • Adjacent Parking

The facility, which seats 2,749, has consistently won praise for its excellent acoustics. It was specially designed for viewing many different types of performances which provides meeting planners with a striking environment for lectures, meetings and performances. The staff can take care of any light, sound, and media needs.

This 2,747-seat auditorium (including the 112 seat orchestra pit) creates a great event with a striking environment and excellent acoustics for lectures, meetings, performances and speeches.

Recreation and Activities

Ames/ISU Ice Arena

1507 Gateway Hills Park Dr

515.292.6835

  • Indoor ice arena hosts high school and college-level hockey, also offers recreational skating
  • Annually hosts Midwest High School Hockey Championships and ISU Cyclone Hockey games.
  • Public skating
  • Hosts hockey games, including collegiate level

Home to Cyclone Hockey, the Ames/ISU Ice Arena is a perfect escape for fans and skaters of all ages.  Lessons, open skate, and rentals are all available at this location close to campus.

A facility operated jointly by the City of Ames and ISU, the ice arena hosts public skating, skating lessons, hockey games and special events. Located south of the ISU Towers on Mortensen Road.

Beyer Hall

2625 Union Dr

515-294-2466

  • 3 Basketball / Volleyball /Racquetball Courts
  • Large gym equipped with black lights
  • 75-foot Competition Swimming Pool
  • Weight Training Room

This 75,000 square foot recreation building is perfect for your next competition or meet, and has adjacent classrooms and meeting rooms to round out your tournament needs.

Beyer Hall is located on the west side of campus, immediately across the street from State Gym. Beyer offers a variety of fitness equipment, training rooms, and group fitness classes.

Clover Woods Camp & Retreat Center

1991 Peach Ave

515.795.3338

  • Challenge Course
  • 360 beds for rental
  • Onsite Dining facilities

Clover Woods Camp & Retreat Center offers a year-round option for great team building opportunities.

Clover Woods Camp & Retreat Center offers year-round outdoor & recreational options along with lodging & meals on 1,100 acres of wooded bluffs and native prairies. Meeting space for up to 200.

Forker Building, Iowa State University

534 Wallace Rd

  • Indoor swimming pool
  • 2 large gyms
  • 2 dance studios
  • 8 Outdoor lighted tennis courts

Whether you are looking for basketball, volleyball, badminton courts, or even performance space – Forker has the flexibility to meet all your needs!

The Forker Building is located on the Iowa State University Campus and features four gyms, locker rooms, and dance studios.

Harvester Courtyard – Iowa State Center

  • Accommodate events from 200 to 6,000
  • Access to power available
  • Adjacent to the Scheman Building

Located in the center of the Iowa State Center, this spacious area is perfect for any outdoor gathering or special event.

Hilton Coliseum

1700 Center Dr

This venue is perfect for exhibit space, meal functions, performances or special events.

  • 20,000 square feet of pillar free exhibit space
  • 14,500 flexible seats
  • Additional meeting rooms available for breakout areas

This unique and flexible space allows everyone at your event to be a part of the “Hilton Magic.”

Hilton Coliseum, a world class facility with 30,000 sq. ft. of pillar free space, is perfect for various convention activities including large or small banquets, meetings and exhibits.

ISU Cross Country Course

  • 8,000-meters (men) 6,000-meters (women)
  • Site of 2000 NCAA Championships, 2008 Big 12 Championships
  • First course in nation designed exclusively for competitive cross country

ISU’s Cross Country Course has been host to 12 NCAA Championships since its dedication in 1995.  This was the first course in the nation designed exclusively for competition cross country racing.

ISU Southwest Athletic Complex

400 S Sheldon Ave

The ISU Southwest Athletic Complex features one field with a seat capacity of 509. There are also batting cages available.

Lied Recreation Athletic Center

518 Beach Rd

515-294-7140

  • 20 basketball courts
  • 4 volleyball courts
  • Racquetball and Badminton Courts
  • 50 x 60 yard indoor artificial turf
  • 1,100 square foot climbing wall
  • Outdoor field for football, soccer or ultimate Frisbee

Lied is a 220,000 gross square foot building with a 120,000 square foot main floor.  Whether you’re planning a competition or special event, Lied has the room and flexibility to meet your needs.

Lied Recreation Athletic Center was built in 1990 and serves as the recreation center on the east side of campus. Lied has an array of activities to suit your workout needs or to just have some fun!

Maple-Willow-Larch Recreation Fields

Beach Ave and Lincoln Way

  • Football fields
  • Ultimate Frisbee Fields
  • Soccer Fields
  • Cricket Pitch

Located within walking distance from the center of campus, this 17-acre space near Maple-Willow Larch Residence Hall ready for any sporting event.

A 17-acre space near Maple-Willow Larch Residence Hall is ready for any special event or sporting event. The fields can be used for football, ultimate frisbee, soccer, cricket pitch, and many others.

Reiman Gardens

1407 S. University Blvd

515.294.2710

  • Largest public gardens in Iowa
  • Conservatory Complex
  • 14-acre complex

Reiman Gardens offers a beautiful setting for weddings, corporate retreats, holiday parties, special events and more! We’ve combined facilities and open spaces to create a flexible, affordable option for your next gathering, large or small.

17-acre public botanical garden including tropical plant conservatory, butterfly wing with hundreds of live butterflies, and gift shop. Events open to the public and annual changing displays.

Southeast Recreation Field Complex

University Blvd and Center Dr

  • Includes football, soccer and softball fields
  • Free parking on gravel
  • Easy accessibility from University Boulevard
  • 53-acre space complete with free parking for all athletes and spectators.

The Southeast Recreation Fields feature 53 acres of fields, six sand volleyball courts, 12 softball fields, 12 soccer fields and 12 Ultimate fields and is located just east of Jack Trice Stadium.

State Gym

2642 Union Dr

515-294-6640

  • 5 Courts to fit a variety of sports
  • 125 Pieces of weight and cardio equipment
  • 2 Indoor running tracks
  • Competition level diving & swimming options
  • Rock and Bouldering climbing walls

Courts, Courts, Courts! With 5 basketball, 3 volleyball, and 9 badminton courts-State Gym is perfect for competition or recreation!

State Gym is located on the west side of campus. It was recently renovated in 2012 and now offers a variety of new amenities such as the rock climbing wall and a leisure pool with a high-dive.

Towers Recreation Field

Mortensen Rd

  • Lacrosse Fields
  • 10 acres of various athletic fields or open space for special events

The Towers Recreation Fields are conveniently located next to the Towers Residence Halls. The 44 acres are perfect for football, soccer and lacrosse!

Outdoor Venues

Central Campus

Named a “Medallion” site by the American Society of Landscape Architects, the central lawn hosts many of Iowa State’s largest events throughout the year. Its vast area and beauty make it one of the university’s favorite spots.

Harvester Courtyard – Iowa State Center

  • Accommodate events from 200 to 6,000
  • Access to power available
  • Adjacent to the Scheman Building

Located in the center of the Iowa State Center, this spacious area is perfect for any outdoor gathering or special event.

ISU Cross Country Course

  • 8,000-meters (men) 6,000-meters (women)
  • Site of 2000 NCAA Championships, 2008 Big 12 Championships
  • First course in nation designed exclusively for competitive cross country

ISU’s Cross Country Course has been host to 12 NCAA Championships since its dedication in 1995.  This was the first course in the nation designed exclusively for competition cross country racing.

ISU Southwest Athletic Complex

400 S Sheldon Ave

The ISU Southwest Athletic Complex features one field with a seat capacity of 509. There are also batting cages available.

Maple-Willow-Larch Recreation Fields

Beach Ave and Lincoln Way

  • Football fields
  • Ultimate Frisbee Fields
  • Soccer Fields
  • Cricket Pitch

Located within walking distance from the center of campus, this 17-acre space near Maple-Willow Larch Residence Hall ready for any sporting event.

A 17-acre space near Maple-Willow Larch Residence Hall is ready for any special event or sporting event. The fields can be used for football, ultimate frisbee, soccer, cricket pitch, and many others.

Southeast Recreation Field Complex

University Blvd and Center Dr

  • Includes football, soccer and softball fields
  • Free parking on gravel
  • Easy accessibility from University Boulevard
  • 53-acre space complete with free parking for all athletes and spectators.

The Southeast Recreation Fields feature 53 acres of fields, six sand volleyball courts, 12 softball fields, 12 soccer fields and 12 Ultimate fields and is located just east of Jack Trice Stadium.

Southwest Recreation Complex

  • Onsite, free parking
  • Includes Soccer, Rugby, softball and baseball fields
  • Archery range
  • Natural grass softball facility includes permanent seating for 509 people