What's new for Iowa State football game days? Pedestrian bridges, parking changes
A large infrastructure addition isn't the only new thing that Cyclone football fans will notice at the Sept. 3 home football opener against Southeast Missouri — particularly for fans parking closest to U.S. Highway 30.
The largest change will be the new East Gateway Bridge for pedestrians, connecting Jack Trice Stadium with a new RV parking lot east of University Boulevard. The bridge's trusses were placed over the roadway of University Boulevard in June and July.
The bridge is open-air and will be accessible year-round. Pedestrians can still cross University Boulevard at the intersections of South 4th Street and South 16th Street at ground level if they prefer, according to university spokesperson Angie Hunt.
However, because the project includes new fencing along the east side of the stadium, pedestrians crossing at other points will need to walk to South 4th Street or South 16th Street to enter the stadium.
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Nick Joos, spokesperson for Iowa State University Athletics, said the bridge — as well as another pedestrian bridge that crosses Worle Creek — will be ready for the 1 p.m. home opener.
Parking changes include directions, prices
The new RV parking lot is finished and ready for use, and the parking lot project north of the Scheman Building is in its final stages of completion as well, Joos said.
Fans who park in lots G2 and G3 will be directed to a spot designated by parking staff. That's a change intended to improve traffic flow into the lots closest to the Highway 30 exit, Joos said.
However, fans who park in G4, G5, G8 and G9 will continue to have the option to choose their specific parking and tailgating location.
More about parking, tailgating, tickets
General public parking lot pricing has increased to $25 per car and $100 per RV, and will be sold in advance on a single-game basis, starting Aug. 17, Joos said.
Open flames are prohibited while tailgating. While that's not a change in the rules, "I’m guessing they’ll be keeping a close eye on this in RV village this season to keep everyone safe," Joos added.
Inside the stadium, student seating has moved from the northeast corner to the southeast corner.
Purchase of football tickets for the general public opens at 10 a.m. Monday.
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Phillip Sitter covers education for the Ames Tribune, including Iowa State University and PreK-12 schools in Ames and elsewhere in Story County. Phillip can be reached via email at psitter@gannett.com. He is on Twitter @pslifeisabeauty.
This article originally appeared on Ames Tribune: Iowa State football parking, pedestrian bridge updates for 2022
