Iowa State University has unveiled plans for CyTown, a groundbreaking 94-acre entertainment district bridging Jack Trice Stadium and Hilton Coliseum. Slated to open in fall 2027, the $175–225 million complex promises to transform Ames into a regional destination with public amenities, retail spaces, and cultural venues.
Approved in 2022 and developed by Omaha-based Goldenrod Companies, CyTown will feature:
- A seven-story, 200-room Marriott hotel connected to Hilton Coliseum via skywalk
- 70,000 sq ft of retail space and 90,000 sq ft of offices
- A 3,000-seat amphitheater and diverse dining options
The McFarland Clinic will anchor the development, with construction starting this spring. Iowa State retains no debt obligations under the financing model.
This revives James Hilton’s 1954 vision for a unified educational and recreational campus,
said athletic director Jamie Pollard, hailing the project as a catalyst for both university growth and Ames’ economy. The site replaces outdated facilities plagued by maintenance challenges.
CyTown draws inspiration from successful models like Green Bay’s Titletown and Kansas City’s Power & Light District. Once completed, it will host football pre-game events while operating year-round as a mixed-use hub – blending medical services, hospitality, and entertainment under one skyline.
