2026 Cyclone Tailgate Tour schedule announced

Iowa State men’s basketball coach T. J. Otzelberger signs autograph during Cyclones Tailgate Tour kickoff at Toast on May 19, 2025, in Ankeny, Iowa | Nirmalendu Majumdar/Ames Tribune / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

It’s that time of year again for Iowa State athletics fans across the state of Iowa.  Monday, the Cyclone athletic department announced the schedule for the annual ‘Cyclone Tailgate Tour’.  2026 marks the 20th year of the event that connects coaches with the passionate Cyclones fan base to celebrate Iowa State Athletics.  This year’s 10-stop tour will take place May 18-22.

Every Cyclone Tailgate Tour stop is free and open to fans of all ages. This family-friendly event provides fans the unique opportunity to interact with and hear updates from Iowa State head coaches and Endowed Cyclone Director of Athletics Jamie Pollard. Cy and members of the spirit squad will also be in attendance. Enjoy giveaways, photo opportunities, food and beverage available for purchase, and a chance to connect with fellow Cyclone fans. All children in attendance will also receive a gift courtesy of the Cyclone Club.

While tour event lineups may vary, this year’s tour will feature Endowed Cyclone Director of Athletics Jamie Pollard, football coach Jimmy Rogers, men’s basketball coach T.J. Otzelberger, women’s basketball coach Bill Fennelly, volleyball coach Christy Johnson-Lynch*,* Director of Men’s and Women’s Wrestling Kevin Dresser, men’s wrestling coach Brent Metcalf, women’s wrestling coach Alli St. John, the “Voice of the Cyclones” John Walters and, of course, Cy.

“This is a great opportunity for our staff to engage with loyal Cyclone fans across the state and is always a highlight of our year,” said Pollard to Cyclones.com.

“I’m sure that our fans will be excited to meet and hear from our three newest head coaches in Jimmy Rogers, Brent Metcalf and Alli St. John for the first time as well as the tour veterans T.J. Otzelberger, Christy Johnson-Lynch, Bill Fennelly and Kevin Dresser. We are incredibly grateful for our loyal fans who travel to Ames for all of our contests, and the Tailgate Tour is a great way for us as a department to return that favor and meet them on their home turf,” he said.