Iowa State Taps Oak View Group To Bring Events To Iowa State Center Venues Including Jack Trice Stadium

Venue developer and management company Oak View Group has been selected to secure and manage live events for multiple venues at Iowa State University, the university’s athletic director Jamie Pollard announced today.

As part of this five-year agreement, Oak View Group will also oversee the day-to-day management of CY Stephens Auditorium including booking and programming as well as providing input on design and improvements.

OVG will secure concert and event programming in Jack Trice Stadium and Hilton Coliseum, provide input on the operation and design of the future Sukup Cylo amphitheater and manage event parking services for all Iowa State Center live events. All of the venues are located in Ames, Iowa. Oak View Group is parent company to Pollstar.

“The Iowa State Center has long been recognized as one of the nation’s top destinations for live music and performing arts shows, and this partnership with Oak View Group will allow us to further that legacy while also affording new opportunities when CyTown and the Sukup Cylo come online in 2027,” Pollard said in the announcement. “Oak View Group’s proven track record of success will help us realize additional opportunities to bring new events to the Iowa State Center that will not only grow revenues but enhance entertainment options for our community.”

The Iowa Center currently includes Jack Trice Stadium, Hilton Coliseum, CY Stephens Auditorium, Fisher Theater, and Scheman Building.

CyTown, the University’s innovative multi-use district being built between Jack Trice Stadium and Hilton Coliseum in partnership with Goldenrod, will open in 2027.

Jack Trice Stadium has played host to the Rolling Stones twice, with other concerts including Paul McCartney, Genesis, U2 and mostly recently George Strait and Chris Stapleton, which was co-produced by Detroit-based 313 Presents.

Since opening in 1971, Hilton Coliseum has hosted major artists including Elton John, Billy Joel and Bruce Springsteen.

Oak View Group is directly involved in both of the concerts slated for Jack Trice Stadium in 2026, with Luke Combs in April and Post Malone/Jelly Roll in July.

“The excitement is building on campus at Iowa State University, and we’re thrilled to help the University expand their live event content at their on-campus venues by bringing top-notch live entertainers and artists to the region,” said Greg O’Dell, President, Venue Management, Oak View Group. “We look forward to working with our new partners at ISU and generating new live experiences that bring people into Ames and support local businesses.”

The news follows other OVG collegiate venue deals including with the University of Arkansas, adding to its portfolio of collegiate venues that also includes including Arizona State University in Tempe, University of Houston in Texas, University of Texas in Austin and others.