About Your Visit

Located on 76 acres on the Iowa State University campus in Ames, Iowa, the Iowa State Center is the most all-encompassing four-building conference, athletic and performing arts complex on any university campus in the United States. Connected by a span of walkways and offering ample free parking, easy accessibility from the junction of two major mid-Iowa crossroads—Interstate 35 and Highway 30—and spectacular views both inside and out, the Iowa State Center is celebrating its 30th anniversary as a completed complex.

STEPHENS AUDITORIUM: Selected in 2004 as Iowa’s “Building of the Century” by the American Institute of Architects’ Iowa Chapter, Stephens Auditorium is architecturally dramatic. Completed in 1969 as the first building of the Iowa State Center, the Auditorium was founded to “bring culture to the plains,” enriching the cultural life of ISU students and Iowans. Still an important part of campus life, Stephens Auditorium hosts numerous performances, concerts and lectures for Iowa State University faculty, staff and students, as well as for the general public to enjoy.

HILTON COLISEUM: Home of “Hilton Magic” and leading entertainers, this 15,000-seat arena roars with the excitement of Cyclone athletics and popular concerts like Elton John, Billy Joel, Areosmith, Josh Groban and Kenny Chesney. This spacious, 30,000-square-feet multi-purpose facility also serves as trade show, banquet and convention space.

SCHEMAN BUILDING: In the heart of the Center stands Scheman with 21 meeting rooms of varying size, 30,600 square feet of indoor exhibit and conference space, 2,600 square feet of covered outdoor space, and 450-seat Benton Auditorium. Brunnier Art Museum, located on the second floor of the Scheman Building, is Iowa’s only American Association of Museums (AAM) accredited museum emphasizing a decorative arts collection located within a performing arts and conference complex. Stop by to browse the Christian Petersen sculptures or other exhibitions. Looking for a unique gift? Try the museum gift shop.

FISHER THEATER: Home of ISU Theatre, this uniquely designed 450-seat theater is known for its vivid purple seats and intimate atmosphere.