AMES, Iowa — Those who couldn’t make it to the Iowa State vs. Kansas State game in Dublin watched in anticipation from Ames.

Bars in Ames planned events and watch parties across the city to accommodate fans watching the kickoff to the Cyclones football season. Iowa State students even packed Hilton Coliseum during the game, and they raised the roof when the Cyclones won 24-21.

Charlotte Berentes reacted to the win, saying, “It’s so great, literally amazing, I’m from Wisconsin, so I was not an Iowa State fan before this, but this is a great way to start the season, and I’m so excited.”

After a record-breaking season last year, ISU fans are happy to see the team starting out strong.

“Oh yeah, it’s good to start the season the right way, and winning over our rivals is a big deal, and it really just helps start the season off on the right foot,” said ISU student Brandon Ness.

“I mean, I think you kind of saw it last year, beating Iowa was kind of a slingshot into a good season, so who knows what now, beating Kansas State week zero, you got Iowa in a couple of weeks,” said ISU student Evan Wessling. “We get both of those, we could be in for another magical run, and that’s the hope.”

The Iowa State Cyclones will return home to Jack Trice Stadium, where they will face the South Dakota Coyotes on Saturday, August 30, at 2:30 p.m.