While central Iowa may not be the most popular spring break destination, there is plenty to do for those in the area during the university's spring break next week.
Cyclone athletics
-
The Cyclone softball team has two doubleheaders with free admission at the Cyclone Sports Complex, the first against Brigham Young University on Friday, March 17 (1 p.m. and 3:30 p.m.) and the second versus University of Nebraska, Omaha, on Sunday, March 19 (1 p.m. and 3:30 p.m.).
March 14 update: The doubleheader with BYU is canceled due to forecasted low temperatures for Ames. -
The Cyclone tennis team will take on Kansas State on Sunday, March 12 (11 a.m., Forker tennis courts). Admission is free. In the case of inclement weather, the match will be played at Life Time Fitness (11911 Hickman Rd., Urbandale).
-
The first and second rounds of the NCAA Division I men's basketball tournament will be played at the Wells Fargo Arena in Des Moines on Thursday, March 16, and Saturday, March 18. Visit the Iowa Events Center website for game times and ticket information. Team matchups will be announced on March 12, Selection Sunday, for men's and women's basketball -- both Iowa State teams are expected to get a bid in the tournament.
Volunteer at SHOP
The SHOP food pantry, 1306 Beyer, needs faculty and staff volunteers over spring break to keep the pantry open to students, and a few volunteer slots still are open. Choose a time on the signup form and visit the website to learn more about the organization.
SHOP's service hours are:
- Monday, 1-6 p.m.
- Tuesday, 5-8 p.m. (9-11 a.m. food stocking)
- Wednesday, 2-7 p.m.
- Friday, 11 a.m.-4 p.m.
Reiman Gardens
Calling all green thumbs -- check out these activities and more on the Reiman Gardens website.
- March 14, Floral Design (6-7 p.m. $50 for members, $66 for general public): Create a succulent arrangement with instructor and State Fair master floral judge Sandy Gossman.
- March 18, Great Gardening (9-11 a.m., $20 for members, $27 for general public): Learn how to start plants from seeds and cuttings with production and glasshouse horticulturist Jessie Liebenguth.
CyBowl and Billiards
Located on the ground floor of the Memorial Union, CyBowl and Billiards will be open noon-7 p.m. over spring break.
University Museums
Though the Farm House Museum and Christian Petersen Art Museum are closed during spring break, the Brunnier Art Museum (Scheman Building second floor, 1805 Center Drive) will be open Tuesday-Friday (10 a.m.-4 p.m.) and Saturday and Sunday (1 p.m.-4 p.m.). Admission is free, and there are three exhibitions.
-
Joyce J. Scott: Messages: Brunnier Art Museum curator Adrienne Gennett will tour the exhibition and explore the storytelling in Scott's beadwork and traditions of beadwork around the world on Sunday, March 12 (2-3 p.m., free admission)
-
Telling Tales: Exploring Narrative Art in the Permanent Collection: Narrative art uses visual representations to tell stories without words.
-
Reflections of Iowa: The History of Iowa Questers through Glass: The Iowa Quester Glass Collection showcases American glass from 1840 to 1950.
Ames Public Library book sale
The 2023 Ames Public Library Book Sale is March 9-12 (515 Douglas Ave.). All items are free on March 12.
- Thursday, March 9 (5:30 to 8:30 p.m.): $2 admission
- Friday, March 10 (9 a.m.-6 p.m.): Free admission
- Saturday, March 11 (9 a..m-6 p.m.): Free admission
- Sunday, March 12 (12-5 p.m.): $1 admission
