Welcome to the Mafia

What if I told you there is a place where you can think and talk about Cyclone Football, beer, tailgating, and nonsense with your boys (and girls) 365 days a year? Well, my friend. Welcome to the Jack Trice Mafia. You've got a lot to learn. Let me catch you up on the basics.

First off, Cyclone Football. Iowa State Cyclone Football is the core of this community. Our lives as mafia members ebb and flow as the state of the football program ebbs and flows. Yes, that means there are a lot of low low (very low) moments, BUT you know what I always say! "Hard times create strong men." I always say that. We've learned how to still have fun and enjoy life when our football team might not be having the kind of success we'd like to see on the field. And, after going through the lows, the highs are that much sweeter baby! We believe we are the best fraction of the best fans in America. Knowing how to have fun at all times is one of those reasons. We also bring the noise in Jack Trice Stadium, we know when to boo a run scheme that simply isn't working, when to tailgate where and how much depending on the type of game/weather/kickoff time, and we have many ideas on how to make the gameday experience better. We have a lot of knowledge to pass on. Come along for the ride.

Secondly, tailgating. The start of any good Iowa State Cyclone Football tailgate begins with the Tip Top Lounge. There's no other way to start your day. If you have different opinions on this I'm not going to entertain them.

We'll get more into how to properly Tip Top, but for now all I'll say is get there early and get some chili. After Tip Top Lounge you'll find mafia members at College Creek, walking through campus, making pit stops at tailgates in the lots, getting loose in the Haunted Forest, maybe popping into some bars on Welch, or if we're feeling really crazy (and young at heart) hitting the student lots. It really depends on the vibe of the game, the kickoff time, and the weather on determining how to tailgate. Knowing what combination of the options listed above is appropriate for the weekend is key to being a Jack Trice Mafia member.

Finally, and maybe the most important, in game experience. To be a true JTM member this is where you need to shine. We are loud and rowdy, and if you don't like that, too bad! Our sole mission is to make JTS one of the toughest places to play and one of the best parties for ISU fans. That means at minimum getting as loud as you can on third downs, celebrating touchdowns like a madman, and dancing your little butt off to juicy wiggle. We have a lot of ideas on how the athletic department can make the gameday experience amazing, but that's for another (probably several) blog post.

That covers our core competences. Hopefully you agree. If you don't, you stink baby! We'll key you in on more things such as UCW, BBSTOW, and Cabeza Watch, but for now, welcome to the mafia family.