I went to many football games at Clyde Williams Stadium. During this time, TV didn’t have control of kickoff times, so all games started at 1:30. Since there was no reserved seating for students, students would line up at the entrance gate in the parking lot by Helser Hall very early on Saturday morning. When the gates were opened the students would rush into the stadium and throw blankets down to reserve seats. Students respected the blanket covered seats as almost all early entering students’ job was to reserve seats for late arriving friends. Student section during the games was crazy. Plenty of beer, brandy, and wine filled bota bags. Cold weather meant bringing in a bottle of Yukon Jack. Because the stadium staff really didn’t care as long as you didn’t make a fool of yourself.
There was always something to do after the games. You could stop in for a beer at Torks (now Thumbs), or stop for a snack at the mom-and-pop grocery store (now Mother’s). You could head to Big Jim’s in Huxley and then on the Chris’ in Cambridge.
My favorite game in Clyde Williams was the 1972 game with number 2 rated Nebraska, led by Heisman Trophy winner Johnny Rodgers. The game ended in a 23-23 tie. Nebraska took a 23-17 lead with 1:03 left in the game, but ISU QB George Amundson passed the Cyclones the length of the field, then with 23 seconds left hit Willie Jones in the end zone for the tying touchdown. However, Tom Goedjen missed the extra point.
Although the games at Jack Trice are great, I will always remember the fun we had attending the games at Clyde Williams.
