Virtual Cyclones Tailgate Tour takeaways: Pollard expects Iowa State's football season to open as scheduled

Iowa State athletics director Jamie Pollard is optimistic that the Cyclones will open the season on Sept. 5, as scheduled.

“At this point, I believe we’re going to play football,” he said on the Virtual Cyclones Tailgate tour Wednesday night. “I fully anticipate that we will be playing a football game on September 5 at Jack Trice Stadium, although hurdles remain ... like getting the team back, and getting into football activities."

How many fans will be allowed in the 61,500-seat stadium for that game against South Dakota is another question.

“If it was right now, we’re at about a 50% capacity,” Pollard said, referencing the restaurant guidelines outlined by Iowa Gov. Kim Reynolds. “We’ll be communicating that over the next few weeks.

“We’re going to have to define that better for our fans, especially if there are only going to be 30,000 fans (in the stands).

“If we can’t get football up and running, we’re going to be in a world of (financial) hurt.”

Pollard said 23,000 football season tickets have already been renewed.

"So maybe the people that have bought season tickets will have the first right to go to games," Pollard said.

He also said that if someone purchased a season ticket but doesn't feel safe attending the home games, the department will offer reimbursement options.

Solomon Young had knee scoped

Basketball coach Steve Prohm said Wednesday that fifth-year senior Solomon Young had his knee scoped after last season.

“He’s the one player we have in Ames, doing a little rehab,” Prohm said on the virtual tour broadcast.

Young, a starter since stepping onto campus, broke his hand as a freshman. He tore meniscus in a knee to as a sophomore. He suffered a season-ending groin injury as a junior. He's had shoulder surgery — and now the scoped knee. 

Young averaged 9.8 points and 4.2 rebounds last season. He’s the leader at the center position, which also includes veteran sophomore George Conditt and newcomer Xavier Foster.

“When scouts go through here, he’s one of the two or three guys they always ask me about,” Prohm said about Conditt. “They look at his length and his size. He was tremendous in pick-and-roll. He’s got great hands. He’s got to get bigger and stronger.”

The 6-foot-10, 233-pound Conditt averaged 10.1 points, 4.9 rebounds and 1.3 blocked shots last season.

“I look forward to him having a great summer and being an integral part of what we do next season,” Prohm said.

Prohm also said incoming freshman Jaden Walker, a 6-5 point guard, is undergoing rehab on a knee.

“He might be a little behind when he gets to campus,” Prohm said.

Asked about Memphis transfer Tyler Harris’ possibility of being immediately eligible — like Rasir Bolton was last season — Prohm was uncertain.

“No word,” he said. “There’s a lot of things going on, whether it’s in college basketball and with the virus going on.

“We’re going to be patient and talk to his family and handle it the right way. We were able to get Bolton eligible last fall. If we can (get that) for Tyler, he’s a legit double-figure (scorer) for us.”

Virtual Tailgate Tour was cool

What's usually conducted in a dozen or so Iowa towns during the month of May was done on social media on Wednesday. It not only allowed Cyclones fans in Iowa hear from coaches, former athletes like Bridget Carleton and Monte Morris, and current star quarterback Brock Purdy, but they also heard Iowa State's band.

“Our fans such a big part of what we do with Iowa State athletics,” Pollard said. “During the year, our fans come to us. The tour gives us an opportunity to see our fans in their domain, and to be there with them.”

The pandemic changed that this year.

“It was disappointing, saddening that we can’t be there with them this year,” Pollard said. “Being there with them, helps you understand that somebody drives three hours through the night to see games.”

Iowa State columnist Randy Peterson has been writing for the Des Moines Register for parts of six decades. Reach him at rpeterson@dmreg.com, 515-284-8132, and on Twitter at @RandyPete. No one covers the Cyclones like the Register. Subscribe today at DesMoinesRegister.com/Deal to make sure you never miss a moment.