Coming to a court or field near you: Iowa Games

The arrival of hot temperatures and high humidity in July signals at least one thing. Yes, it's Iowa Summer Games time.

While the games opened last weekend with about a half dozen events, including tough outdoor contests such as road cycling, ultimate Frisbee and the triathlon, a majority of events will be held July 12-15 and July 20-22. And many of them will take place on campus, in Ames or at nearby central Iowa venues.

Opening celebration

Regardless of when they compete, athletes and their families are invited to participate in an opening ceremony Friday, July 13, in the parking lots along the east side of Jack Trice Stadium. The 30-minute ceremony begins at 7 p.m. with a parade of athletes, and will be followed by a two-hour concert featuring country music artists The Lost Trailers (8:30 p.m.) and special guest Sunny Sweeney (7:30 p.m.). These events are free and open to the public.

A jamboree for athletes (5:30-9 p.m., Lot S6) will offer inflatable games, climbing wall, zip line, photo booth, motorcycle exhibition, an acrobatic performance by Chicago Boyz and a free meal (5:30 p.m.) for the first 2,200 athletes.

Weekend impact on recreation facilities

Both the east and west gymnasiums in State Gym and the main floor of the Lied Center will be closed July 13-15 for Iowa Games competitions. The pools in both State Gym and Beyer Hall will be closed July 14-15, also for Iowa Games events.

Union Drive closed at MU

If you'll be navigating campus as a participant or fan, you're reminded that the ongoing concrete road pavement replacement moves to Union Drive on the north side of the Memorial Union on Thursday, July 12. The road closes that day and will remain closed for two weeks. One traffic lane will be kept open for CyRide buses only. The roadwork will block the north entrance to the MU parking ramp, so ramp access will be only from the Lincoln Way (south) entrance.

The pavement replacement work on Beach Road between Lincoln Way and Wallace Road is on schedule to wrap up this week. Construction barricades along that route should be removed late Friday afternoon.

Full slate

Perhaps you knew there were "a lot" of Iowa Games sporting events in central Iowa this month, but did you realize the volume? Here's a quick rundown of which competitions occur over four weekends: