It is named in honor of Jack Trice, Iowa State's first African American athlete, who died of injuries sustained during a 1923 game against Minnesota.

[4] The current record for single-game attendance, 61,500, was set on September 5, 2015, when the Cyclones defeated the University of Northern Iowa 31–7.

The stadium consists of double-decked grandstands running the length of either sideline and encompassing the south end zone.

The stadium is part of the Iowa State Center, a sports, entertainment and continuing education complex located to the southeast of the university's main campus.

North of the stadium is Hilton Coliseum, home to Iowa State Cyclones basketball, wrestling, volleyball and gymnastics teams, as well as other events such as musical festivals, rock concerts and university commencement ceremonies.

On October 8, 1923, Trice died from hemorrhaged lungs and internal bleeding as a result of the injuries sustained during the game.

"[5] Trice's funeral was held at the Iowa State College central campus in Ames on October 16, 1923, with 4,000 students and faculty members in attendance.

[6][7] Jack Trice Stadium was completed in less than two years, from its ground breaking on October 26, 1973, to the first game, a victory over Air Force on September 20, 1975.

The Jacobson Building is the home of Cyclone athletics containing all sport and administrative offices except men's and women's basketball and volleyball.

In 1997, the $6.2 million, three-level press tower located on the west side was added to Jack Trice Stadium.

[8] 2002 The football atmosphere at Jack Trice Stadium was enhanced with the installation of a new million-dollar videoboard and scoreboard which replace its black and white predecessor.

With the completion of $30 million in renovations, the stadium has 22 new suites, a new wider concourses with new concessions and bathrooms on the east and west side, a new club section, improved disability seating, new fencing and gates, a new plaza near the main entrance, and many preservative renovations throughout the stadium.

"Dick" Jacobson donated $5 million to ISU athletics in 2008, for the purpose of continuing renovations to Jack Trice Stadium.

[11] 2015 On May 1, 2008, ISU Athletic Department was given permission from the Iowa Board of Regents to continue planning and fund raising for the Jack Trice Expansion.

Athletic Director Jamie Pollard has stated the target date of the south end-zone project was to complete the expansion before the start of the 2015 football season.

[12] On a call in show, ISU athletic director stated that more facility improvements will be continuing over the next few years.

Iowa State's head football coach Paul Rhoads has also made similar comments.