Cyclones Return to Sioux Falls to Face Memphis in 2026-27 Opener

AMES, Iowa – The Cyclones are heading back to the Sanford Pentagon. For the third time in program history, and second-straight season, Iowa State will play a men's basketball game at the Sanford Pentagon in Sioux Falls, S.D. The Cyclones are slated to open the 2026-27 season on Nov. 2 against Memphis.

Iowa State is currently ranked No. 7 in the AP Top 25 poll as they begin play in the Big 12 Conference Tournament. The Cyclones finished the regular season with a 25-6 overall record which included a 96-80 victory against Mississippi State on Nov. 10 at the Sanford Pentagon. That game marked the 100^th Division I basketball game played on Heritage Court.

"We're excited to head back to Sioux Falls next season," said Iowa State head coach T.J. Otzelberger. "Our experience there last year was first class, and we're looking forward to another great experience there next season against Memphis."

This will be the second meeting between the Cyclones and Tigers. In Otzelberger's six game as the head coach at Iowa State, the Cyclones beat No. 9 Memphis 78-59 on Nov. 26, 2021 in the championship game of the Upsie NIT Season Tipoff in Brooklyn.

Iowa State opened the 2015-16 season at the Sanford Pentagon against Colorado. The Cyclones beat the Buffaloes 68-62 in the game. This will be the fourth time the Cyclones have played in Sioux Falls, as they also beat Augustana (S.D.) 102-76 in 1965.

Tipoff and TV designation will be announced at a later time, as well as information on tickets.