To kick off Iowa State fall sports and the Cyclone football season, the Ames Main Street District is hosting the first “We’re Diggin’ ISU Football” breakfast Saturday morning.

Cyclone fans are invited to join the ISU pep band and cheersquad at the south parking lot off Main Street, behind John Huber Clothier, 404 Main St., between 9:30 a.m. and 11:30 a.m. to sample free cardinal and gold omelets and participate in children’s activities.

“It should be a fun, family-oriented activity with a pep rally atmosphere,” said Nikki Peterson, program manager of the Ames Chamber of Commerce.

The omelets, with optional tomatoes offered to add a touch of school color, will be prepared by city officials, ISU staff and coaches. Football coach Dan McCarney and women’s basketball coach Bill Fennelly, as well as assistant women’s basketball coaches LaToya Harris and Katie Abrahamson, will act as chefs.

Others cooks include Terry Carroll, assistant men’s basketball coach, Chris Bono, assistant wrestling coach, the volleyball team and its new coach, Linda Grenning, and the tennis team and coach Michele Conlon.

“It’s a wonderful way to meet the coaches and athletes outside their usual realm,” Peterson said. “They have such busy schedules, but they are taking time out so people can get to know their personalities.”

Younger Cyclone fans can enjoy activities such as yard-sign making, face painting and football throwing, and fans of all ages can meet the athletes and coaches, Peterson said.

After the breakfast, two drawings will reveal the winners of two free sky box tickets to a home football game, compliments of the Athletic Department.

In addition, two tickets will be given away for the Iowa State Center’s first musical of the season, “Smokey Joe’s Cafe.” The show is scheduled for Thursday, Sept. 23 at 7:30 p.m. Shoppers can register for the tickets during the month of August at Ames Main Street businesses.

“It’s a great opportunity for the community to show how much we appreciate the academics and athletics at Iowa State University,” Peterson said. “We are fortunate to have such a wonderful institution in our town.”

The community event is sponsored by the Ames Main Street District, the Athletic Department, Cub Foods, Anderson-Erickson Dairy, the Iowa Egg Council, ISU Residence Hall Dining Services, First National Bank, Brenton Bank and Iowa State Center.

“We are trying to build a relationship between the businesses and the community,” said Mike Lee, manager of Cub Foods, 3121 Grand Ave. “It’s an exciting time in Ames, with school and football starting. It’s nice to see the coaches out there.”