About 125 Main St
125 Main St (formerly known as Sam’s Place) is a lively downtown Ames venue combining a sports bar and concert club under one historic roof. Housed in a 1892 brick building just west of Iowa State University, it offers a unique blend of old-town charm and modern nightlife. The two-story space (about 9,000–13,000 sq ft total) was fully renovated in 2023, updating lighting and sound equipment while preserving vintage wood and brick textures. Its open main floor is anchored by a bar and multiple pool tables, true to its pool-hall roots, with a raised DJ booth or performance stage at one end. When the music’s on, crowds fill the standing-room main floor and raised side booths for an energetic dance-club atmosphere. Downtown’s revitalization revolves around spots like this, and 125 Main St’s prime Main Street location makes it a local hub. Signature features include classic arcade games and dartboards, generous drink menus (Iowa beers on tap and cocktails), and a welcoming college-town vibe. It’s notable as one of the few midsize live-music spaces in Ames, filling a void left by recent nightclub closures. Many locals appreciate the friendly staff and casual warmth: bartenders often remember patrons by name. In short, 125 Main St matters as a cornerstone of Ames nightlife – a historic Main Street building reborn as a modern gun-slinging concert club and neighborhood bar in one, blending sports-bar socializing with live music parties.
Events and Programming
At 125 Main St, events span from midweek game nights to weekend dance parties. In its bar mode, the venue traditionally hosts weekly leagues (9-ball pool, darts or cornhole leagues) and sports viewing nights, drawing a steady local crowd. Since 2024 it has also launched a slate of concert-club shows, often centered on electronic and dance music. A good example is the recurring “Cue the Bass” EDM series, featuring guest DJs and tribute acts for genres like dubstep, house or drum & bass. These club-style events are typically ticketed 21+ nights. Expect high-energy dance parties on Fridays or Saturdays, occasionally themed (e.g., 80s night or indie rock local showcases) or special bookings of touring DJs. The typical performer is a DJ or touring club act (not stadium-name bands) – local promoter BassWave handles several shows each season. There may also be live bands or tribute cover acts for rock/country some weekends. Ticket prices for club nights generally range from about $20 to $30 for general admission (age 21+, includes dancing) to around $60–80 for VIP booth or bottle service packages. The venue also occasionally opens for private events or community happenings, but most programming is pop-up music and party nights rather than a fixed weekly schedule. Overall, 125 Main St offers a mix of laid-back game nights and high-energy dance concerts, appealing to both sports bars and dance-club crowds, with frequent social-media announcements of upcoming shows.
Tickets and Booking
Tickets for shows at 125 Main St are usually sold through the event organizer or on-site rather than through big online platforms. Check the venue’s official social media pages or concert promoters’ announcements for presale dates. Popular dance parties often put tickets on sale a few weeks before, and customers buy online through the promoter’s site (no specific third-party brand is required). Prices vary by event: general admission is generally around $20–30, while VIP packages (booths, bottle service, meet-&-greets, etc.) run $60–80+. Tickets can also sometimes be purchased at the door on show nights if the event isn’t sold out; however, capacity is limited, so advance purchase is recommended. There is no traditional box office; most shows use digital ticketing or cash-at-door. If an event does sell out, look for any released “day-of-show” tickets or waiting lists. In the past, Sam’s Place sold some tickets at its bar counter, but now most transactions are online or at the door. For group outings, there’s no formal group discount listed, but buying tables together effectively reserves seating. Always bring a valid ID when picking up tickets or entering – this venue typically enforces age checks and ID scanning for entry.
Seating and Layout
Parking at 125 Main St is primarily street-side. Metered parking lines Main Street and side blocks; rates are typically a dollar or so per hour with easy mobile-payment via ParkMobile or similar apps. (Tips: A park on the street is convenient for quick trips, but downtown often fills up on busy nights. The City Hall / Library parking ramp a block north of Main offers extended parking for a fee, and some free 2-hour spots exist in side streets on evenings and weekends.) Be aware that during peak events, lots nearest Main fill fast. Rideshare and taxi drop-offs work well too: there’s a curb cutout and loading zone on Main Street just outside the venue. CyRide (Ames’s bus system) also serves downtown; routes Red #1 and Green #2 run along Main and Burnett. The closest bus stops are at Main & Burnett or Clark & Burnett – just a few blocks from the club. For those cycling or scootering, there are bike racks on nearby streets.
Inside the Venue
Expect a casual but energetic atmosphere once inside 125 Main St. Entry is on Main Street; you’ll typically have your ID checked by security at the door. They may do a quick bag inspection – large backpacks or outside food/drink are usually prohibited – so bring only essentials. The main floor is spacious and open, with a central area for standing (or dancing) and a stage/DJ booth at the far end. There are scattered booth tables and barstools along the sides; VIP guests often get reserved lounge areas with bottle service near the DJ station. There’s no assigned seating, and nearly all tickets are general admission. The crowd clusters on the floor or at booths – so to see the performance, head to the center-floor area or grab a spot at a front booth if available.
Nearby Amenities
Before or after your visit, downtown Ames offers plenty of options nearby. For dining, 125 Main St is surrounded by casual eateries and bars. Literally next door at 127 Main is the Fieldhouse Sports Bar for wings and more pub grub, and across the street is the Great Plains Pizza Company (129 Main) serving pizza, sandwiches and salads. A few steps away you’ll find quick bites and coffee shops (like Cityview Gourmet Deli, 225 Main, or Café Diem at 229 Main). If you need a sit-down meal, pleasant options within a couple blocks include Lucca (Italian bistro) and Beijing Wok (Chinese takeout), both on Main Street. For drinks, the lively Della Viti Wine Bar is one block south on Main, offering wine by the glass – great for a pre-show toast. Downtown breweries like Alluvial Brewing (off Main) and local pubs (e.g. the Main Street Pub, 132 Main) are also within walking distance. Many Iowa State students mix it up between campus and Main Street, and the whole area is very walkable, so you can stroll to dinner or early cocktails in under five minutes. Wallet-friendly tip: downtown has a free evening parking program on Saturdays after 6pm, and several restaurants share drink specials, so consider grabbing food first if planning a long night.
What Makes This Venue Special
125 Main St stands out for its blend of history, size, and social vibe. Housed in an 1892 Main Street building, it’s one of Ames’s few large preserved venues – walking in you can feel the old wooden floors and exposed brick. Culturally, it’s a focal point: locals often talk about how Sam’s Place was a longtime downtown hangout, and now its transformation into a concert hub signals a new chapter. The venue has unique character in how it marries a family-run bar/pool-hall atmosphere with high-energy concerts under one roof. It fills a void in Ames nightlife – unlike a sterile nightclub, 125 Main St feels like a community tavern that also throws big dance parties. The friendly bartenders and regular league nights give a “home team” comfort, while lights and DJ booths keep the crowd pumped. It’s not the cookie-cutter club you’d find in big cities: attendees often describe it as warm and lively. Local lore: many Iowa State students have memories of shuffling through crisp cards at pool tables here, or hearing an unexpected cover band on Friday nights. It’s also a symbol of downtown revitalization – its recent reopening was seen as a win for preserving downtown’s nightlife scene. In short, plus its large capacity (far bigger than most campus bars), 125 Main St is beloved for being both historic and fun, with an “everybody’s welcome” attitude – artists love it as a responsive crowd, and party-goers love it for the friendly chaotic energy you can only find on Main Street.
Visitor Tips and Information
Accessibility: The building was updated for modern code. There’s an ADA entrance ramp up the front steps and at least one accessible restroom stall on the main floor. If you need wheelchair access, staff are generally helpful; just let them know. Parking/Transit: As mentioned, use ParkMobile for on-street meters, and consider parking in the Clark/Burnett ramp if you stay late. CyRide buses run until late evening on weekdays and earlier in the weekend; check schedules. If coming by rideshare, have the app ready since town pickup can be slower after midnight.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do events at 125 Main St typically cost?
Ticket prices vary by event. Generally, general-admission tickets run about $20–$30 (including fees) for most dance or music nights. VIP or table packages that include bottle service or guaranteed booth seating often cost $60–$80 or more. There are no set daily cover charges; costs are announced per show. Check the specific event listing for exact prices and presale dates.
Where and how do I buy tickets for shows at 125 Main St?
The venue itself doesn’t have a standalone box office – most tickets are sold online through the show promoter’s site or event page. Look for announcements on 125 Main’s official social media or on local concert listings. Some tickets can be bought at the door if the event isn’t sold out. For sure entry, it’s best to buy in advance (often via a link in the show’s event page or email). When planning, always bring a matching photo ID to the show since age 21+ is enforced.
Are there parking options near 125 Main St? How much do they cost?
Yes. Metered street parking is available along Main Street and nearby blocks; costs about $1–$2 per hour (exact rate at each block). You can pay at the meter or use a mobile app like ParkMobile. Several public parking lots or ramps are within 2-3 blocks (including a city ramp near Clark Avenue and Main). Rates in ramps are typically a few dollars per hour; some offer flat nightly rates. On-street spaces are abundant at night or on weekends, but fill up quickly for big events, so plan to arrive early or use rideshares. As always, read posted signs for time limits and pay instructions.
Can I take public transit or rideshare to 125 Main St?
Absolutely. Ames CyRide buses (Routes Red #1, Green #2 and Yellow #5) run through downtown. The nearest stops are on Main Street at Burnett or Clark – just a block or two from the club. Rideshare services (Uber, Lyft) operate in Ames – set the dropoff to 125 Main St. There’s a small pull-in zone on Main for easy exit. Local taxi companies and late-night shuttles (e.g. Campustown route) are also options. Just keep in mind that after midnight rideshares can be slower, so plan accordingly.
Is seating available or is 125 Main St a general-admission standing venue?
It’s mostly general admission. The main floor is open for standing/dancing; there are no fixed chairs or rows. You’ll find booths and barstools along the sides for seating, but these fill up quickly on busy nights. VIP tickets include reserved booth tables near the DJ or stage, which is the only guaranteed seating. For the best view and sound, it’s smart to claim a spot on the floor close to the stage early in the night. The entire layout is open, so even at the back you can usually see the DJ booth, but front center is typically ideal.
Are there any age restrictions or ID requirements?
Yes. Almost all events at 125 Main St are restricted to ages 21 and over, due to alcohol service and club policy. You must present a government-issued photo ID at the entrance (driver’s license, U.S. passport, or similar). Under-21s are not admitted, even with a parent. Always carry your ID to avoid being turned away. On rare all-ages or private event nights, the policy would be announced in advance, but in general plan for strictly 21+ clubbings at this venue.
What is the dress code at 125 Main St?
The dress code is casual college-night style. You won’t need formal attire – T-shirts, jeans, sneakers or boots are perfect. Just avoid anything overly revealing or athletic (like basketball jerseys or gym shorts) out of respect for other patrons. As a rule, Festival-style or smart-casual outfits work well. There is no shoe policy beyond common sense. (Tip: In winter, bring a light jacket – the crowd will get warm dancing but it can be cool inside before the show).
Are backpacks, cameras, or outside food/drink allowed?
Large backpacks and bags are discouraged. Staff may ask to inspect bags at the door; only small clutch-size bags are safest. Professional cameras (large lenses, video equipment) are generally not allowed – only smartphones or small point-and-click cameras are OK (for personal photos, not recording). Outside alcohol or food (other than a small snack bar item) should be left at home; venue security enforces a no-outside-drinks policy strictly. If you need water, small empty bottles or camelbaks are usually fine to fill at the bar’s faucet, but ask first. The dress code, ID and minimal bags are standard club rules here.
Is smoking or vaping allowed inside 125 Main St?
No. Iowa law bans smoking and vaping in indoor public places, including bars and clubs. There is no indoor smoking area. Guests who wish to smoke or vape must step outside (there are usually ashtrays or benches out front). Service animals are an exception; just let staff know if needed and they will help accommodate.
What food and drink options are available inside?
There is a full bar serving beer, wine and cocktails. You can order domestic and craft drafts, bottled beers, mixed drinks and shots. Non-alcoholic sodas and waters are available too. As for food, there’s no full kitchen, but some bar snacks (pretzels, popcorn, chips) may be offered. In the past Sam’s Place often ran a grill or pizza, but check current offerings. You’ll want to buy a drink for sustenance. Prices for drinks are slightly above tavern level (typically $5–$8 for many drinks). There is no onsite restaurant menu beyond bar food, so many guests eat before or after, or grab pizza from Great Plains across the street.
Does 125 Main St have accessible facilities?
The building has been updated to be as accessible as possible. There is an accessible entrance (a gently ramped sidewalk) and at least one wheelchair-accessible restroom stall on the main floor. The main floor itself is flat, so it’s easy to move around. (The second floor, used for control booths or storage, isn’t open to guests.) Patrons with accessibility needs generally find it manageable, but if you have a specific concern (e.g. need seating on the first floor), contacting the venue in advance or arriving early can help ensure accommodations. Staff are usually happy to assist if you mention your needs.
What should I do if I arrive late for an event?
Some events do allow late entry after the show starts – in that case just enter through the main door and scan your ticket. However, if doors close at showtime, latecomers may lose their seats or entry. For popular shows, it’s best to arrive early (doors often open 60–90 minutes before). Late arrival risks missing part of the act and encountering a line at the entrance. Check the specific event details or social media page if late arrival is unavoidable; organizers sometimes announce a grace period or stirring house music if open door policy is allowed.
Is the venue’s name “Sam’s Place” or “125 Main St”?
The building at 125 Main St was long known as Sam’s Place, a popular downtown Ames bar and pool hall. In late 2023 the business was sold and rebranded. Now event listings typically use “125 Main St, Ames” as the venue name. In short: it’s the same location as the old Sam’s Place, but the revived nightclub shows go by the address. The Sam’s Place brand has been retired, but the new venue honors that legacy. So if you see a club night labeled “125 Main St,” it’s happening at the former Sam’s Place.
