AMES, Iowa -- People from Des Moines and the surrounding areas often come to Ames to get their fill of cardinal and gold. But during Iowa State Week in Des Moines, ISU packs it up and brings Cyclone attitude, sports, educational opportunities and more to the capital city. The weeklong events begin on Sunday, Dec. 10 and run through the Mediacom Cyclone Capital Classic basketball doubleheader at the Wells Fargo Arena on Saturday, Dec. 16.
"This week gives all units on campus an opportunity to reunite with alumni, friends and supporters, to refresh old relationships and build new ones," said executive assistant to the president, Tahira Hira.
The kickoff starts Sunday, Dec. 10, at Jordan Creek Town Center. Shoppers can skip those Santa photo ops and go straight to the lower level center court to take their own pictures with Cy -- getting a Cyclone cheek tattoo in the process. They should also wear their walking shoes for the "retailer race." Participants will receive a card, and after collecting stamps at various retail stores that carry Cyclone gear, can turn the card in for a free T-shirt. Those who finish the race also will be part of a drawing for the Cyclone Classic basketball game tickets and a huge ISU gift basket.
Also at the mall, booths will be set up by athletics, the Alumni Association, trademark licensing, admissions, and other university units for free giveaways.
Tuesday night, the puck drops at 7:05 at the Wells Fargo Arena where the Iowa Stars hockey team takes on the Chicago Wolves. Fans can purchase tickets for the game through the ISU Alumni Association and get a huge discount -- $10 for members, $12.60 for non-members. Usually tickets are $21.
Thursday events start with a breakfast sponsored by the College of Business. "From Promise to Prison: Why Smart People Do Dumb Things," will be presented by Patrick Kuhse at 7:30 a.m. Kuhse, a native Iowan, was a highly successful stockbroker who made some bad decisions that landed him in prison for four years. Having learned from his mistakes, he's now a popular speaker on ethics and decision-making in the business world. His talk will be followed by a panel discussion.
There are three evening events on Thursday: a holiday party sponsored by the College of Engineering; a College of Design reception and a Business After Hours social. Wells Fargo and Iowa State are partnering to host this year's Business After Hours at The River's Edge Restaurant which overlooks the game floor in Wells Fargo Arena.
"It's a chance for Des Moines business people, many of whom are our supporters, to meet and talk to some of our people," director of special events for athletics Ryan McGuire said. Athletics Department officials will attend.
A Friday luncheon will feature Cyclone basketball coaches Greg McDermott and Bill Fennelly at the Holiday Inn's Top of the Tower. On Saturday morning, fans will gather at a pre-game breakfast hosted by the Greater Des Moines Cyclone Club. The club also will host Stage Door South, a post-game party. Both events will take place at the Quality Inn and Suites.
The basketball doubleheader starts at 11 a.m. when the women's team takes on St. Louis. At 2 p.m., the men go up against Bradley. Last year 12,500 fans turned out for the doubleheader during Iowa State Week in Des Moines.
"We have a great fan base in Des Moines and a lot of alumni. It's not hard for them to get to Hilton or to Ames for other events, but it's neat to have something like this in their own back yard," McGuire said.
"Last year was very exciting, it was a great success," said Hira. "Des Moines is a place in the state where things happen and we want to continue to be part of that."
