Inside Iowa State

May 17, 2007

Taking the show on the road

by Erin Rosacker

Sometimes, more isn't necessarily better. For Cyclone fans across the state, the traditional athletics summer circuit has been revamped, pared down from nearly 20 local outings to six festivals.

For years, local Cyclone Club groups staged their own fund-raisers during the summer months, organizing exclusive events -- most with golf, followed by a banquet and featuring a few ISU coaches and administrators. In an effort to reach a broader fan base, this year's summer "Cyclone Tailgate Tour" will be much like the popular Cyclone FanFest event held in Ames last fall.

"The big thing about these events is that they're free," said Ryan McGuire, director of special events. "It's more of a family- and kid-friendly event."

Why the change in format? Beside building fan support across the state, the department is hoping to attract more National Cyclone Club memberships, which directly support things such as scholarships. Although the local clubs generate support for the athletics department, those membership dollars do not necessarily flow directly to Ames.

"The local club outing system wasn't very accessible to large numbers of Iowa State fans," McGuire said. "We're trying to reach out more to families - to build that base of people that are able to interact with our coaches."

The athletics department is literally taking its show on the road, traveling to six cities - Cedar Rapids, Davenport, Sioux City, Council Bluffs, Mason City and Waterloo - between May 30 and June 12. Fans can mix and mingle with head coaches and administrators, and kids will have a special area to meet Cyclone student-athletes, Cy and the spirit squad while enjoying inflatable games. The University Book Store will have Cyclone gear available for purchase, and food vendors will offer refreshments.

"If you want to come and eat, you can," McGuire said. "If you don't want to spend a dime, you don't have to."

All of the events run from 5 to 7:30 p.m., including a short program at 6:30 p.m. With a couple exceptions, all of ISU's head coaches will be in attendance at each event, and there will be an ample supply of door prizes.

For more information, including a listing of appearances, visit www.cyclones.com.

Cyclone Tailgate Tour

• May 30, Cedar Rapids
• May 31, Davenport
• June 4, Sioux City
• June 5, Council Bluffs
• June 11, Mason City
• June 12, Waterloo