I’ve never spent significant time in Dallas. My only memories of the city are of the spacious airport that served as a resting place between Des Moines and Orlando when I visited Disney World, and driving through the Big D on my way to the Houston Bowl. To this day, I am amazed I survived both trips.

The Tower of Terror in Orlando scared me to death. I had the look of Quin Snyder when the NCAA investigators come to town (I was only in third grade). But driving through Dallas made the Tower of Terror seem like child’s play. I still wake up in night sweats just thinking about the hellish highways. I had to show off my Tony Stewart-like skills to save my life at least five times. Those folks were fearless and nuts. Not a good combination when you are traveling at 90 miles per hour.

Despite the near-death experience, I am returning to the city Michael Irvin handled the rock in. (No, not that kind of rock. I meant the football variety. Get your head straight.) And I can’t be any more excited. The Cyclone basketball teams make the annual trek to the Big 12 tournament and I am lucky enough to get excused from class to follow them. And guess what? I’m doing it all for you. (And also for the media hospitality area, which from what I hear has free adult beverages . not that I will partake.) Each day, I will be blogging from Texas to give you the real story. Sure, you can get game stories from actual reporters and watch the game yourself, but I will attempt to bring you the events you won’t find anywhere else.

For instance, in my last trip to Dallas, while swerving around several tinted SUVs, I saw a billboard with the slogan “2 miles ahead: Condoms to Go: Drive-thru window open 24 hours!” I wish I were kidding, and yes, I was this close to stopping. Does somebody take your order? What type of hat would they wear? Do you get a side of something with every purchase? Do they take credit cards? I was bursting with questions. I think we need one of those on Welch.

I will be in Dallas for five days or longer, depending on whether one of the teams makes a deep run. That gives me way too much time to get into trouble and more than likely write some questionable material. I also may try to do some analysis. Just to let you know, I have four goals in this adventure: 1. Not die 2. Meet Mark Cuban and ask him why the heck he created the reality show “The Benefactor.” 3. Buy a drink for a Dirk Nowitzki groupie. 4. Not get fired by the Daily. In that order. It should be a good time.

If Iowa State happens to make a late surge in either tournament, it would mean more fun for me. I would love to see eight ISU games. Do I think that will happen? I have no idea. I have about as much faith in my forecasting of these teams as Mariah Carey had in “Glitter.” I’m just there for the ride and the hospitality.

Whatever happens, you’ll be the first to know.

– Brent Blum is junior in journalism and mass communication from Urbandale.