Editor’s Note: These articles are the second in a three-part series that is a lead-in to the Daily’s Big 12 special section which will be running Monday.

The number of ISU fans attending the men’s and women’s Big 12 basketball tournaments this year is expected to decline, but at least one representative from the ISU Alumni Association said he believes Cyclone fans will have just as much fun as in past years.

The tournament shifts to Dallas for the next two seasons before returning to Kansas City in 2005.

David Orth, the assistant director for clubs and events in the ISU Alumni Association, said the atmosphere at this year’s tournament will cater to all of the Big 12 schools.

“It’s going to be more of a Big 12 atmosphere as opposed to an Iowa State atmosphere,” Orth said. “In Kansas City, Iowa State kind of did their own thing and we ran the town. In Dallas, it’s really going to be about being with other Big 12 schools. I know there won’t be as many Iowa State fans there, but the fans that go will have a great time.”

A number of events are planned, but the biggest is called VictoryFest — a basketball-enriched party complete with interactive games, a Big 12 “Spirit Zone” and things to eat and drink.

“It’s a free, open to the public, basketball extravaganza,” said Tara Green, director of sports marketing for the Dallas Convention and Visitor’s Bureau. “We’re blocking the streets off in the West End and the great thing about that area is that it’s within walking distance of both the women’s tournament and the men’s tournament.

“Unlike in the past, when they’ve been in two separate areas of the city without ever truly overlapping, they’re now both downtown with hotels, with dining and with public transportation,” she said.

Green said VictoryFest will be convenient and is a basketball lover’s paradise.

“The Big 12’s corporate partners are going to set up an interactive games area right there in the street,” she said.

“We’re going to have an 18-foot Jumbotron broadcasting the men’s games.”

Orth said ISU fans can also attend the Cyclone Spirit Rally on March 13 at the Iowa State tent within VictoryFest.

ISU President Gregory Geoffroy and athletics director Bruce Van De Velde will speak and the pep band and spirit squad will be on hand. The cost is $10 per person.

“That’s kind of going to be our signature event,” Orth said. “This will be just an Iowa State thing. The pep rallies are on a stage where other people will be around, but this is an Iowa State event.”

Orth said Iowa State will be given 15 minutes to hold a pep rally on the main stage prior to each ISU basketball game.

The Sports Bar at the Sheraton Suites — complete with a 52-inch big screen TV — will be another gathering area for Cyclone fans, Orth said.

“This is truly a gathering area,” Orth said. “There will be TV’s there and lots of the Iowa State fans are staying at the Sheraton, so it’s just a place to hang out, watch some basketball and there will be food and beverages there as well.”

Officials at the ISU athletic ticket office confirmed that it had sold out of its allotment of men’s tournament tickets, but tickets to the women’s tournament can still be purchased through TicketMaster.

Green said even if fans can’t get a ticket, there will be plenty to keep them busy in Dallas.

“Be in the heart of the action and go to VictoryFest,” Green said. “Go to the Iowa State party in the tent. Who knows what kind of tickets will become available down there?”

“You may run into a college roommate you haven’t seen in 15 years who happens to live down here and you didn’t even know it. We want all Big 12 fans to come be a part of the tournament.”

For more information about specific ISU events, fans can visit the ISU alumni association’s Web site at www.isualum.org/events/big12.html. For VictoryFest information, visit www.dallashostsports.org.