A metropolitan atmosphere paired with small-town prices is the trademark of the newest old bar in Campustown.

The old Dean’s List changed ownership and gave way to Big Shots. With the official opening of Big Shots, 2522 Chamberlain St., this weekend, owners hope ISU students will have a place to go that will make spring-break and big-city bars seem a little closer to home.

The bar changed hands Nov. 2, and owners Scott Davis, Luke Furnas and Matt Spencer began making renovations during winter break.

After three weeks of work, their efforts officially take effect for the spring semester.

“Before, it was just a college bar,” Davis said. “Now it is a dance club and sports bar.”

Big Shots has seen many changes to set it apart from other bars in Ames, owners said.

“Ames has been looking for a real dance club for a long time,” Furnas said. “We have the biggest shots in town [4 ounce glasses] along with a weekly special called the `big shot.’ “

Owners also have converted the basement of the building into a sports bar.

With almost 20 televisions adorning the walls and pool tables and foosball tables lining the floor, the lowest level of Big Shots will give bar patrons a place to sit down and relax.

“Hopefully we will be able to host some of Ames’ foosball and pool leagues as well,” Furnas said.

And when the mood strikes, the dancing-inclined can enjoy a vinyl-spinning DJ and the only laser-light show in Ames.

Wednesday nights will be geared toward country music fans, with a $5 cover charge providing free draft beer until midnight.

Davis said Ames has a “definite lack of country music.”

“When Hunky Dory’s closed down, those people didn’t have a place to go in Ames,” Furnas said. “So why not give them a place?”

Thursdays will continue to be “thirsty,” with a $5 cover charge for ladies and $6 for guys, covering their drinks until 1 a.m.

Fishbowl Friday will kick off the weekend for students who get tired of the conventional glass – they can use an 84-ounce fish bowl to hold their drinks instead.

Along with $1 margaritas on Saturday, Big Shots will try to provide people with a little something different every night as well as a friendly staff, exceptional security and a new VIP section that is worth checking out, owners said.

“What we are giving them is a big-city atmosphere with what will still be Ames prices,” Furnas said. “It is something fun for everybody.”