Kansas City, Chicago and Minneapolis aren’t the only places that the biggest touring names in rock ‘n roll plan to stop at this fall. Ames just happens to be a very popular place to play, especially for acts that college students just won’t be able to pass up.

The Iowa State Center has been announcing upcoming shows all summer long, with new concerts still slated for later in the semester. The success of the university in soliciting these performers can be attributed to the hard work and tenacity of a talented staff.

“Basically,” explained Ben Lines, marketing director, “it’s a credit to the staff at the Iowa State Center, as well as the university and the Ames-Des Moines market, which consistently produces big numbers, in terms of attendance for a variety of acts, from country, to hard rock, to alternative, to the performing arts.

“We go for the cream of the crop and do the best we can to produce the best quality product for the consumer.”

Part of the Ames appeal lies in the choice of venue. The Iowa State Center offers potential bands the opportunity to play in one of three buildings, Lines said: C.Y. Stephens Auditorium, which holds about 2,400 people; Hilton Coliseum, with a capacity of 14,500; and Cyclone Stadium, which has 45,000 seats available.

It’s sort of unusual for a city like Ames to be such a hotbed of national music activity, but the Iowa State Center makes the most of their facilities.

“We’re a small market for us to get all of these [acts], so it’s very rewarding that we can get these shows,” Lines said. “We pull from such a huge area, not just Ames and Des Moines, but Mason City, Cedar Rapids, Ottumwa.

“We’re perfectly placed [geographically], but we still have to develop the market. We have to work harder than everyone else.”

Upcoming concerts, dates and ticket prices are as follows (save your money):

Tom Petty and The Heartbreakers with special guest Pete Droge will make a stop at Hilton Tuesday, September 12. Tickets are on sale now for $30.50, $25.50 and $17.50.

John Denver will spend an evening at C.Y. Stephens Friday, September 22. Tickets go on sale today for $38, $33 and $25.

Van Halen with Brother Kane will hit Hilton Saturday, Sept. 23. Tickets are on sale now for $35 and $25.

Jimmy Page and Robert Plant with The Tragically Hip will rock Hilton Thursday, Oct. 12. Tickets are on sale now for $35 and $28; special audio taping seats are available only through the Iowa State Center Box Office.

Rich Mullins and The Ragamuffin Band with special guests Ashley Cleveland and Carolyn Arends come to C.Y. Stephens Thursday, Oct. 19. Tickets go on sale this Friday for $11.50.

“A Taste of Branson” featuring Eddie Rabbitt and A Country Reminisce Hitch are set for a show at Hilton Saturday, Nov. 11. Tickets are $35 and $25.

Tickets for all shows are available at the Iowa State Center Box Office, all Ticketmaster outlets or charge by phone at 233-1888.