As leaves change colors and the air cools, many Iowans return to Kinnick Stadium to watch and support the football team.
The Hawkeye football game experience at Kinnick is one to remember. Bailey Kirchner (she/her), 10, attends most Iowa football games.
“Growing up going to Iowa games every weekend in the fall is just really fun and cool to be around,” Kirchner said.
Part of the familiarity with Kinnick is due to the heartfelt traditions. After the first quarter of every game, Iowa fans wave up to the children at the top of the UI Stead Family Children’s Hospital, where pediatric patients overlook the field during their hospital stay.
“I love the wave,” Kirchner said. “No other college has a tradition like that.”
Another tradition is the unity created by Iowa tailgating. Fans gather around the tailgates of vehicles where food, drinks and games are available. Although tailgating is a popular college football pre-game event, Iowa football’s hard-core fanbase takes it up a notch.
John Bobst, owner of “The Humble Tailgate,” an ironic twist on his elaborate setup, provides many Iowans with a unique and fun-filled tailgating experience.
“It’s becoming a little bit of a reunion spot,” Bobst said. “Maybe they’re going to go to a couple of tailgates, but they’re either gonna start or end at ours.”
From I-O-W-A chants to the Panchero’s burrito lift, Kinnick Stadium’s lively energy is dependable.
“Everybody’s always excited for the games regardless of how good the team or how bad the weather is,” Bobst said. “I can always count on pretty high enthusiasm for every game and every season.”
Hawkeye fans have the option of purchasing season tickets, which allow them to have the same seats at the stadium to watch football games. If tickets are not available, fans can lean on fellow tailgaters to watch and support the team. Whether in the stadium or in a crowded parking lot, Iowans can expect a good time.
“It’s a really good atmosphere,” Kirchner said.
Iowa pride runs deep, and no matter the situation, Iowans continue to return to Kinnick Stadium to root for the Hawks.
“I think having cheered for this team for as long as I have—we are who we are,” Bobst said.
With these traditions and tailgates, Iowa Hawkeye football’s unique fanbase remains unmatched.
