Arguably the biggest in-state collegiate sports rivalry, the Iowa-Iowa State games are a must see regardless of the sport. The two have been meeting on the hardwood since 1909 when the Hawkeyes defeated the Cyclones 30-27. Iowa leads the all-time series 44-26, but you’ll be in for a show whenever these two get together, so don’t miss an Iowa-Iowa State game.
Iowa vs Minnesota
Rival Team: Minnesota Golden Gophers
There’s a fierce rivalry between Iowa and Minnesota that extends to the basketball court as well. These two teams and fan bases hate each other and want bragging rights no matter what the sport, so if you want to see a hotly contested matchup then make sure to be in attendance when the Gophers come to town.
Iowa vs Wisconsin
Rival Team: Wisconsin Badgers
The Hawkeyes and Badgers have an intense rivalry on the gridiron that has made its way over to the hardcourt. There is always a lot at stake when the Badgers and Hawkeyes meet, so come out to support the Hawkeyes when the hated Badgers come to visit.
Iowa Hawkeyes Stadium Guide
In Game
While people in Ames may disagree, the Hawkeyes are the pride and join of Iowa and just like with football and wrestling you’ll find incredible support for the Hawkeyes basketball team. The fans here adore their team and come out in strong numbers to support them no matter how the team is doing. Iowa fans are also very friendly and even if you’re a fan of the opposing team they’ll be more than happy to talk about their team. Just expect some good natured ribbing though if you’re a fan of rival teams like the Cyclones, Gophers, or Badgers.
No matter where you’re sitting, you’ll have an excellent view of all the action. There isn’t a bad seat in the house at Carver-Hawkeye Arena, and the fact four video boards are hanging up around the arena means you’ll be able to see replays clearly from everywhere as well.
Around the arena, you’ll also find nice tributes to the Hawkeyes history in a variety of sports including basketball, wrestling, and volleyball. There are banners commemorating championships hanging from the rafters, and there are several displays on the concourse showcasing the best players and teams in program history as well.
Carver-Hawkeye Arena provides a great game day experience that will have you wanting to come back again, so make sure to get your tickets soon.
If you’re a wrestling fan then you’ll want to stop by the Dan Gable statue outside of Carver-Hawkeye Arena. Gable is the most successful coach in the history of college wrestling and played a pivotal role in Iowa becoming one of the premier wrestling programs in the country. Snap a pic with the statue honoring this legendary coach when visiting Carver-Hawkeye Arena.
Hanging from the rafters of Carver-Hawkeye Arena are banners honoring the greatest teams in Hawkeyes history. Not only will you find banners for the basketball team, but you’ll also see the Hawkeyes distinguished wrestling history on display as well. Take a minute to remember all the Hawkeyes accomplishments during your trip to Iowa.
On the concourse, you’ll find a display dedicated to the rich history of Iowa basketball. The exhibit features pictures of all the best players in Hawkeyes history, so make sure to check it out.
Rather than having one big Jumbotron over center court, the Hawkeyes have four video boards hanging around the arena. These video boards ensure that no matter where you’re sitting you’ll have an excellent view of all the replays, so if you want to see something again all you’ll have to do is look up.
Herky has been Iowa’s mascot since 1948 and made his first appearance a sporting event in 1959. At games, He entertains the crowd and gets everyone up and cheering, so keep an eye out for him as you never know where he’ll pop-up next.
The Hawkeyes spirit squad is a big part of the Iowa basketball experience. The spirit squad keeps everyone in action during timeouts and performs a variety of cheers and chants throughout the game. They do an incredible job of engaging and energizing the crowd, so be on alert for the spirit squad.
The Iowa pep band plays a variety of school songs including “On Iowa,” “Roll Along Iowa,” and of course “Iowa Fight Song.” The pep band’s music pumps up the crowd and team, so enjoy the band when attending an Hawkeyes game.
Before each game fans are given a program and other giveaways. The program provides excellent info on the team, so even if you’re not up to date on the latest Iowa basketball happenings you’ll be caught up quickly.
Fight Songs
Iowa Fight Song
The word is “Fight! Fight! Fight! for IOWA,”
Let every loyal Iowan sing;
The word is “Fight! Fight! Fight! for IOWA,”
Until the walls and rafters ring (Go Hawks!)
Come on and cheer, cheer, cheer for IOWA,
Come on and cheer until you hear the final gun.
The word is “Fight! Fight! Fight! for IOWA,”
Until the game is won.
On Iowa
On Iowa proudly at the fore
On Iowa on for evermore
Ev’ry loyal son will give
A Rousing toast to you
Ev’ry loyal daughter loves you true
On Iowa with your wealth untold
A heritage to us you did unfold
Love of family, love of friend
Love of country too
Makes us proud for what you stand
Our Dear Old Gold.
Roll Along Iowa
Roll along, Iowa, Roll down the field,
On to victory!
Roll along, Iowa, Don’t ever yield,
Always a winner be!
Get that ball, Give your all,
For dear Old Gold,
Raise her banner high!
With firm endeavor,
Roll on forever, U of I.
Alma Mater
Come all alums of Iowa, and blend your voices true;
Sing praises to our Alma Mater, as good Hawkeyes do.
Let’s keep within our hearts a fire to magnify her fame;
Bring credit to these noble halls where glory and honor reign.
The day is near when comrades here will bid farewell and part;
But each Hawkeye carries on, thy spirit in his heart.
Oh! Iowa, Iowa, we drink a toast to you;
We pledge our everlasting love for dear old Iowa U.
Alma Mater, Iowa.
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