Each year Northern Iowa squares off against in-state rivals Iowa or Iowa State during the Iowa Big Four Classic. The opponent alternates each year, but you won’t want to miss it when the Panthers get the opportunity to knock-off one of the big boys in the state. Get your tickets to the Iowa Big Four Classic to see the Panthers take on Iowa or Iowa State.
Northern Iowa has a fierce rivalry with Iowa-based Missouri Valley Conference foes Drake. There are lots of bragging rights as well as games in the standings on the line when these two meet, so don’t miss it when the Panthers and Bulldogs battle it out on the hardwood.
Northern Iowa Panthers Stadium Guide
In Game
The McLeod Center is home to an incredible atmosphere that can rival that of any school in the Missouri Valley Conference. Fans from all over the Cedar Rapids area come out to support the Panthers on game days, although no section is more vocal than the student section at UNI games. The students here live and die with their team and no matter what the score you’ll find them cheering on the Panthers as loud as they possibly can.
The fans aren’t the only thing that makes attending a UNI basketball game a great experience. There are also tons of historical displays to check out and the UNI Athletic Hall of Fame located in the walkway between the McLeod Center and the UNI-Dome. The Hall of Fame features all kinds of trophies and is even home to an Espy Award making it a must-see for anyone taking in a UNI game.
Before or after the game, take in all the sights and sounds Cedar Rapids has to offer. Cedar Rapids is an excellent college town and is home to some fantastic bars and restaurants. Whether you’re looking for a sports bar experience, like you’ll find at Beck’s, or some comfort food, which can be found at J’s Homestyle Cooking, you’ll find it here in Cedar Rapids.
A Northern Iowa basketball game is a great time for any college hoops fan in the upper Midwest as well as an excellent opportunity to see some Missouri Valley Conference hoops action, so plan your trip to Cedar Rapids today.
The UNI Athletic Hall of Fame between the McLeod Center and the UNI-Dome is a must-see for any college sports fan. The Hall of Fame contains a slew of trophies won by the Panthers over the years including an ESPY Award won by the school in 2010 for “Best Upset.” Take some time before the game to see the Hall of Fame and all it has to offer.
Hanging above the court are banners celebrating the Panthers basketball program’s many accomplishments from over the years. The banners honor all of the best teams in Panthers basketball history including the 2010 team’s Sweet Sixteen appearance making them a can’t miss for any college hoops fan.
The student section at a UNI basketball game is phenomenal as it's packed to the gills with die hard fans. UNI students go all out to support their team, and they even started the famous Interlude Dance back in 2011. Enjoy the atmosphere provided by the UNI students during your trip to Cedar Rapids.
The students aren’t the only ones who make lots of noise at Panthers games. The pep band also puts on an incredible display that you won’t soon forget. Whether you like traditional school songs or modern pop songs, you’ll enjoy the pep band’s performance at a UNI game.
The UNI cheerleaders cheers and routines are a big part of any Panthers basketball game, so join in the cheers to show off your UNI pride. Stay in your seat when the cheerleaders take the court as you won’t want to miss these talented performers.
Fight Songs
“UNI Fight Song”
Hail our Panthers, we are ever loyal,
Showing strength and unity.
As we rise, we firmly stand behind you,
Urge you on to victory.
Rah! Rah! Rah!
As you lead us on to fame and honor,
Fight! Fight! Fight! will be our cry.
So, give us a yell, Ho! the purple and the gold,
Victory for UNI!
“UNI Alma Mater”
UNI O Alma Mater
Hear our voices now in song;
Hail to thee, O state of plenty,
Thou has raised it proud and strong.
True in spirit, strong in knowledge
UNI, we sing in homage.
Hail to thee, O Alma Mater
Our tomorrows shall be thine.
From the hallowed halls of learning,
Rising from the fertile land;
Guide to fame thy sons and daughters,
In the pattern on thy hand.
