Arguably the biggest in-state collegiate football rivalry, the Iowa-Iowa State game is one of the biggest tailgating events of the season. Each year the winner of the game takes home the Cy-Hawk trophy as well as bragging rights. Students from both schools use this game as an opportunity to try and outdo each other in tailgating, making it one of the most fun Iowa games to attend.
The Hawks have battled fellow Big Ten Rival, Wisconsin almost every year for over 100 years. The winner is awarded a gold pig statue known as The Heartland Trophy, but it’s the commonalities between the two programs and the fans that make the rivalry special.
Floyd of Rosedale is awarded to the winner of the annual Iowa-Minnesota football game. The trophy dates back to 1935 when Minnesota Governor Floyd Olson made a bet with Iowa Governor Clyde L. Herring of a prize pig. The Gophers won 13-6, and Herring personally delivered Floyd of Rosedale to Olson. The Gophers lead the all-time series 62-46-2, but the Hawkeyes will look to narrow the gap when these two teams meet this year.
The matchup between the Iowa Hawkeyes and Nebraska Cornhuskers takes place on Black Friday and is the last game of the regular season. The winner of the game is takes home the Heroes Trophy, so head to Iowa City and watch the Hawkeyes close out the season against rivals Nebraska.
Hawkeyes Tailgate Guide
Atmosphere
Iowa City is party central, and there is no denying it, the fans simply won’t let you deny it. They come out with more cases of beer than you can fathom and finish each one before game time. Iowa fans can flat out drink, and the parking lots can’t even contain it. If you’re looking for the heart of it, head on over to Melrose Street for some of the best keggers in the town. Melrose Street is the best place for the younger crowd and even if you’re not looking to take five years off of your liver, it’s a great place to people watch.
On Melrose you’ll also find a myriad of food vendors to fuel up at before you head into the game. Iowa is a great place to try all kinds of fried and salty foods, along with meat on a stick and Iowa’s Longest Brat. The local favorite for a pre-game snack is without a doubt the giant Turkey leg, so make sure to grab one during your visit to Iowa City.
Another great spot to check out is the Magic Bus. The Magic Bus is referred to as the number one tailgating spot at Kinnick. The bus is operated by the rugby club, and the rugby club knows how to get pretty rowdy pretty quick. The bus features a full stage on top of the roof and bands play here to entertain the masses and creates an impromptu rock concert before the game starts.
If you’re looking for a more family-friendly option then stop by the Hawkeye Band pregame concert. The band strikes up a pregame concert at the Recreation Building an hour and a half before the game. The concert is a great way to warm yourself up before the game both mentally and physically, so make sure to check it when attending a Hawkeyes games.
No matter how wild you’re looking to party, you’ll have a great time tailgating in Iowa City where you’ll find plenty of drinks, food, and Hawkeyes pride to create an unforgettable tailgating experience.
The Magic Bus is referred to as the number one tailgating spot at Kinnick. The bus is operated by the rugby club, and the rugby club knows how to get pretty rowdy pretty quick. The bus features a full stage on top of the roof and bands play here to entertain the masses and creates an impromptu rock concert before the game starts.
The band strikes up a pregame concert at the Recreation Building an hour and a half before the game. The concert is a great way to warm yourself up before the game both mentally and physically, so make sure to check it when attending a Hawkeyes games.
Stop by and snap a picture with the Nile Kinnick Statue during your trip to Iowa. The statue honors the Hawkeyes only Heisman Trophy winner and is located outside the south side of the stadium, so make sure to check it out.
During the week leading up to the first game of the season, the Hawkeyes hold not one but two pregame celebrations. On Thursday everyone comes out for the Hawkapalooza pep rally and then on Friday there is, even more, celebrating to do at Fryfest. If you’re attending the first Hawkeyes game of the year, then arrive early and get into the Hawkeyes spirit by attending these two events.
Magic BusThe Magic Bus is referred to as the number one tailgating spot at Kinnick. The bus is operated by the rugby club, and the rugby club knows how to get pretty rowdy pretty quick. The bus features a full stage on top of the roof and bands play here to entertain the masses and creates an impromptu rock concert before the game starts.
Melrose StreetIf you’re looking for the heart of the party, head on over to Melrose Street for some of the best keggers in the town. Melrose Street is the best place for the younger crowd and even if you’re not looking to take five years off of your liver, it’s a great place to people watch.
Hawkeyes Stadium Guide
In Game
Kinnick is an incredibly loud environment and is the home of the biggest thing going in the state of Iowa on Saturdays during the fall. Before the game even begins Iowa fans will be going wild cheering on the band and team as they take the field. The Hawkeyes makes a grand entrance to the stadium accompanied by AC/DC’s Back in Black, and the atmosphere only gets better from there. Kinnick is a sea of black and gold on game days, and you’ll struggle to find a better atmosphere around the Big Ten on game days.
The stellar crowd isn’t the only thing that makes attending a Hawkeyes game such a great experience, the spirit squad, and marching band are also a part of what makes attending an Iowa game an incredible experience. Whether it’s the band’s pregame and halftime performances or cheerleaders doing push ups for every point the Hawkeyes score, the pageantry on display at Iowa is fantastic and will keep you entertained throughout the game.
The incredible fan support and pageantry found at a Hawkeyes game will leave you wanting to come back soon and experience it all again, so enjoy your trip to Iowa City.
Located outside of the Paul Brechler Press Box, the Wall of Honor is a must-see for any Hawkeyes or college sports fan. It features the names and numbers of the nine members of the University’s Varsity Club Hall of Fame’s players, so stop by and check it out.
On the concourse, you’ll see banners celebrating the Hawkeyes many accomplishments. Before the game take a stroll around the stadium and check out all of the banners honoring the program’s championships and greatest players.
Before every game the Hawkeyes enter the hold hands and jog onto the field. The tradition dates back to the Hayden Fry days builds an incredible amount of anticipation before the game, so don’t miss it when attending a Hawkeyes football game.
The Hawkeye Marching Band puts on an incredible display at Iowa football games. The band’s pregame and halftime shows are among the best around making them a can’t miss part of any Hawkeyes game day.
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 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 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 (Rah! Rah!) 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 forever more, Every loyal son will give a rousing toast to you, Every 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, They spirit in his heart. Oh! Iowa, Iowa, we drink a toast to you;
On, Iowa, proudly at the fore, On, Iowa, on forever more, Every loyal son will give a rousing toast to you, Every 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
“Hawkeye Victory Polka”
Played after Hawkeyes victories
In Heaven there is no beer
That’s why we drink it here
And when we’re gone from here
Our friends will be drinking all our beer
I-O-W-A Chant
Each of the four sections of Kinnick Stadium helps spell out I-O-W-A during the ritual.
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