“Is this heaven? No, it’s Iowa.” It was a baseball field that elicited this exchange in the classic movie Field of Dreams, but I think something similar every time I watch the Iowa Hawkeyes play at Kinnick Stadium. The SEC garners most of the attention when people discuss the best atmospheres in college football, but any such discussion must include the University of Iowa. Sadly, Iowa doesn’t get the respect it deserves, and is undoubtedly underrated.
Even among the Big 10, Penn State and Wisconsin tend to be viewed as better atmospheres. Penn State is a valid argument. I think the atmosphere at Kinnick Stadium is better, but I can at least understand people who like Beaver Stadium. Wisconsin? Not a chance. No unbiased person who’s been to games at both Iowa and Wisconsin has the Badgers coming out on top. Don’t get me wrong, Camp Randall Stadium is a great place to watch a game, but it’s not on the same level as Kinnick Stadium.
One thing that really distinguishes the Kinnick Stadium experience is how consistent the fans are. I’ve been to stadiums that are just as loud, but only intermittently. Iowa fans maintain the noise level throughout the game, which facilitates a really awesome atmosphere. In addition to this weekend’s Iowa-Michigan game, I went to the Iowa-Penn State game last year, which featured the loudest crowd I’ve ever heard. But what makes Iowa special isn’t limited to what happens inside the stadium.
Show up a few hours early to tailgate, and you quickly learn how awesome the people of Iowa are. Everyone’s heard the phrase “Midwest Nice”, and the people of Iowa certainly live up to that standard. This was my second consecutive year going to a game at Kinnick Stadium , and I can’t speak highly enough of the people. Each time I’ve honestly left somewhat envious of those who got to grow up here. That may sound like crazy talk from someone who grew up in Southern California, but it’s true.
While relatively new, the Hawkeye Wave is the coolest tradition in college football. Each game at Kinnick Stadium, at the end of the first quarter, everyone in attendance including the players and coaches, turn and wave to the kids watching the game from the upper floors of the University of Iowa Children’s Hospital. If you have a few minutes, you should check out the video below, which details the origins of the tradition. Iowa’s got plenty of other gameday traditions, but the Hawkeye Wave is super cool.
I really can’t say enough about how awesome Iowa football games are. I could write plenty more, but bottom line is Kinnick Stadium should be on every college football fan’s bucket list. Even if you’re not a football fan, go spend a fall weekend in Iowa City. It’s a great way to explore Iowa, a state everyone should know more about. Some of you may be a bit skeptical, but I guarantee Iowa won’t disappoint.
Hmm…maybe you should consider Iowa as a choice for a new job location. 😉