Step Inside: Kinnick Stadium – Home of the Iowa Hawkeyes

Home of the Iowa Hawkeyes

Kinnick Stadium is the home of the Hawkeyes football team. Located in Iowa City on the University of Iowa’s campus, game days at the stadium come brimming with youthful energy and a strong sense of team spirit. With its rich history and beloved traditions, Kinnick Stadium offers visitors much more than a game to watch. Continue reading below to learn more about Kinnick Stadium.

Kinnick Stadium History

Kinnick Stadium was first opened in 1929 to replace Iowa Field. Originally named Iowa Stadium, it was later renamed Kinnick Stadium in honor of Nile Kinnick. Kinnick had won the Heisman Trophy for being the most outstanding player in college football in 1939 and died serving in World War II. Before his death, Kinnick had been a member of the coaching staff at the university. Following Kinnick’s death, the student body at the University of Iowa voted to rename the stadium in his honor, though the name change did not happen until 1972. The first game in the stadium occurred on October 5, 1929, against Monmouth College, in which Iowa won 46–0.

The stadium’s pink locker rooms are one of its best-known features, as emeritus Iowa coach Hayden Fry believed the color would make opponents more “passive” during the game.

In 2006, renovations unveiled a new statue of Nile Kinnick. It has become a tradition for Iowa football players to touch the helmet that lies at Kinnick’s feet as a token of respect and good luck before the game begins. Kinnick’s Heisman acceptance speech plays before every kickoff at the stadium.

Another beloved tradition at the stadium is called “the wave,” in which fans turn to wave at the patients and families in the University of Iowa Children’s Hospital following the first quarter.

Parking and Admission at Kinnick Stadium

Parking lots managed by the University of Iowa open no more than 6 hours prior to kickoff and no earlier than 6:00 a.m. on the day of each home football game. Parking on the night prior to home football games is limited to RVs only in Lots 52, 73 and 75S from 7:30 p.m. to 10:00 p.m.

Free parking is available at Hancher Lot, Hawkeye Commuter Lot and Hall of Fame Lot, with courtesy shuttle service beginning two hours prior to kickoff. Public parking at a $30/per game for cars and $100/per game for RVs fee is located at the Softball Lot, the Finkbine Golf Course Lot, Newton Rd. Ramp, Ramp 4, Lot 65, Lot 3 and Lot 11. All day-of-game parking locations are cashless. Credit cards are the only accepted form of payment on game days.

ADA parking is available at Lot 52 and Ramp 4 along with complimentary ADA golf cart shuttles beginning two hours prior to kickoff and starting up again until one hour after the game ends.

Both season-long and single game public parking passes can be purchased in advance prior to 12:00 p.m. CT the day before each game. To purchase a prepaid parking pass, visit hawkeyesports.com/footballparking or call the UI Athletics Ticket Office at 800-424-2957.

Only clear bags up to 12″ x 6″ x 12″ are allowed into the stadium. Prohibited items are as follows: Alcoholic beverages, drugs and paraphernalia, banners, signs, coolers, kegs, glass containers, CamelBak or other backpack-style hydration systems, or refillable water bottles over 1 gallon, footballs, professional recording equipment, noisemakers, horns, bugles or any disruptive devices, non-service animals, strollers and car seats, umbrellas and weapons of any kind.

Kinnick Stadium Capacity & Seating Options

Kinnick Stadium has the capacity for 69,250 fans. With the stadium’s wrap-around seating, fans can’t really go wrong with their seat selection, but the best seats to watch the game in Kinnick Stadium are those closest to the 50 yard line: section 127 on the Hawkeye’s side and section 105 on the opposing team’s side.

ADA accessible seating, as well as companion seating, is available at Kinnick Stadium. Those who require accessible seating are permitted to purchase tickets for accessible seats in advance. Tickets for accessible seats may be sold to individuals who require accessible seating or someone purchasing on their behalf.

Kinnick Stadium has five premium seating options available to guests, with various bonus perks. The seating options are as follows: Ted Pacha Family Club/Kinnick Edge Club Seats, McCord Club Lounge, Mediacom Outdoor Club, Kinnick Stadium Private Suites and the Ironmen Boxes. Specific details on premium seating arrangements can be found on the Hawkeye’s website.

Fans can purchase Hawkeye Village Ticket Packages, which include a ticket to a selected game and access to a pre-game tailgate with all-you-can-eat food, beverages, yard games and music.

Food & Beverage Options at Kinnick Stadium

There are 20 different concession stands located throughout Kinnick Stadium that offer classic game day staples including hot dogs, pretzels and popcorn and an assortment of alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages. All concession stands are cashless. Only credit or debit cards will be accepted. Free water stations are located at Section 102 and 120.