As any true fan will tell you, tailgating is just as essential as watching the game. When it comes time to scout out your spot, make sure you get there early, dress appropriately (in Hawkeye gear, of course), and have plenty of food and beverage with you (the last thing you want to do is run out of chow). Many tailgating addicts are still mourning the loss of the Field House and Olive Court lots, but there are plenty of other options.

--LEAH

Dental Lot (reserved)
This lot is right next to Carver – it’s a reserved lot that is family-friendly and a bit calmer than some of your other choices. People are welcoming and it’s easy to strike up conversations with fellow fans.

Stadium Lot (reserved)
The big-time donors tailgate here, and you’ll see lots of flat-screen TVs, big speakers, etc. It’s a small lot, but is lots of fun. Those without tickets often hang out here to watch the game on TV.

Melrose Court (general)
This is where many of the college students head (or people who want a good show). Every house on the block participates in the party. Close to the stadium
and located on a dead-end street, almost anyone can walk up and join in on this big celebration.

Myrtle (general)
A good mix of students and adults, this lot took on many tailgaters when the Olive Court lot closed. The location of this space is good, but it’s farther from Kinnick than some might like. A plus: There’s a gas station at the bottom of the hill in case you need more supplies.

Magic Bus (general)
Sports Illustrated once dubbed this the No. 1 tailgating spot in the United States. On the south side of Kinnick, the Magic Bus sits across the street from the stadium. There’s a $10 charge to get in, but the beer is free once you pay. This option fills fast, so get there early.

Finkbine (general/reserved)
This spot is pretty big, and you can find a wide variety
of people here. Olive Court tailgaters were encouraged by the University of Iowa to make this their new tailgating spot last year. It’s located just a few blocks west of the stadium; the walk down Melrose Avenue from Finkbine toward Kinnick has an atmosphere that’s just as fun and energetic as the act of tailgating itself.

Before you head out for the day, make sure you have the info you need:

•  Certain University of Iowa lots open at 7 p.m. on the Friday before home games. All other lots are open at
  7 a.m. on game day.
• Tents/tarps are only allowed if they don’t hinder traffic or extend into an extra parking spot.
  l Wood fires aren’t allowed (only gas or charcoal in approved grills).
•  Saving spaces for other tailgaters isn’t allowed.
• You can’t use extra parking spaces to set up grills, trailers, tents, chairs, etc.
• No visible kegs, hard liquor or glass bottles are permitted.
• For more information, go to www.hawkeyesports.com/gameday/