FILE PHOTO - Iowa fans Mike Locher of Phoenix, Ariz. and Pat Conley of Grayslake, Ill. pay a game of bags prior to Iowa's season opener against Northern Illinois Saturday, Sept. 1, 2007 in a parking lot near Soldier Field in Chicago.
Here is a list of things to do for Iowa Hawkeye football fans in Chicago this weekend.
Several thousand of your are about to head to Chicago for Saturday’s 2:30 p.m. game against Northern Illinois at Soldier Field.
We’ve put together a list of Hawkeye-themed events and offer up some suggestions on things to do while you are in town. It is not a complete list but it will get you started.
Share any ideas you may have too.
Friday
Hawkeye day with the Cubs – 1:20 p.m. – University of Iowa head men’s basketball coach Fran McCaffery will throw out the ceremonial first pitch at Wrigley Field on Friday, Aug. 31, prior to the San Francisco Giants at Chicago Cubs major league baseball game. The contest is slated for a 1:20 p.m. (CT) start. More info here.
- Be sure to check out Merkle’s Bar & Grill, the original Iowa Hawkeye bar in Chicago, located near Wrigley.
- Another Hawkeye bar – Four Shadows at 2758 North Ashland Ave
Hawkeye Huddle – 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. – The National I-Club and the UI Alumni Association invite all fans to the “Hawkeye Huddle” from 6-8 p.m. Friday. The “Hawkeye Huddle” will be held at the Grand Ballroom at Navy Pier, located at 600 Grand Avenue downtown Chicago. The free reception features refreshments, snacks, Hawk Shop door prizes, Herky, and the Iowa cheerleaders. More info at Hawkeyesports.com.
Other places to go and things to do
Saturday
Wear Gold - Fans of the Iowa Hawkeyes are encouraged to wear GOLD to the Iowa/Northern Illinois game on September 1 at Chicago’s Soldier Field. Buy the official shirt here.
Breakfast – According to thehawkeyeway on HawkeyeNation.com here is the guide for breakfast near Soldier Field: “If you are going to be in the south loop before the game, and want to grab breakfast before you tailgate. Yolk might be one of the best places in the city at Roosevelt and Michigan. If you go anytime after 8, expect about 30 min wait. Bongo Room is nontraditional breakfast, but popular (Roosevelt & Wabash). Next to that, 11th City Diner they have good breakfast. There is a newer place called Waffles at 14th & Michigan also very good.”
Shuttle – According to Chicago’s Iowa fan club twitter account, Four Shadows has set up bus transportation to and from the NIU game. Cost is $20 per person for the round trip and includes refreshments both ways as well as a breakfast buffet. Please go to here for more information and e-mail with any questions.
Hawkeye Tailgate Bash – 10:30 a.m. Saturday – Located immediately outside the east side of Soldier Field on the East Lawn. Tickets in advance are $15 each. Price includes live entertainment by Chicago-based band Recycle the Day featuring an Iowa alum on drums and fun song-along hits from the 80′s, 90′s, and today, prize giveaways, and Hawkeye guests speakers. Cash bar and tailgate-style food such as burgers, brats, and Chicago dogs will be available for purchase. More info from Bravo Sports Marketing
- Parking information – If you are parking near Solider Field, go here for information. It’s $54.
- Beer garden – The Bud Light Beer Garden at Soldier Field will be open at 10:30am outside the South gates and stay open through half time.
Things to do after the game
- Theory Sports Bar and Grill
- Lou Malnati’s Pizzeria
- Billy Goat Tavern
- The Chicago Jazz Festival
- Downtown shopping
