Grab your lawn chairs and lawn games and head on down to the parking lot at the corner of 8^th Ave & 2^nd St SE in Downtown Cedar Rapids for the first ever Rivalry by the River on Sept. 12th!

The U.S. Cellular Center is teaming up with 94.1 KRNA, and the Cedar Rapids Jaycees to bring you the Hawkeyes vs. Cyclones football game outside on big screen TVs!  The event opens at 10:00 AM with kickoff at 11:05 AM.  Admission is free.  Food and ice cold beverages will be available throughout the event.

Brush up on your football trivia for your chance to win great prizes during timeouts and halftime.  If the weather looks questionable, tune in to 94.1 KRNA for event announcements. This event is free and open to anyone 21 years and over – IDs are required.

Jim Krotz

Jim Krotz, 41, Marion
e-Media Sales Director @ Meetings Media

Jim is a dedicated Hawkeye fan. He can’t carry on a conversation without it inevitably turning to Hawkeye sports. (Believe me – I’ve tried.) Here, he shares some of his Hawkeye favorites. — LEAH GARRIS

Favorite Hawkeye sport?
Football. There’s nothing better than a fall day.

How long have you been a Hawkeye fan?
Since I was born.

Favorite Hawkeye athlete?
Bob Sanders

Favorite Hawkeye coach?
Kirk Ferentz. I’ve had numerous run-ins with him, and he’s a one of the classiest guys I’ve ever met. It’s unbelievable.

Favorite tailgating spot?
Right under the press box. It’s the best spot because we’re always the last stop for my buddies going to the game. The best part of tailgating is that you get to meet a bunch of people. I have a lot of friends in Des Moines who I don’t get to see very often. It’s a great way to come together, and we’re always the last stop before people go to the game.

Favorite piece of Hawkeye memorabilia?
A brick from the old stadium.

What do you do when the Hawks lose?
It’s only one part of your life, but you can’t get away from it. You think about it. When you’re watching the game, it’s almost like you’re playing with the players because you’re into it so much.

All-time favorite game?
It has to be the October 2002 game at Michigan. We went in there and won 31-9. It was by far one of the best times I’ve ever had because we weren’t expecting much. We weren’t ranked, and they were No. 11. It was pretty spectacular.

Favorite food to eat while watching Hawkeye football?
Brats and beer.

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/

Kelsey Tumey, 24

Cedar Rapids, Business Systems Analyst @ Rockwell Collins

Hawkeye Football

We love visiting Iowa City during Hawkeye Football season for the contagious energy and atmosphere.  The city is filled with loyal Iowa Fans tailgating in black & gold.  The Iowa Hawkeye spirit not only fills Iowa City, but the entire Eastern Iowa area. 

Hawkeye Football

http://hawkeyesports.cstv.com/

Canoeing/Riverfloating down the Maquoketa River

This is a great opportunity to relax and enjoy the Iowa scenery along the Maquoketa River near Monticello.  The trip takes nearly half the day to travel, and then you have a chance to camp and enjoy the Iowa outdoors. 

Canoeing/Riverfloating down the Maquoketa River

http://www.mcdonoughcanoerentals.com/

Amana Colonies

Visits to the Amana Colonies, 17 miles southwest of Cedar Rapids on Hwy 151, for the great food and festivities are always enjoyable.  There are a number of different festivities that are held year round.  Amana also offers the local Millstream Brewery and many local wineries. 

Amana Colonies

http://www.amanacolonies.org/

61 Drive-In Movie Theater

Not just your ordinary movie setting, the 61 Drive-In, located five miles south of Maquoketa

of Hwy 61, is a great way to get outside and enjoy something unique.  This is a great activity for couples, groups and kids.

61 Drive-In Movie Theater

http://www.maquoketa.com/61drivein/

Sundown Mountain

As the closest destination for Iowa skiing, Sundown Mountain, 16991 Asbury Rd, outside Dubuque, offers hills for all levels.  A quick day trip is a great get-a-way over the weekend in the winter months. 

Sundown Mountain

http://www.sundownmtn.com/

Natalie Nielsen 23, Iowa City

University of Iowa Alumni Class of 2008

My Brothers

Being a graduate of the University of Iowa, I’m pretty die-hard about being a Hawkeye. I haven’t missed a home game in the last five years, and I don’t plan on missing any in the next five. It also helps that I have two brothers that play football for Iowa so I get to hear about all of the hard work that the team puts into preparing for the season. I’ll just say that it’s not all fun and games. It makes me very thankful that the guys are so dedicated, because I think you’d be pretty hard-pressed to find another group willing to submit themselves to several weeks of two-a-days for camp in the extreme heat of August.

“Back in Black” & “Start Me Up”

The excitement level in Kinnick escalates as the jumbotron flashes video of “the Swarm” heading out of the locker room on the way to the field. “Back in Black” by AC/DC and “Start Me Up” by the Rolling Stones blare across the loudspeakers as thousands of fans get on their feet high-fiving and talking smack about how badly the Hawks are going to beat the opposing team. The giant flags spelling out I-O-W-A go up as the cheerleaders lead the team onto the field and the game gets underway.

Fans

It never ceases to amaze me the sheer number of followers that the Iowa Hawkeyes have not only in Iowa, but all over the country. This past season I have been to almost all of the away games, and let me tell you. There is a reason they call Minnesota Kinnick North. If I had to guess, I would say there were probably almost as many Hawk fans there as there were Golden Gophers. I won’t start in about the Bowl Game, but for any of you that have ever been, you know about Hawk support in postseason play.

Tailgating

It’s 7 a.m. and I’m walking down Melrose in front of the stadium on game day. The road is already partially blocked off and the guy who sells Big Ass Turkey Legs is shouting at people stumbling by. Smells of BBQ and beer hang in the air, and there are about 40,000 other die-hards who have had their game face on since 6:30 a.m. or earlier. As I make my way to my preferred tailgating spot on Olive Court listening to the Iowa Fight Song streaming from cars all around, I smile to myself as I realize that there is a reason “in heaven there is no beer”. Two words. Hawkeye Tailgating. Go big or go home.

Herky

Cheers erupt as Herky sticks the flag into the Kinnick field. Only around since 1959, Herky has become one of the most recognizable aspects of Hawkeye sports. Climbing over the wall that is supposed to keep fans off the field – unless the Hawks win a big game, in which case Per Mar security has no hope – Herky gets friendly with fans by giving hugs, high-fives, and photo opportunities. Check out the University of Iowa Athletics Hall of Fame to see how Herky has become what he is today.

Herky, Iowa City
Mascot, University of Iowa

Herky the Hawk is a man (and yes, he’s a dude) about campus with a cachet quotient any University of Iowa co-ed would envy.

He can make 70,000 fans at Kinnick Stadium go nuts with a flip of a feathered wing. From Arizona to the Alamo, that hulking head (the heaviest in the NCAA) is a ticket to any Iowa fan’s heart.

Born more than fifty years ago, Herky started out as a simple caricature drawn by UI journalism professor Dick Spencer at the request of the athletic department’s business director Frank Havlick. He took to the football field for the first time in 1959.

His first costume was chicken wire and papier-mache. Today the heads cost nearly $6,000 each and are made in the Twin Cities by the same company that makes Elmo and Oscar The Grouch.

Half a century ago Herky looked like a cross between Woody Woodpecker and a bald eagle. His snarl  evolved more recently. The universal Herky – the one used in promotional materials by the school – was drawn by Iowa City native Charles Reed, who was inspired by Mighty Mouse and wrestler Barry Davis.

The name Herky, short for Hercules, was the brainchild of John Franklin of Belle Plaine who won a statewide competition to name the feathered fellow.

The names of the six UI students behind the character aren’t so well known.

Their identities are a secret. Don’t try to ask Herky who he is either. Ever noticed that he doesn’t talk? It’s all part of the persona.

For decades members Delta Tau Delta manned Herky’s nest. Now his digs are with the athletic department and students audition each spring for one of around a place in the Herky flock and a chance to be part of the UI tradition.

The students spend five to fifteen unpaid hours a week portraying Herky at sporting and community events. They also meet every week with Gregg Niemiec, who heads Iowa Spirit Squads, to practice the Herky’s signature strut and other moves like the high fives, basketball shots and autograph.

– Compiled by Carly Weber

Did you know: Herky almost got the boot in the early 1960s when he ripped the tail off Northwestern University’s Wildcat.

What he can do for you: Herky is the physical manifestation of Hawkeye nation. Need we say more?

Ladies and gentlemen, welcome the University of Iowa Hawkeye Marching Band! 

The talent: The 240-member Hawkeye Marching Band includes drum major Chet Aliga and Golden Girl twirler Chelsea Russell  

The Sound: Fans see a new performance every time the band takes the field at halftime. Songs run the gamut from Jimmy Buffet to opera t0 Journey. Pregame, though, is always the same and full of fan favorites, like spelling out I-O-W-A on the field.

The Gigs: Pregame and halftime at Kinick Stadium. Free pregame concerts at Recreation Building one hour and fifteen minutes prior to the scheduled kick-off. The drumline “warms up” outside the building 30 minutes prior to the concert.

The Music: Iowa Fight Song

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The rest of the story: www.uiowa.edu/~bands/hmb/hmb.html

All in a day’s work

- UI Marching Band members report to Iowa’s Recreation Building four hours before the

game. For an 11 a.m. kick-off, this is their day:

- 6:30 a.m.: Musicians arrive to warm up instruments, stretch and jog

- 7 a.m.: Rehearsal begins

- 8:30 a.m.: Breakfast, naps and tailgating

- 9:45 a.m.: Pregame concert with Herky, cheerleaders and dance team in the rec building

- 10:15 a.m.: March to Kinnick Stadium

- 10:35 a.m.: Pregame show

- 11 a.m.: Take seats for game

- Halftime show

- Play “Hey Jude” between third and fourth quarters

- Postgame concert at stadium

- March back to rec building

- Released 

Practice, practice

- The band rehearses Monday through Friday from 3:40 to 5:30 p.m.

- The band learns each week’s music at an additional two-hour practice on Wednesday night.

Traditions and tidbits

In its 125-year history, the University of Iowa Hawkeye Marching Band has established many treasured traditions. Among them:

- An apple a day: After each half-time performance, the marching band munches on apples. No one’s sure when the tradition started, but every game a couple bushels of apples are delivered to Kinnick’s gates for the band.

- Hey, what?: “Hey Jude.” That’s what. Since Oct. 25, 1968, the band has played its version of The Beatles’ hit between the third and fourth quarters. It’s always

conducted by the band manager.

- Where’s the beer?: After every victory, the band plays “In Heaven, There is No Beer.” The song was once played as often as the Iowa Fight Song and “On Iowa.”

In 2001, the song was banned, presumably because of its beery lyrics. But the 40-year-old tradition is back, with the music conducted by the drum major and sung by fans after every Hawkeye win.

- Backward but happy: If the Hawks win, band members turn their hats backward for the march out of the stadium.

Stylin’

- Iowa’s band gets new uniforms every 10 years. The new look (as of three years ago) updated the “Iowa” lettering across the chest, replaced the marching Herky emblem with a retro Tiger Hawk and added a yellow stripe to the pants.

- Like most Big Ten bands, the Hawkeye Marching Band wears white spats over shoes. The drum major wears knee-high black boots. Everyone wears black gloves.

- Drum Major Chet Aliga wears a traditional white faux fur hat that is 14 inches high. The rest of the band dons shakos with golden plumes.

Brittney Robinson, 22 Cedar Rapids
University of Iowa Alumni Class of 2008

“Win or lose, Hawk fans still booze.”
Cheers!  This is an occasion people have the excuse and it is “acceptable” to start drinking in the early hours of the morning.  Later kickoff times are not used for sleeping but for socializing.  At the end of the day it is a celebration of victory or drinking away a heartbreaking loss.

Iowa Songs
You know the game is about to begin when you hear AC/DC’s “Back in Black.” As the crowd starts jumping and keys start rattling – game on.  After touchdowns everyone chants “I-O-W-A.” Together we sing “On Iowa” and “In Heaven… there is no Beer.”  Songs in the stadium are just as fun, such as “Brown Eyed Girl” or when the you see fans trying to get on the big screen by, “Pumping the Burrito.”  These songs are extra special on Hawkeye game days.

Tailgating at Kinnick Stadium
Kinnick Stadium has its own atmosphere and experience.  Countless grills and coolers are scattered among every tailgate.  Various vendors are everywhere filled with all kinds of food to satisfy any of your cravings… even if it is a turkey leg that is bigger than you are.  Tailgaters will never leave thirsty or hungry.  When fans are not indulging and filling their stomachs, games like bags, beer pong and golf Frisbee are played.  All weather conditions are a possibility.  Freezing cold or sizzling hot temperatures do not stop Hawk fans from tailgating and attending the game.

Hawkeye Nation
All Hawkeyes are family ranging from all ages, young to old.  When you meet a Hawkeye you share a common ground and make friends.  You’re supporting the same team and taunting the opponent.  Hawk fans travel and can be found anywhere.  Iowa Hawkeyes are a family community.

Black and Gold School Spirit
Hawk fans sport their team spirit gear.  Black and gold attire consists of wigs, tattoos, striped overalls, beads and so much more.  Fans are supportive of the team by participating in games such as the “Be Bold Wear Gold,” or the “Black Out.” Cheers and chants are shouted only to leave fans with no voice the following day.  We are all proud to be a Hawkeye.

As if there isn’t enough football on television. Who wants to read about it too. Obviously someone, judging from the numerous books dedicated to not just football, but Hawkeye football. So, if you’re a football widow looking to impress the hubs with some football factoids or your just looking for a gift for the Hawk fan who has everything, one of these books might just do the trick.

“University of Iowa Football Vault” by Mike Finn

From the publisher (so you know it must be true): Mike Finn takes you from the early days when football was a fad from the East, to the early dynasty of Howard Jones, to the 1939 Ironmen and Nile Kinnick, through the glory years of Forest Evashevski, to the return to glory under Hayden Fry and Kirk Ferentz. This detailed “scrapbook” contains never-before-published photographs, artwork and memorabilia drawn from Iowa’s athletic department and school archives. Tucked into dozens of pockets, fans will find reproductions of old game programs, historic tickets, postcards and photos. These fascinating replicas include an 1890 Iowa Wesleyan game stats sheet, a 1921 Aubrey Devine news clip, a 1939 Kinnick Heisman program, a 1952 Evashevski booklet, a 1955 Cal Jones news clip, a 1981 Fry Coach of the Year card and a 2004 Ohio State game ticket.

“The 50 Greatest Plays in Iowa Hawkeyes Football History” by Michael Maxwell

University of Iowa coach Kirk Ferentz, who wrote the forward, says “A book like this really does make me appreciate all the great moments we worked so hard together to build here at the University of Iowa.” There are passages by the Voice of the Hawkeyes Gary Dolphin too. He says: “Are these 50 plays contained within the pages of this publication truly the greatest in Hawkeyes history? I think so. You and I might argue about their order of placement, but that’s the fun, excitement, and the joy of the read.” The 50 chapters describe the action, profile the participants, and reveal the story behind each play. 

“Greatest Moments in Iowa Hawkeyes Football History” by The Gazette staff

Compiled by The Gazette in 2006, “Greatest Moments in Iowa Hawkeyes’ Football History” covers all the high points of the University of Iowa Hawkeye’s stellar record, both in the Big Ten and in postseason bowl games, including the team’s annual struggle with archrival Minnesota for the world’s most famous pig trophy, the coveted “Floyd of Rosedale.”

“Game Day: Iowa Football: The Greatest Games, Players, Coaches and Teams in the Glorious Tradition of Hawkeye Football” by Athlon Sports

Again, from the publisher: The names are oh-so-familiar to fans of college football: Nile Kinnick, Alex Karras, Chuck Long, Brad Banks, Tim Dwight, Ladell Betts and Drew Tate. Those names and countless others have given Iowa football an unmatched tradition and legacy of greatness. In this book, Athlon sports attempted to distill that tradition into words and pictures. A daunting task. Few programs inspire the loyalty and passion that Iowa football exacts from its fans, and with good reason.

“Bowls, Polls, and Tattered Souls: Tackling the Chaos and Controversy That Reign over College Football” by Stewart Mandel

This book tries to tackle the fanaticism and chaos that characterize college football today. Author Stewart Mandel takes a look at the hot-button issues: the controversial BCS; the polls and rankings; the recruiting craze; cheating and recent scandals; the huge pressures and salaries heaped on coaches; the Heisman hype-fest; the NFL draft; conference expansions; and the proliferation of bowl games. Get behind-the-scenes insights on how the issues evolved and why some are almost impossible to resolve.

The farmers’ markets, Devotay and Hawkeye football games are just a few of Sean Fredericks’ favorite things about living, working and playing in Iowa City. What are yours?

Iowa City Farmer’s Market – Twenty-five bucks will get you food for a week, directly from the people who grow it. Can’t beat that. I got a green pepper this year roughly the size of my head.
Devotay – A table in the winter by the frosted-over window, a bottle of wine, a table full of tapas… bliss. Equally as wonderful in the middle of the summer with a pitcher full of white sangria. The grilled zucchini is simple but outstanding.
Hawkeye Football Games – The way they whip the crowd into a frenzy before the game, with Herky staking the flag at the 50 yard line, the team running out on the field behind I-O-W-A flags, Metallica playing as a truck runs over the opposing team’s mascot on the screen… looking at it on paper it sounds contrived and a little cheesy, but when more than 70,000 people are going out of their minds all around you, it is truly an incomparable experience that never gets old.
Mission Creek Festival – Four nights in a row of great live music all over downtown IC at the beginning of April. A test of endurance. By Sunday morning I’m exahusted, but always looking forward to the next year. A great chance to try out a lot of different bands, and to maybe see & hear the “next big thing” just a few feet in front of you.
My Porch – Alright, this may be a cop-out, but it’s more about loving the IC neighborhood where I live. Sitting on the porch I see old houses, big trees, not a lot of traffic, and people walking kids & dogs. It’s very cool to have that kind of an environment just a few minutes away from downtown.

Wanna write your own list? E-mail hoopla@hooplanow.com