Are you ready for some football? Iowa’s “Super Bowl” when the ISU Cyclones take on the IA Hawkeyes is set for September 10, 2022 in Iowa City. No matter who’s playing, attending a college football game can be an exciting way to spend a Saturday afternoon with the family. If you’re headed to the big game, here are a few things to know about attending football games with kids at Kinnick Stadium.
For even more fall family fun, sign up for our Weekend Fun Guide to get posts like this delivered to your inbox, visit the Events Calendar and check out our Fall Fun Guide.
Here’s your kid friendly guide to attending a Iowa Hawkeye football game at Kinnick Stadium:
Tickets
EVERYONE entering Kinnick must have a ticket, this policy includes babies in arms. Ticket information can be found on the University of Iowa’s website. The ticket office at Kinnick Stadium opens three hours prior to the game through half time, and is located in the southeast corner near gate M.
Seats
When choosing your seats, think of what works best for your family. Kinnick offers long bench seating, so if you have an option, try to get seats that are closer to the end of the aisle, especially if you have wiggly kids who might need to visit the bathroom a few times. Family restrooms are on the south concourse, near sections 215 and 218. Nursing mamas can utilize the family restrooms or the First Aid Station, located on the south concourse, near section 212. Other restrooms are located throughout the concourse.
Dress the Part
Even if you didn’t go to the University of Iowa or Iowa State, embrace the colors for the game and dress your kiddos up! If you don’t have anything, there are plenty of stores at the stadium to grab a t-shirt, pom-pom, or even a tattoo. You’ll also want to be sure to dress the kiddos for the weather. Fall weather in Iowa can swing from the 70s and 80s at the start of the season to 30s in November. Be sure to dress accordingly!
Traffic & Parking
Traffic and parking can be a hassle for Iowa football games. Have a game plan, arrive early and know where you’re going to park. Drivers traveling into Iowa City from I-80 are encouraged to use alternative routes like Dodge Street (Exit 246) and Coral Ridge Avenue/Highway 6 (Exit 240).
Public Parking
FREE Public Parking is available with Shuttle Service in Lots 85, 55 & 71. Paid Public Parking is also available for $30 per car and can be found in Lots Myrtle Avenue, 3, 11, or 65 or Ramp 4. And please note, all day-of-game parking locations are now cashless. Credit cards will be the only accepted form of payment on game days. Additionally, parking can be found on neighboring streets, if you’re lucky. Be prepared for a hike and wear comfortable shoes to walk in. For parking assistance and maps, visit the Hawkeye Football Parking page.
Safety & Security
There are a number of items that are not allowed into Kinnick Stadium and with your kiddos in tow you will also want to have a few safety protocols in place. ONLY CLEAR BAGS (12” X 6” X 12”) are allowed into the stadium. Purses, handbags, backpacks and cinch bags will NOT be permitted. Find more information about the Clear Bag Policy here. You’ll also need to find an alternative to your stroller as they’re not allowed either. If your child is young or easily startled by noise, consider headphones, earplugs or cotton for their ears as 70,000 fans can get a little loud.
What can you bring?
A few suggestions to make your evening more comfortable – patrons with infants are allowed to bring diaper bags. All other fans are allowed one sealed plastic water bottle and food contained in a one-gallon clear plastic bag. You may also bring seat cushions, blankets and binoculars are fun for the kids to see things up close and can keep them busy if they start getting bored.
Food
If you’re not tailgating, there are several food trucks and other food vendors available outside the Stadium. If you’re looking to nosh during the game, 20 concession stands are located throughout the concourse of Kinnick Stadium and FREE Hydration stations are located at Section 102 and 120. All concession stands are now cashless. Only credit or debit cards will be accepted.
Enjoy the Pre-Game Atmosphere
Try to get to the Stadium a few hours before the game begins to enjoy all the festivities. If you know someone tailgating, stop on by or set up your own. Check out our fun tailgating with kids ideas here.
Krause Family Plaza
Families will want to be sure to check out the Kids Zone at the Krause Family Plaza outside Gate A. The Plaza is open to the general public prior to the game, until the Hawk Walk (two hours before kickoff). Following the Hawk Walk, Krause Family Plaza will be cleared of all fans. The plaza will then serve as an extension of Kinnick stadium, and a game ticket will be required in order to access the space.
Go Early for the Pre-Game Warm Up
Kids will think it’s fun to watch the team arrive at the Stadium and touch the statue of Nile Kinnick as they enter the arena. If your kiddos are true-blue football fans you’ll want to head to your seats early so, you can watch the players warming up and jam to the music. You’ll also be there in time to see the band come on the field (my favorite part;).
Teach your kids the songs, chants and cheers ahead of time!
Kids love being part of the excitement, chanting along with the crowd and learning all about your school’s beloved traditions. Be sure to teach them some cheers and the words to the fight song before heading to the big game.
Join the Junior Hawks Club
If you find you have a fan on your hands, you can enroll them in the Junior Hawks Kids Club. For $35, your kiddo will get a t-shirt, free admission to most varsity sports (excluding football), a quarterly newsletter, a birthday card and more. For kids ages 12 and below.
Kinnick Stadium
825 Evashevski Drive
Iowa City, IA
(319) 335-9327
Have you been to Kinnick Stadium with kids? If so, give us YOUR tips, in the Comments section below.
Many thanks to my friend Jody Lipcamon, an Iowa City resident, for helping me compile all of the insider info. and tracking down the photos for this post!
The featured photo is courtesy of the Mullens family.
