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Student cheering at a football game

Hawks Nest

HAWKS NEST is the FREE Official Student Section of the Iowa Hawkeyes. We strive to be the most energetic and passionate students in the country while supporting our Division 1 athletic teams. Our goal is to bring excitement to fans and intimidation to opponents. We create a rowdy atmosphere while maintaining respect and sportsmanship. 

WHY YOU SHOULD JOIN HAWKS NEST

  • Access to exclusive Hawks Nest Events
  • A tour of Kinnick Stadium
  • Invitation to preseason winter sport event
  • Early entry to basketball games
  • FREE official Hawks Nest t-shirt
  • Keep up to date on all things Iowa Athletics with weekly newsletters

Sport Schedules

Traditions

Big Noon Kickoff football tailgate
Tailgate
Travel along Melrose Avenue to find the perfect turkey leg, Hawkeye Swag and maybe your new best friend. Afterward, come hangout at the Official Hawkeye Tailgate located on the south side of Kinnick Stadium in the Krause Family Plaza and opens to all fans 3-hours prior to kickoff.
Iowa Football Swarm
SWARM

In a tradition started by former Iowa Football Head Coach Hayden Fry, players interlock arms and take the field as a team. The fans turn into a frenzy as AC/DC's Back In Black blares.

Iowa Football Black & Gold Stripe Game
Kickoff
Prior to the opening kickoff, students remove their keys, shoes, or whatever else they can think of and raise them in the air, violently shaking them.
Iowa students wave to the children's hospital during the Hawkeye Wave
The Wave

At the end of the first quarter, fans and players turn and wave to the patients of the Unviersity of Iowa Stead Family Children's Hospital. This is pegged annually as one of the best traditions in college football.

Students cheer at an Iowa Basketball game
Burrito Lift

Every football, women's basketball and men's basketball game fans can be found pumping their hands in the air for a chance to be featured on the videoboard during the Pancheros burrito lift. The most dedicated fans will even hoist their friends in the air to act as the burrito. 

I-O-W-A flags at Kinnick Stadium
I-O-W-A
Following every score, each corner of the stadium participates in the I-O-W-A chat where each section is challenged to yell their letter louder than the rest. The chant starts in the student section with "I" and continues around the stadium, often lasting through the start of the next play.
The Hawkeye Marching Band performing at a football game
Hawkeye Marching Band
The Hawkeye Marching Band puts on a pre-game concert one hour and 15-minutes prior to each game. The concert is free to all fans and takes place at the Recreation Building (indoor track). About 20-minutes before kickoff, the Hawkeye Marching Band takes the field for their pre-game performance and again at halftime.
Student hold up fat heads at an Iowa Basketball game
Free Throw Distractions

During the second half of men's and women's basketball games students are tasked with distracting the opponent from making shots at the free throw line. Fat heads and dizzy spinners are given to students to help with distracting the opponents. 

Iowa Dance team dances to the victory polka after a Hawkeye win
Hawkeye Victory Polka

After each victorious outcome at an Iowa Athletics sporting event, the marching band, pep band or DJ plays their rendition of 'In Heaven There is No Beer' as fans sing along joyously.

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FAQ

Football: Sections 117, 119, 121, 122, 123, 219, 220, 221

Men's Basketball: Sections K, J, G, F, E Rows 1-9; Sections I, H, G above the Iowa Pep Band

Women's Basketball: Sections I and G Rows 1-9; Section I, H, G above the Iowa Pep Band

Men's Wrestling: Sections I, H, G Rows 1-30; Section F and J Rows 1-20

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Courtside seating is available at men's and women's basketball games for the rowdiest fans!

Football, men's basketball, women's basketball and men's wrestling all require students to purchase a ticket. 

All other sporting events are free to attend for students but may require you to claim a ticket through the student ticket portal.

Football season tickets go on sale in the spring for returning students and in the summer for incoming students. Specific on sale dates will be available soon!

Basketball and men's wrestling tickets will go on sale in the fall. 

Follow Hawks Nest on social media to keep informed on student ticket on sale dates.

Some games may have general admission tickets available to students at a later date. Keep your eye on the student ticket portal for these extra tickets.

Student tickets are dispersed in mid to late August through the email provided during checkout, not immediately following your transaction. If you still need assistance please call 1-800-IA-Hawks or email Tickets@HawkeyeSports.com.

Football - 90 minutes prior to kickoff | Gate B

Basketball - 90 minutes prior to tipoff | South Entrance

Wrestling - 90 minutes prior to meet time | All Entrances

The Iowa Athletic Department has implemented many security measures for fan safety. The list of approved items includes the following: Bags that are clear plastic and do not exceed 12″ x 6″ x 12″, Clutch bags that do not exceed 4.5″ x 6.5", Factory-sealed water bottles or empty refillable bottles, Blankets and seat cushions, and Food items that are in a clear storage bag.