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John Deere logo is painted on the 25-yard line at Kinnick Stadium.John Deere logo is painted on the 25-yard line at Kinnick Stadium.

UI Athletics Department Extends Relationship with John Deere, Adds Logo to Duke Slater Field

The University of Iowa Athletics Department is proud to announce the extension of its valued relationship with John Deere through the 2026 season.

IOWA CITY, Iowa -- The University of Iowa Athletics Department is proud to announce the extension of its valued relationship with John Deere through the 2026 season. This continued collaboration between two iconic Iowa brands reflects a shared commitment to excellence, innovation, and community engagement.

As part of the expanded agreement, facilitated through the Athletics Department’s relationship with Learfield’s Hawkeye Sports Properties, the John Deere logo will be added to Duke Slater Field at Kinnick Stadium. This addition further symbolizes the strong connection between Iowa Athletics and one of the state’s most respected companies.

“We are incredibly grateful for John Deere’s continued support of the University of Iowa and our athletics program. This partnership brings together two national brands with deep roots in the state of Iowa. We are excited to build on that momentum and look forward to a long-term relationship.”

Beth Goetz, the Henry B. and Patricia B. Tippie Director of Athletics Chair.

John Deere’s support goes beyond athletics, extending to academic initiatives and programs at the University of Iowa. The company has contributed to scholarships, internships, and research opportunities that empower students and foster innovation. By investing in academic excellence, John Deere helps prepare the next generation of leaders, engineers, and professionals across many fields.

"We are thrilled to continue our relationship with University of Iowa Athletics,” said Mara Downing, John Deere’s Vice President of Global Brand and Communications. “With factories and facilities located across the state, this collaboration allows us to celebrate our Iowa roots and acknowledge our dedicated employees, dealers and valued customers—those in the farming and construction industries who we all rely on every day."

"We are excited to highlight an iconic brand that is the perfect fit for Iowa Athletics and proudly display the John Deere logo on the field at home football games and other events at Kinnick Stadium," said Gabe Aguirre, Vice President and General Manager of Hawkeye Sports Properties.

Hawkeye Sports Properties, the locally based team of Learfield – the media and technology company powering college athletics – is the exclusive multimedia rights holder for Iowa Athletics and oversees all sponsorship agreements on behalf of the Hawkeyes.

This announcement comes ahead of Saturday’s home football game against Minnesota, where fans will see the new field branding.