Your checklist for football game days in Iowa City

make the most of your football weekend!

Doors to Kinnick Stadium open two hours before kickoff, and once you’re inside, you’re in for a Big Ten experience like no other.

When the Hawkeyes storm the field to the sound of AC/DC’s “Back in Black”, the roar of 70,000 fans fills the air, flags flying high, spelling out “I-O-W-A” with each score. It’s not just a game, it’s an event.

Sing along to the Iowa Fight Song, cheer until you’re hoarse, and join one of the most heartfelt traditions in college sports—The Iowa Wave. At the end of the first quarter, thousands of fans turn and wave to the kids watching from the windows of the Stead Family Children’s Hospital—a simple yet powerful gesture that brings chills every time.

What time does Iowa football play?

Here’s the full schedule with radio and TV channels with streaming links for the 2026 Iowa Hawkeyes football season. All times are central.

Saturday, September 5 | Iowa vs. Northern Illinois | 3:15 p.m. | Big Ten Network | FRYfest | Hall of Fame

Saturday, September 12 | Iowa vs. Iowa State | 6:30 p.m. | NBC | Iowa Corn Cy-Hawk Series

Saturday, September 19 | Iowa vs. Northern Iowa | 3 p.m. | FS1 | Family Weekend

Saturday, September 26 | Iowa @ Michigan | Time, TV, TBA

Saturday, October 3 | Iowa vs. Ohio State | Time, TV, TBA

Friday, October 9 | Iowa @ Washington | 8 p.m. | TV, TBA

Saturday, October 24 | Iowa @ Minnesota | Time, TV, TBA

Saturday, October 31 | Iowa vs. Wisconsin | Time, TV, TBA | Homecoming

Saturday, November 7 | Iowa @ Northwestern | Time, TV, TBA

Saturday, November 14 | Iowa vs. Purdue | Time, TV, TBA

Saturday, November 21 | Iowa @ Illinois | Time, TV, TBA

Friday, November 27 | Iowa vs. Nebraska | 11 a.m. | CBS | Senior Day

Where do you purchase tickets?

Tickets are only sold and issued by the UI Athletics Ticket Office and its authorized agents. Persons buying tickets from other entities do so at their own risk. Fans should use caution if buying tickets from unauthorized outlets and are strongly encouraged to use SeatGeek, the official fan to fan marketplace of Hawkeyes, for sold out events.

The UI Athletic Ticket Office is only able to service/support purchases made through that office, or on SeatGeek. Iowa Athletics reserves the right to cancel any ticket purchases, less fees, made for the purpose of resale without notification.

All tickets for University of Iowa athletic events are distributed electronically and should be downloaded to a smartphone device. If you do not have access to a smartphone, please contact the ticket office to make arrangements.

Questions?

Contact the Iowa Athletics Ticket Office at 1-800-IA-HAWKS or email [email protected].

When do tailgating lots open around Kinnick Stadium?

The energy is contagious as you make your way down Melrose Avenue, soaking in the sights, sounds, and smells of tailgating heaven. Set up your own spot, or just wander and join the party — lawn games, grills sizzling, and cold drinks flowing are all part of the pre-game ritual.

University of Iowa parking lots open six hours before kickoff (no earlier than 6:00 a.m.), so arrive early to claim your space!

Before heading into the stadium, don’t miss the iconic moment when the Iowa Football team steps off the buses and touches the bronze helmet next to the towering 20-foot Nile Kinnick statue as they enter the stadium—it’s a Hawkeye tradition that never fails to stir up excitement.

About an hour and fifteen minutes before kickoff, head over to the UI Recreation Building (just northwest of the stadium) to catch the Iowa Hawkeye Marching Band for a sneak peek of their pre-game performance.

What color do you wear for theme games?

September 5 game against Northern Illinois has been designated as a Gold Out, be bold, wear gold!

The ANF Black & Gold Spirit Game on October 3 is when Iowa hosts Ohio State and the stadium will be striped in sections. The University of Iowa student sections will wear all black.

Sections wearing black: 101, 103, 105, 107, 109, 111, 113, 115, 117, 119, 121, 122, 123, 125, 127, 129, 131, 134, 136, 139, 211, 213, 215, 217, 218, 219, 220 and 221.

Sections wearing gold: 102, 104, 106, 108, 110, 116, 124, 128, 130, 133, 135, 137, 139, 212, 214, 216, 331, 333, 335, 337, 339 and 341.

When the Hawkeyes host Wisconsin on October 31 for Homecoming all fans are encouraged to wear black.

What kinds of payment are accepted at concessions?

All concession stands are cashless. Only credit or debit cards will be accepted.

Twenty concession stands are located throughout the concourse of Kinnick Stadium.

FREE Hydration stations are located at Section 102 and 120.

How can you schedule an event at Kinnick Stadium?

Kinnick Stadium has a variety of unique spaces that are available to be reserved for weddings, events or photo opportunities.

Photo sessions are not available Friday–Sunday on home football game weekends. Rental requests for August–December open once the football schedule is released.