Fans Of The Hawkeyes Should Be Among Fandom 250

With the release of the FanSided Fandom 250 five Big ten fan bases were listed. All have noted reputations nationally for their passion and enthusiasm for their respective teams. One glaring omission on the list was the absence of the Iowa Hawkeye fans.

It goes without saying that Iowa fans have been perhaps the most talked about, and celebrated for the inaugural season of the Iowa ‘Wave’. It was an organic tradition of waving to the young patients and families of the UI Stead Family Children’s Hospital that overlooks Kinnick Stadium.

The wave has captured the hearts of not only college football fans, but millions more who find the small, but touching act to be a beautiful gesture by the Hawkeye faithful.

The Hawkeye fans are always among the best in the country when it comes to their teams. With the fans nearly on top of the opposing teams on the sideline, or the loud frenzy from the black & gold on a big third down, Kinnick Stadium’s reputation precedes itself. That’s not even mentioning the pink locker rooms that have long been apart of Kinnick lore.

Other traditions make the gameday experience one of the best in the country. Rubbing the Nile Kinnick statues helmet before entering the stadium, tailgating all morning on Melrose and ‘pumping up’ the Pancheros burrito are just a few of the things to do for the fans. When Kinnick Stadium is full it becomes the 6th largest city in terms of population in the state at around 70,000.

Iowa fans love their Hawkeyes in ways that few fan bases can relate to. With no professional teams in the state, the pilgrimages to Iowa City on game days take on even more significance. Noted Iowa fans include Tom Brokaw, Tom Arnold, Ashton Kutcher and 2-time major winner Zach Johnson.

Hawkeye fans are a proud group all over, and if wearing the Tiger Hawk, you will always hear a ‘Go Hawks’ from someone.