In ten long days, Iowa Hawkeye football returns to beloved Kinnick Stadium. Where does Kinnick’s atmosphere rank according to Kirk Herbstreit?
If you’re like me, you are counting down the days until Iowa Hawkeye football begins. September first cannot come soon enough–there is truly nothing like spending a beautiful day watching the black and gold at Kinnick Stadium.
As we prepare for the 2018 college football season, many major analysts are providing their opinions on who the top players are, handing out superlative awards, and creating general content to get us fans excited. Kirk Herbstreit is no different. Yesterday evening, Kirk provided his top five for a variety of content, and Iowa found itself on the list.
Despite the high quality talent that exists on the roster, Iowa didn’t make this list for its players. No, it made the list because the atmosphere at Kinnick is truly one of a kind.
If you have ever been to the game, it’s hard to argue with that notion. Historic Kinnick Stadium is just one component. The incredible students, alumni, and other fans know how to make their presence known to opposing teams.
This atmosphere provides quite the competitive advantage to the football team. Last season, for example, the Hawks went 6-2 at home including a win over highly ranked Ohio State and a last second loss to highly ranked Penn State. On the road, Iowa went 2-3.
Where did Kirk rank Kinnick Stadium?
Needless to say to any Hawks fan, but Kinnick Stadium rocks. Kirk agrees. The Iowa Hawkeyes stadium atmosphere is the fifth ranked college atmosphere in the nation.
In terms of the Big Ten, Iowa was the second best atmosphere in the Big Ten behind only Penn State. That means, Kirk believes (and I do too) that Wisconsin and their “Jump Around” tradition, Michigan’s huge stadium, and Ohio State’s “Horseshoe” are no match for Iowa City.
The other stadium atmospheres on this list include Clemson’s Death Valley, Husky Stadium at Washington, and LSU’s Death Valley (at night). Although, it’s just one analyst’s opinion, he is not alone. Often, Kinnick Stadium is billed as one of the best stadiums to play.
There is nothing quite like ACDC’s Back In Black playing as the beautifully crisp black and gold uniforms run on to the field or the jets flying over right before kickoff. The “I” – “O” – “W” – “A” chant after touchdowns or one of the best new traditions in all of sports, The Wave. Iowa fans make the experience special and the atmosphere fantastic.
Keep it up Hawkeye fans and keep making Kinnick Stadium rock.