College football embodies so much more than just the matchups happening on the field of play. From tailgates to marching bands, the pageantry and community involvement are as much a part of the foundation as the field goal or the onside kick.
Traditions can often be a unifying tie between the action on the field and the fans who cheer on their teams off of it. One of the most unique and respected traditions that the sport has to offer is the Iowa Wave. Let’s delve into the details that make the Iowa Hawkeyes’ tradition such a special aspect of college football.
What Is the Iowa Wave?
Sometimes referred to as the “Kinnick Wave” or the official school designation of the “Hawkeye Wave,” the Iowa Wave is a rare blend of tradition and humanity that showcases the good that can come from the sport.
Started in 2017, the Iowa Wave is a relatively new tradition comparatively. While some schools have traditions that date back 100 years or more, the invention of the wave came about with the opening of a newer version of Stead Family Children’s Hospital.
The hospital sits close to Kinnick Stadium, and the 14-story hospital has a clear view of the stadium, especially from the 12th floor which has been nicknamed “The Press Box.” As the season approached, a post by Krista Young on the social media site Facebook suggested that fans in Kinnick Stadium take a minute to wave to the patients at the hospital as the Hawkeyes took on Wyoming in the home game.
The idea quickly went viral, and the plan was put in place that as the clock struck zero at the end of the first quarter, all 69,000+ fans would stand in unison and wave toward the 12th floor of the hospital. The execution was flawless and thus began one of the most beloved traditions in college football. Iowa also won the game by a score of 24-3.
Several elements have been folded into the tradition since the original idea sprouted in 2017. At first, the song “Wave on Wave” by country music singer Pat Green was chosen as the accompanying music, but after polling fans in 2022 to choose a new song, the school decided to turn the decision over to the children.
The “Kid Captain” was another tradition that started in 2009, well before the wave began, where a patient from the hospital was chosen to attend every game as a special guest in a partnership between the hospital and the athletic department. As a way of incorporating an already existing tradition into the Iowa Wave, as of 2022, each Kid Captain selects the song that accompanies the wave.
As the tradition has exploded in popularity, visiting teams and fans have joined in the celebration, providing a true unifying factor to add an even more special feel. Additionally, when the Hawkeyes play at night, fans turn on their cell phone lights as an additional way to signal the children and families standing by the floor-to-ceiling windows in The Press Box.
In addition to being one of the most refreshing and inspiring traditions in college football, the Iowa Wave has shed a positive light on the work done by the doctors, nurses, and employees of hospitals everywhere and has invited those around the world to donate to help fund more research and care for the children of Iowa and the surrounding areas that the hospital serves.
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