The Hawkeye Wave also known as the "Iowa Wave" and "Kinnick Wave" is a sports tradition from 2017, started by the Iowa Hawkeyes football team fans, at Kinnick Stadium. According to tradition at the end of the first quarter the fans, teams, coaches and staff turn towards the 12th floor of the nearby University of Iowa Children's Hospital, waving to the children and their families standing by the window.
History In 2017 the University of Iowa Stead Family Children’s Hospital was completed with its 12th floor window overlooking the Kinnick Stadium. One of the team’s fans, Krista Young, came up with the idea and posted it to the Hawkeye Heaven facebook fan page. The idea was promoted by the group maintainer both on the page and other online discussion boards. The idea was accepted by the university and game fans. The first time the wave was performed was during the 2017 college football season, quickly becoming a regular gesture during home games.
Description The Hawkeye wave takes place at the end of the first quarter, as stadium screen and announcement encourage everyone to take part. About 70,000 people in the stands and team players, coaches, officials and staff members then turn waving towards the hospital’s 12th floor window. There standing are children and their families standing in designated area viewing the gesture. From 2017 to 2022 as everyone is waving, stadium's PA system plays “Wave on Wave,” by Country music singer Pat Green. Since 2022 the Kid Captain at every home Hawkeye Football game, selects the song that will be heard during the Hawkeye wave.
Reception and significance The Hawkeye Wave claimed national praises from news networks, commentators, and fans as an example of sportsmanship and community engagement. Players and fans of opposite teams take part in this tradition, that has been described as a notable tradition of college football.
Rewards The Hawkeye wave tradition won the 2017 Disney's Wide World of Sports Spirit Award.
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