Iowa Hawkeyes

Cletusfest Gameday Information

Location: Columbus, Ohio
Stadium/Theme: Ohio Stadium (Hall of Fame - GREY OUT)
Date/Time: October 5; 3:30pm
TV: CBS-National
Meal/Theme: TBA

RSVP for the Tailgate

School Details:

Team Site
Travel and Lodging
Gameday (incl. Parking) Info
Weather
Tickets

Fan Websites:

Hawk Fans
Black Heart/Gold Pants
Hawkeye Links

Big Ten School Review

The co-founders of CletusFest have attended football games at every Big Ten Stadium. Although each school visit includes great memories, we thought it would be helpful for Buckeye fans to know what they were getting themselves into when considering a Big Ten road trip. Our Rating is based on a Five Point Scale (5 being best):

Overall Rating: *

Memorial Stadium

There's not much to say about Memorial Stadium. The fans don't make noise, the structure is quite forgettable, and the opposing fans usually bring more noise than the locals. The only good item here is you can leave at halftime, enjoy yourself at the tailgate and return in time for the 2nd half.

Fans

We think most of them got lost on the way to the campus. Pretty lame.

Tailgating/Parking

There are parking lots down the hill from the stadium. There is no rush to arrive, as there is plenty of parking.

Nightlife/City Atmosphere

I wish there could be something to rave about, but we would recommend driving to Indianapolis for entertainment.

View From the Other Side

Cletusfest has polled Iowa Alumni about their city, and here are their thoughts on what you should check out in Iowa City:

What are the Top 5 Restaurants?

Two words answer this question: Pedestrian Mall. The Ped Mall is at the heart of Iowa City on the east side of the river and the primary action point any non-game night or following the game. There are numerous restaurants, bars, intermixed by a very few retail shops. This is adjacent to the University of Iowa Main Campus and home of the Old Capitol Dome which has been painstakingly replicated after a devastating fire a few years ago( a must see from the pentacrest at night).

What Landmarks / Important Things Should a Visitor check out around town or on campus?

Kinnick stadium is just been remodeled over the last 2 years. Brand new south endzone seats, walk areas and bathrooms, Press Box etccc. There is a new stature of Nile Kinnick this year outside the entrance and a second to be added in '07.

Name the Top Hotels to Stay

Sheraton
Hotel Vitro
Heartland Inn (Coralville Strip)

What is the Best Bar for Alumni?

Joes Place (Iowa Avenue) - Lots of nostalgic photos on the wall of sports events

What is the Best Bar for Visiting Fans?

What is the Best Bar for Getting Your Drink On?

It's hard to pick just one. Recommendations include: Brothers Bar, 3rd Base, Mickeys (good food), and the Sports Column (a favorite of Lanton and Brian from their last visit).

What are the best Game Day Traditions?

Tailgate, just soak up the atmosphere around the stadium and downtown

Where should a Visitor Park on Game Day?

Parking is at a premium arrive early and you can often grab a parking space in a yard are adjacent to the stadium or on the Finkbine Golf Course. If you want to try a different approach there is a large mall on the west side of Coralville and the Hawkeye express train runs for a few hours before the game until a few hours after the game. Ride a train in for a retro feel plenty of parking in this area. If you park downtown there are a number of parking ramps and its only a 15 minute walk to the stadium or catch the Campus bus or city bus if you dont want to walk.

Where should a Visitor go to Tailgate?

On Game day the place to be is Melrose Avenue, on the west side of the River. 10-15 minute walk from downtown. This runs right by the south end of the stadium and there are tons of tailgaiting and on street vendors around the stadium. A must is to visit the Magic Bus. A large keg party around an old school bus with live guest bands, and often drunken debautchery (sp?). Just stand on Melrose by the stadium and listen for the yelling.