Iowa Hawkeyes
Iowa City, Iowa
Game day guideCollege Football event guide
Kinnick Afternoon Kickoff
Melrose Avenue tailgates start at sunrise. Get parked early and walk, because the streets near the stadium close well before kickoff.
Fan Field Guide Editorial Team / Editorial · Updated August 2026
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The basics
What this event actually is
When
Home Saturdays, September through November
Where
Kinnick Stadium, Iowa City, Iowa
Coverage
Conference network and national afternoon windows
Planning
How to plan the trip
The order that saves the most money and the most stress.
- Lock the date first. Kickoff windows move, dates rarely do.
- Book refundable lodging before buying tickets, because rooms sell out faster than seats.
- Compare seat locations, not just price. Shade, wind and aisle access matter more than a few rows.
- Confirm the venue bag policy and payment rules before you leave the hotel.
- Plan the exit. Rideshare pickup zones are usually several blocks from the gates.
The venue
Kinnick Stadium
Capacity 69,250Opened 1929Iowa City, Iowa
A compact bowl next to a children's hospital, where the whole stadium turns and waves at the end of the first quarter.
- Melrose Avenue tailgates start at sunrise for afternoon kickoffs.
- Hospital ramps are the most reliable paid parking if you arrive early.
Teams
Programs involved
Watching
If you are staying home
Conference network and national afternoon windows. Our conference viewing guide breaks down which package carries which window, including the streaming options that cover games not on national television.
How to watch guide