Iowa high school football's biggest stage is set, and fans across the state have several ways to catch every snap. The playoff semifinals run Wednesday, Nov. 12, through Saturday, Nov. 15, with all games played inside the UNI-Dome in Cedar Falls, according to Yahoo Sports.
Whether you are making the drive to Cedar Falls or watching from the living room, here is what you need to know before kickoff.
Where to Watch the Semifinals
The Iowa High School Athletic Association is making the games easy to find. Fans can check their local TV listings, stream the games through the IHSAA website, or watch on the IHSAA YouTube channel. The association said all 14 semifinal games will be available through free streaming and statewide over-the-air television coverage.
Regional broadcasters are carrying the games as well. KTIV in Sioux City said it will stream each day's games online and on its channel 4.7 Matrix Midwest.
Ticket Prices and How to Buy
Ticket packages are sold separately at $17 each, according to Yahoo Sports. Each package covers general admission for one day of games, so fans planning to attend multiple days will need to buy a package for each day.
Packages can be purchased in advance online, which is the best bet for families hoping to skip the line at the dome.
UNI-Dome Parking Is Included
Good news for fans on a budget: there is no extra charge to park. Public parking is available in all marked lots around the UNI-Dome, and the parking fee is already included in the price of each ticket, according to the IHSAA website.
That means one ticket covers both your seat and your spot in the lot, a small but welcome break for families hauling kids and coolers, well, maybe not coolers. More on that below.
Know the Bag Policy Before You Go
The UNI-Dome enforces a clear bag policy, and fans who show up with the wrong bag will be turned away at the gate. Here is what the IHSAA says is allowed:
- Clear bags made of plastic, vinyl or PVC, no larger than 12 x 6 x 12 inches.
- One-gallon resealable clear plastic storage bags.
- Small non-clear bags no larger than 4.5 x 6.5 inches.
- UNI-branded clear bags, available for purchase at the UNI Bookstore.
The list of prohibited bags is long: purses, backpacks, printed pattern plastic bags, tinted plastic bags, duffle bags, fanny packs, reusable grocery totes, mesh or straw bags, and large totes or cases for cameras and binoculars. An exception may be made for medically necessary items after inspection at the gate.
What You Cannot Bring Inside
Along with the bag rules, the IHSAA bans a long list of items from the venue:
- Alcohol
- Animals, except service animals
- Balloons and beach balls
- Coolers and ice chests
- Fireworks and explosives
- Outside food and beverages
- Noise makers
- Professional cameras with lenses 6 inches or longer
- Signs larger than 8.5 x 11 inches
- Video cameras and recording equipment
- Weapons
Fans looking for the full game day policies and procedures can find them on the IHSAA website.
Why the UNI-Dome Matters for Iowa Football
For four decades, the UNI-Dome has hosted the state semifinals and finals, giving players from towns of every size the chance to play on the same field where Northern Iowa's Panthers compete. For many small-town seniors, these games are the last time they will put on pads, and for the communities that pack the stands behind them, the trip to Cedar Falls is the highlight of the season.
It is also a boost for the Cedar Falls economy, as thousands of fans book hotel rooms, fill restaurants and shop locally during the four-day run.
Frequently Asked Questions
When are the Iowa high school football semifinals?
The semifinals begin Wednesday, Nov. 12, and conclude Saturday, Nov. 15, according to Yahoo Sports.
Where are the semifinals played?
All semifinal games are played at the UNI-Dome on the University of Northern Iowa campus in Cedar Falls.
How much do tickets cost?
Ticket packages cost $17 each and are sold separately for each day of games. Each package includes general admission for one day, and parking is included in the ticket price.
Can I stream the games for free?
Yes. The IHSAA said all 14 semifinal games will be available through free streaming on its website and YouTube channel, along with statewide over-the-air TV coverage.