Iowa's Kinnick Stadium Named Best in Big Ten, Thanks to Hawkeye Wave
In a ranking that will please Hawkeye fans across the state, Kinnick Stadium has been named the top football venue in the Big Ten Conference. The honor comes not from its size or luxury suites, but from a tradition that has captured the hearts of the nation: the Hawkeye Wave.
Every home game, at the end of the first quarter, players, coaches, and fans turn to the University of Iowa Stead Family Children's Hospital and wave to the young patients watching from the windows. That simple act of kindness, according to the ranking, makes Kinnick Stadium the best in the conference.
The ranking, published by Yahoo Sports, placed Kinnick Stadium at number one out of 18 Big Ten venues. The author praised the Hawkeye Wave as 'as special as it gets' and said that taking time out of a football game to make sick kids feel special is what puts Iowa over the top.
What Makes Kinnick Stadium Special
Kinnick Stadium may not be the biggest stadium in the Big Ten. It ranks only tenth in capacity. But the author noted that the stands are just seven yards from the field, creating an intimate and loud environment. In a 2021 showdown between number four Penn State and number three Iowa, the Nittany Lions committed eight false start penalties. The noise was a factor.
The author also highlighted the passionate Iowa fan base. 'Iowans are nice people and they are avid supporters of the Hawkeyes,' the article stated. The combination of a tight, loud stadium and dedicated fans makes Kinnick a tough place for visiting teams.
How Other Big Ten Stadiums Ranked
The full ranking placed USC's Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum at number two, followed by Washington's Husky Stadium at number three. Ohio State's Ohio Stadium came in at number four, and Penn State's Beaver Stadium rounded out the top five.
At the bottom of the list, Northwestern's Ryan Field was ranked last because it is currently being rebuilt. Three stadiums named Memorial Stadium (Nebraska, Illinois, and Indiana) were grouped together for their lack of creative naming. Michigan State's Spartan Stadium came in at number 14, and Purdue's Ross-Ade Stadium at number 13.
Rutgers' SHI Stadium, the home of the author, was ranked number 11. The author admitted that might be too low, noting the Scarlet Walk, the 'First Game' statue, and the colonial cannon.
Why This Matters for Iowa
For Iowa fans, this ranking is a point of pride. It recognizes that a stadium's value is not just about size or flashy amenities. It is about community, tradition, and caring for others. The Hawkeye Wave has become a symbol of Iowa values: family, faith, and looking out for your neighbor.
The ranking also reinforces Iowa's place in the Big Ten. While the Hawkeyes may not always compete for national championships, they have one of the most respected and beloved home field advantages in college football. That is something worth celebrating.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Hawkeye Wave?
The Hawkeye Wave is a tradition at Iowa Hawkeyes football games. At the end of the first quarter, everyone in the stadium turns and waves to the patients at the University of Iowa Stead Family Children's Hospital, which overlooks the field. The tradition began in 2017.
Why was Kinnick Stadium ranked number one?
The ranking cited the Hawkeye Wave as the primary reason. The author said that taking time out of a game to make sick kids feel special is the best tradition in college football. The stadium's loud, intimate environment and passionate fans also contributed to the top ranking.
How does Kinnick Stadium compare in size to other Big Ten stadiums?
Kinnick Stadium is the tenth largest in the Big Ten, with a capacity of about 70,585. The largest is Michigan Stadium, which holds over 107,000. However, the ranking emphasized that size is not everything. The proximity of the stands to the field and the noise level make Kinnick a unique challenge for opponents.