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Iowa Wave returns with first 2022 edition of the best tradition in college football

Ginny Boulton

By Ginny Boulton

Published:

It’s one of the most inspiring and emotional traditions in college football, and it happened for the first time of the season on Saturday.

At the end of the first quarter of each Iowa football home game, Iowa fans and players turn and face away from the field, and wave to the University of Iowa Stead Family Children’s Hospital. Part of the hospital’s top floor, built in 2017, overlooks Kinnick Stadium.

Patients and their families can gather and watch the Hawkeyes play below, and can wave back to their favorite players.

The wave made its debut in 2017 when Iowa’s announcer requested all 70,000 fans turn to the hospital and give a wave. The idea was actually born on social media, where an Iowa fan suggested the team do something to cheer up the sick children in the hospital. Since then, it’s become a B1G and NCAA tradition, one loved by fans everywhere.

Now known as the “Iowa Wave”, it’s something fans across all conferences can look forward to, in addition to great football.

Ginny Boulton