Game day experience with family questions

[dagdaj]

So, going to a game for the first time in decades. The stadium holds near enough 10k more than it used since I last went, and I never went with a couple kids age grade school through high school.

We'd like to tailgate, but I also never dealt with a car and just walked to the game when I was in school.

I do have some slightly more than acquaintances who tailgate I could hookup with, but I don't know if that would work with the kids or not.

I know there's some organized tailgates, we looked at the one that included tickets and then decided not to. Are there any organized ones that you can just pay to get into that would have food and drink?

The other option we're considering is the train. That didn't exist either when I went there. I know there's good info on it. Just not sure if I'd want to miss out on at least wandering around for a little bit while people are tailgating. I gather it doesn't leave a lot of time for that.

The oldest high schooler has a friend who's a freshman. They have plans. I'll probably drop him off on campus and let him get there with his friend.


Edit: Krause Plaza? Sounds like it's organized by the Athletic department. Some random stuff going on. Kids activities. Autographs. The team walks by on the way. "Select food vendors". Sounds like long lines to me. Anyone do this?

Or the marching band pregame show?

 

[okeefe4prez]

You're gonna need to define tailgating. Do you mean drink as many beers as possible in a 4 hour period before the game or do you mean have a Diet Pepsi and bratwurst before the game?

 

[hawkdrummer1]

So, going to a game for the first time in decades. The stadium holds near enough 10k more than it used since I last went, and I never went with a couple kids age grade school through high school.

We'd like to tailgate, but I also never dealt with a car and just walked to the game when I was in school.

I do have some slightly more than acquaintances who tailgate I could hookup with, but I don't know if that would work with the kids or not.

I know there's some organized tailgates, we looked at the one that included tickets and then decided not to. Are there any organized ones that you can just pay to get into that would have food and drink?

The other option we're considering is the train. That didn't exist either when I went there. I know there's good info on it. Just not sure if I'd want to miss out on at least wandering around for a little bit while people are tailgating. I gather it doesn't leave a lot of time for that.

The oldest high schooler has a friend who's a freshman. They have plans. I'll probably drop him off on campus and let him get there with his friend.


Edit: Krause Plaza? Sounds like it's organized by the Athletic department. Some random stuff going on. Kids activities. Autographs. The team walks by on the way. "Select food vendors". Sounds like long lines to me. Anyone do this?

Or the marching band pregame show?

Hang around Kraus plaza a little over 2 hours before game time. Kids will get to see the Hawks walk in off the bus. Food up and down Melrose...not so much on Krause Family plaza.

The train is a fun ride in and coming up the stairs to see Kinnick looming in front of you is cool. But after the game is the down side. Lots of people waiting.

 

[WinOneThisCentury]

You're gonna need to define tailgating. Do you mean drink as many beers as possible in a 4 hour period before the game or do you mean have a Diet Pepsi and bratwurst before the game?

Actually further clarification is required. Do you prefer a bong, one hitter, or joints?

 

[Ree4]

So, going to a game for the first time in decades. The stadium holds near enough 10k more than it used since I last went, and I never went with a couple kids age grade school through high school.

We'd like to tailgate, but I also never dealt with a car and just walked to the game when I was in school.

I do have some slightly more than acquaintances who tailgate I could hookup with, but I don't know if that would work with the kids or not.

I know there's some organized tailgates, we looked at the one that included tickets and then decided not to. Are there any organized ones that you can just pay to get into that would have food and drink?

The other option we're considering is the train. That didn't exist either when I went there. I know there's good info on it. Just not sure if I'd want to miss out on at least wandering around for a little bit while people are tailgating. I gather it doesn't leave a lot of time for that.

The oldest high schooler has a friend who's a freshman. They have plans. I'll probably drop him off on campus and let him get there with his friend.


Edit: Krause Plaza? Sounds like it's organized by the Athletic department. Some random stuff going on. Kids activities. Autographs. The team walks by on the way. "Select food vendors". Sounds like long lines to me. Anyone do this?

Or the marching band pregame show?

Here's a good read if you're trying to figure things out: BHGP

More Info: PC

 

[Ree4]

Another

 

[uihawk82]

Even before we had kids when we were UI students and living around Iowa City we loved to go watch the band do their warm up performance at the west end of the old fieldhouse. Not sure where they warm up now if they do but I think they still do. That would be a good experience especially if your kids play instruments, like music, etc.

Yes, otherwise the Krauss plaza and also doing a slow walk around kinnick to soak up the atmosphere. The gates open 90 minutes before game time so plenty of time to go in, watch the team warm up, listen to the music blare loud on the speakers, etc

 

[dagdaj]

Perfect. Let me redefine "tailgating". I would love to have a beer or 3. But I can live without it. Food, though.

So, there's semi-organized vendors or food trucks or something along Melrose? Or just people selling out of their grills trying to make a buck, or what? Like not too bad in terms of lines and stuff.

If there's enough there foodwise, I think the plaza might be our play. I could stop by my acquaintances and have a beer or two with them and then get to the plaza.

 

[mopkins]

Your kids might like the train, its kind of cool I guess. Its free for children 12 and under. I believe it now starts up 3 hours prior to kickoff so there would be plenty of time to walk around.

 

[MelroseHawkins]

Is the Magic Bus still around? If is, I recommend you finding that and taking your family there!

 

[dagdaj]

Is the Magic Bus still around? If is, I recommend you finding that and taking your family there!

I am well familiar with the Magic Bus. I even had a "Free The Magic Bus" t-shirt when it got impounded.
That'll tell ya the era I last went to a football game.

 

[MelroseHawkins]

I am well familiar with the Magic Bus. I even had a "Free The Magic Bus" t-shirt when it got impounded.
That'll tell ya the era I last went to a football game.

I guess you're on to me. Good luck with attending the game with your family and have a terrific time.

 

[Caven]

Marching band does there pre-game pep rally show starting around 80-90 minutes before the game in the rec building.

 

[PilotHawk]

In response to your edit, lines actually aren't that bad in Krause Plaza. For younger kids it certainly should be a good time. I've hung out down there a couple times and done the activities and it should be a good experience.

If you kids are anything like I was you definitely want to do the train. I loved trains. Other kids loved trains. There is a train. For an adult it's cool walking up the steps right into Kinnicks parking lot. Depending on how early you take the train over there should be plenty of time to take in the sights and sounds around Kinnick.

The BHGP article that got posted is a really good starters guide for the tailgates. If you are looking for food I usually end up walking down Melrose near the stadium and then head back to the tailgate for some food. Though there are apparel shops on that south side of Melrose to check out as well.

If you don't have a tailgate and are still looking for food, I'd recommend the Vine on the Coralville strip, or I would recommend heading downtown for food. Both are a bit of a slog but are makeable. If you are worried about the walk Cambus has a free shuttle that'll take you Downtown that you can get on at the VA Loop (Near Hardin Library on Newton Road, close to Carver). If it's been a while I'd recommend poking your head down around Campus and downtown, just for old-time's sake.

If you go downtown just try to avoid the college bars lol. I go to Iowa right now and even I don't like the college bars.

Honestly though, if you remotely know of anyone who could possibly be tailgating, even if it's an old acquaintance you haven't talked to in a while, I'd hit them up and see if they would let you tailgate with them. People who tailgate are generally loose with their food and drinks. I wouldn't be surprised if someone offered to let you tailgate with them later in this thread. Honestly I'd do that if I knew the people I tailgate with just a touch better.

 

[Fryowa]

Hang around Kraus plaza a little over 2 hours before game time. Kids will get to see the Hawks walk in off the bus. Food up and down Melrose...not so much on Krause Family plaza.

The train is a fun ride in and coming up the stairs to see Kinnick looming in front of you is cool. But after the game is the down side. Lots of people waiting.

From the time you leave the stadium until you're on the road out of town, I actually find it a wash when taking the train. It might feel longer, but it's normally the same or even a little shorter. I've taken the train to two games a year since 2012 when my son started going with me.