The Iowa vs Iowa State football game, known as the Cy-Hawk game, is one of the biggest rivalries in college football. With over 70,000 fans attending the game, parking can be a challenge. Here is a guide to the various parking options for the Iowa Iowa State game in Iowa City.
Public Parking Near Kinnick Stadium
Kinnick Stadium, the home of the Iowa Hawkeyes, seats around 70,000 people. While there are some parking lots right by the stadium, these fill up fast with season ticket holders and donors. Here are some of the public parking areas within reasonable walking distance of Kinnick Stadium:
- North Campus Ramp – 1000 North Dubuque Street. This 4 level ramp has 400+ spaces and charges $20 per vehicle.
- IMU Ramp – 125 North Madison Street. This university ramp has 500 spaces and charges $20 per vehicle.
- Newton Road Parking – Along Newton Road near Kinnick Stadium. Metered parking is available along Newton Road on game days for $3 per hour.
These ramps and metered street parking are about a 10-15 minute walk to Kinnick Stadium. Arrive early, as they fill up fast.
Downtown Iowa City Parking for Cy-Hawk Game
In addition to parking near Kinnick Stadium, there are over 5 parking ramps available in downtown Iowa City. These include:
- Capitol Street Ramp – 125 South Capitol Street. 400+ spaces, charges $15 for events.
- Dubuque Street Ramp – 220 South Dubuque Street. 300+ spaces, charges $20 for events.
- Court Street Ramp – 125 South Court Street. 300+ spaces, charges $20 for events.
- Linn Street Parking Ramp – 310 East College Street. 300+ spaces, charges $15 for events.
- Gilbert Street Ramp – 10 South Gilbert Street. 300+ spaces, charges $15 for events.
Parking in these downtown ramps is about a 20-30 minute walk to Kinnick Stadium, 1.5 miles away. Shuttle services are available from some lots for $5 round trip. Allow extra time as the walk can take 30+ minutes due to crowds.
Park and Ride Options for Cy-Hawk Football Game
To avoid the traffic congestion right by Kinnick Stadium, several park and ride options are available from outlying areas. These include:
- Coralville: Free parking at the Coralville 4th Fest lot with shuttle service starting 4 hours before kickoff, dropping off at Kinnick Stadium. Shuttle is $5 roundtrip.
- North Liberty: Free parking available at various ramps and lots. Shuttle service starts 4 hours before kickoff, $5 roundtrip fare to Kinnick.
- Iowa City West: Veterans Memorial Stadium offers parking and shuttle service on game days, starting 5 hours before kickoff. $10 roundtrip fare, drops off at Kinnick Stadium.
- Iowa City Mall: Free parking at Sycamore Mall with shuttle running to Kinnick Stadium, cost is $5 roundtrip.
These park and ride options can save time and headaches trying to park right by Kinnick Stadium in the thick of the pre-game crowds.
University of Iowa Campus Parking for Cy-Hawk Game
Parking on the University of Iowa campus is very restricted on Iowa football game days. However, some options include:
- Hancher Auditorium Parking: About 1 mile from Kinnick Stadium. Charges $20 per vehicle on game days.
- University Capitol Centre: 10 minute walk to Kinnick Stadium. Charges $20 per vehicle for event parking.
- Parklawn: Gravel parking lot about 1 mile from stadium. Charges $10 per car, cash only.
Note that the majority of campus parking is restricted or not available on football game days, including residence hall lots. Arrive early as these university lots fill quickly.
Iowa City Residential Area Parking
While public parking in residential areas fills up fast, some options include:
- Neighborhoods north of Kinnick Stadium, near Governor Street, Rochester Avenue, and Sandusky Drive. Many homeowners charge $10-20 to park in their driveway or yard. Look for signage.
- Streets southwest of Kinnick Stadium. While public parking is not allowed on game days, some homeowners will allow parking for a fee.
- Areas across the river from Kinnick Stadium. Neighborhoods near Rocky Shore drive have parking, but add up to 30 minutes of walking.
When parking in neighborhoods, please be respectful of resident property and parking signs. Much of the area adjacent to Kinnick Stadium is permit parking only on game days.
RV Parking for Iowa Home Football Games
Recreational vehicles and campers require special arrangements for Iowa Hawkeye football games. Here are some of the best options for RV parking:
- Coralville Lake: Sites at this campground 13 miles from Kinnick Stadium. Fee is $30-40 per night depending on amenities.
- North Liberty Campground: RV parking available 7 miles from the stadium.Fee is $40 per night.
- Terry Trueblood Recreation Area: Campsites 3.5 miles from Kinnick Stadium. Fee is $20 per night.
- Private RV lots: Some homeowners allow RV parking in fields near the stadium for a fee. Check Craigslist ads.
Note that RV parking is not permitted at any University of Iowa lots. Allow extra time when arriving and departing due to local traffic near the stadium.
Accessible Parking and Shuttle for Iowa Football Games
Accessible parking and shuttle service is available for fans needing special accommodations:
- Designated accessible parking spots are located in the North Campus and IMU parking ramps near Kinnick Stadium.
- An accessible shuttle runs from those ramps to the Kinnick Stadium gate 2 hours before kickoff.
- Disabled placards or plates are required to use the accessible parking and shuttle service.
Plan to arrive early, as accessible parking spots and shuttle capacity is limited. Contact the Iowa Athletics department for more details on handicap parking and shuttle routes.
Tips for Parking at the Iowa vs Iowa State Game
Here are some key tips to keep in mind when parking for the big Iowa vs Iowa State football game:
- Arrive early! Parking lots open 4-5 hours before kickoff.
- Consider park and ride options to avoid traffic near the stadium.
- Downtown ramps generally have more availability than campus lots.
- Watch for restricted parking zones near Kinnick Stadium.
- Carpool with other fans to share parking costs.
- Consider RV parks or campgrounds outside Iowa City if bringing a large vehicle.
- Prepay for parking when possible to speed entry to lots.
Planning ahead takes the stress out of parking for the huge crowds at the Iowa State game. With thousands of fans converging on Kinnick Stadium, give yourself plenty of extra time and be aware of all parking options near and far from the stadium.
Conclusion
Parking for the major rivalry game between Iowa and Iowa State requires more planning and preparation than a typical home game. Public parking ramps fill up hours before kickoff, and neighborhood parking is extremely limited near Kinnick Stadium. Arriving early and considering remote park and ride lots can make for a much smoother experience getting to the big game. WithOverflow crowds, restrictions on RV and tailgate areas, and heavy traffic anticipated, fans are advised to check all parking and transportation options in advance. That inside knowledge of where to park for the CyHawk showdown can save hours of frustration and ensure you’re in your seat ready to cheer on the Hawkeyes.