52
IOWA VS. IOWA STATE WRESTLING MEET AT IOWA
Where?
Carver-Hawkeye Arena
Iowa City, IA 52242-1020
When?
During college wrestling season, between November and February.
Significance:
Between Iowa City, home of the University of Iowa, and Ames-based Iowa State University lies 137 miles. Yet, 137 miles is not a safe enough distance for the warring factions that compose the two schools’ wrestling programs. With crowds surpassing 15,000 in 1983, 1986, and 1992, Iowa college wrestling remains immensely popular, particularly when Iowa faces Iowa State. The rivalry seems to intensify with every passing year, even though Iowa has dominated the series with its in-state rival. In 2006, interest in the annual meeting peaked when Tom Brands became coach of Iowa and Cael Sanderson was announced as the head of Iowa State’s wrestling program. It only added fuel to an already blazing fire. The jawing continues. The accusations of various wrongdoings and unsportsmanlike conduct fly to and fro. While the drama may resemble pro wrestling, watching Iowa battle Iowa State is not just a casual pastime. The event where these two schools meet can become very personal.
Who attends?
Iowa college wrestling is truly a way of life and the annual Iowa vs. Iowa State tête-àtête attracts students and alumni of both colleges and college wrestling fans from throughout the state.
Tickets:
For primary ticket access information, consider:
University of Iowa
For secondary ticket access, consider:
GoTickets, Inc.
2345 Waukegan Road, Suite 140
Bannockburn, IL 60015-1552
Toll-Free: 1-800-775-1617
Fax: (919) 481-9101
E-mail: sales@gotickets.com
www.gotickets.comAccommodations:
Heartland Inn
87 2nd Street
Coralville, Iowa 52241
Phone: (319) 351-8132
Fax: (319) 351-2916
Toll-Free: 1-800-334-3277
www.heartlandinns.comNote: Best value for your money. Smoke-free rooms with “heartland” hospitality.
Holiday Inn Conference Center, Iowa City
1220 1st Avenue
Coralville, IA 52241
Phone: (319) 351-5049
Fax: (319) 354-4214
Toll-Free: 1-800-315-2605
www.ichotelsgroup.com Note: Located just about two miles away from all the action, this hotel is considered home of the University of Iowa’s Hawkeyes.
Coralville Marriott Hotel and Conference Center
300 East 9th Street
Coralville, IA 52241
Phone: (319) 688-4000
Toll-Free: 1-800-228-9210
www.marriott.comNote: Luxury accommodations located along the Iowa River.
Sheraton Iowa City
210 South Dubuque Street
Iowa City, IA 52240
Phone: (319) 337-4058
Fax: (319) 337-9045
Toll-Free: 1-800-325-3535
www.starwoodhotels.comNote: Near city attractions and sidewalk cafés. 234 guest rooms are 100 percent smoke free.
On-Site Hospitality:
While there is currently no onsite hospitality, new renovations to the arena are under discussion to enhance the experience for anyone visiting. For updates, visit
www.hawkeyesports.com.
Travel Packages:
If you are going to travel to this event, I would recommend using a reliable company to work with you on making the necessary arrangements. The suppliers listed in this book have solid references and are by far the most trusted in the business. Below are some of the organizations to try for this Top 100 Must See Sporting Event.
Premiere Corporate Events
14 Penn Plaza, Suite 925
New York, NY 10122
Phone: (212) 695-9480
Fax: (212) 564-8098
Toll-Free: 1-877-621-5243
E-mail: requests@tseworld.com
www.tseworld.comwww.pcevents.comPremiere Sports Travel
201 Shannon Oaks Circle, Suite 205
Cary, NC 27511
Phone: (919) 481-9511
Fax: (919) 481-1337
Toll-Free: 1-800-924-9993
E-mail: sales@sportstravel.com
www.sportstravel.comDining:
The Vine Tavern
529 South Gilbert Street
Iowa City, IA
Phone: (319) 354-8767
www.azeats.com/vinetavernNote: A common haunt for college wrestling fans before and after the meet.The Wig and Pen Pub
Note: They serve what is considered to be the best pizza in town.
Josephs Steak House
212 South Clinton Street
Iowa City, IA 52240
Phone: (319) 358-0776
Fax: (319) 358-0810
www.josephssteak.comNote: Highest quality steaks and seafood. They only serve vegetarian organically fed Angus beef and free-range natural chickens.
Airport:
Iowa City Municipal Airport
1801 South Riverside Drive # D
Iowa City, IA 52246
Phone: (319) 356-5045
www.icgov.orgSports Travel Insider’s Edge:
Best way to watch the action:
Since the arena was built with the idea that wrestling meets would be held there, it does not contain a bad seat for this event. Sellouts are likely due to Iowa’s dominance in the NCAA in both competition and attendance. The opposite side of the announcer table at center court between rows 6 and 30 is best.
Best place to get up close:
After the meet, the party starts. The Hawk Club party serves as a pep rally of sorts. The location (on private property) is announced at the meet. Everyone is invited to attend, however Hawk Club members receive discounted prices. This is truly a party atmosphere where the wrestlers and hardcore Hawk fans get fired up.
Best travel tip:
During the event, there are many things going on in the area. Traditionally, Iowa plays Iowa State in other sports within a week or so of the match. Check the athletic calendar to find other clashes between the rival schools.
Notable Quote:
“When I was growing up in Oklahoma I thought the enthusiasm for wrestling was outstanding but when I got to the University of Iowa it took me to an entirely different level. These people are something else when it comes to wrestling.”—MARK PERRY, JR., Iowa wrestler and two-time National Champion
Relevant Websites: