Before the important story of the day is told let's get to the event surrounding the story first. The Iowa Hawkeyes oulasted a seasoned Northern Iowa Panthers in too close of a contest for Hawkeye fans. 31-23! To know more about the game seek elewhere.
This day (August 30th, 2014) started actually the night before. Jenna Marie Thurm stayed the night with Ilah and I so we could get our journey to Iowa City started early for the big game against the Panthers of Cedar Falls, Iowa. This was to be Jenna's first trip to Iowa City to witness a Iowa Hawkeye football game at Kinnick Stadium. She was not to be disappointed. And, it would be such a pleasure to share the day with her.
The trip started around 8am leaving from Walnut Street, then with a stop, first, at the Williamsburg Grocery for a few yummy pastries. From there east on I-80 to Corralville to the parking lot near the the I-Hop resturant. We boarded the Hawkeye Express train and prepared to travel the ten minute ride to Kinnick Stadium. It does seem remarkable that the train can hold up to 1,200 passengers.
Once, arriving just south of the stadium, we walked up the wide wooden stairs and we wereTHERE! After deciding what and where to go and do first, we could hear the Iowa Marching Band's percussion section performing outside the southwest corner of the stadium. What a way to start the day!
By then it was only 9:30 am or so and game time was not until 11:am. We pulled out our card-board, "we need 2 tickets" signs and went to work. This is the part I love to do! Waking north along the parking lot on the west side of the stadium, and where the "choice tickets can be found," A gentleman approached us and indicated he had two tickets on the "50" yard line. He wanted face value of approx. $50.00 apiece or $100.00. I told him that I didn't even have that much with me, thanked him, and walked on.
Turning around and heading back south another fellow stopped us and said there was this guy looking for us. Before I could react, the same fellow as earlier came running up to Jenna and I and indicated we could have the two tickets on the "50" for just $40.00 TOTAL! I shook his hand and thanked him and I believe, I mentioned a couple more times, that it was Jenna"s first game. They were technically on the 45 yard line (darn) but in row sixteen. We could almost shake the players hands! *That gentleman was with the Hawkeye Weld and Repair of Iowa City. I will get in touch with him somehow to thank him again.
The trouble with this is Jenna will assume that these choice seats are the norm. After coming out of my stunned amazement, we took a stroll down Melrose Ave to check out all the food vendors. I picked a pork on a stick and Jenna had a beverage as we sat in front of Kinnick south of the main entrance while watching the fans arriving and prepared to go in the stadium around 10:am. Now the fun begins.
When we arrived at the gate entrance(gate E), we were informed that I could not take my umbrella in and Jenna's back pack was too big. We then had to go to the nearby Rec. building and "check" them in. When we finally made it to our seats (21 & 22) in row 16 of section 126 we were not disappointed to say the least.
At age 70 and as of this writing, I have never sat in closer 50 yard line seats. Even my season ticket seats of years ago were between the 35-40 yard line and about 20 rows up on the east side not on the "home" west side. It was like watching it on TV only better because we were there. THE place to be in the state of Iowa on that Saturday.
We were able to watch the team warm-up, with both bands performing before the game and at half-time. Northern Iowa's band was impressive with over 300 members but, Jenna still liked the Hawk Band better.
Then with the game ready to begin, came the build-up. In the south-west tunnel the Hawks were prepared to enter the stadium preceeded by Herky to get things started. With ACDC's "Back in Black" blaring for the build-up, out came the team led by coach Kirk Ferentz. Oh My!
One big mistake we/I made was leaving the sun-screen in the bag we checked in and not bringing my hat. When we left it was over-cast and appeared to remain for the day. Wrong! The sun then arrived on and off for remainer of the game and with my black T-shirtit was warm. No heat or sun would spoil this day.
Jenna had the binoculars I brought to her eyes most of the game despite our closeness to the action. I only prayed that the Hawks would win as I didn't want Jenna to experience her first big Hawk football game to end in a loss. She never doubted that the Hawks would fail her. They didn't!
One guy that sat ahead of us was Gary Fletcher and his wife. He used to be an announcer with Jim Zabel years ago for the Hawkeyes. One couple to our right had their seats for 47 years. Another older gentleman ahead of us had his seat since 1961 and was ready stop coming because he could not deal with the stairs any longer.
With the conclusion of the game and the Hawks victorious, we headed back to board the train and at Jenna's request we sat in the upper seats. Cool! It was a conclusion to a Thriller of a day! One I'll never forget!
written 8/31/2014 by Dennis M. Laverty
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