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In 2017, the University of Iowa Children's Hospital opened its new building that overlooks the stadium. When the hospital opened, a fan pitched the idea of a new tradition.

The wave tradition is only five years old, but memories of it will last a lifetime.

Author

Joe Mixan

Date

November 28, 2022

Read

Huskers

In 2017, the University of Iowa Children's Hospital opened its new building that overlooks the stadium. When the hospital opened, a fan pitched the idea of a new tradition.

The Hawkeye Wave is the best tradition in college sports. When the Kinnick clock hits zero, at the end of the first quarter, 70,000+ football fans turn their attention from the field to UI Stead Family Children's Hospital. In unison, they wave to the pediatric patients and their families watching the game.

It's known as the "Hawkeye Wave," the "Kinnick Wave" or simply "The Wave." At the end of the first quarter at every home Iowa Hawkeyes game, the crowd turns to the hospital to wave to child patients. Players — including the opposition — officials, staff members and even broadcasters have joined in.