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One often overlooked aspect of college football game day is the impact weather can have. No, we’re not just talking about how it impacts playing conditions, but also road conditions (this is Iowa, after all, there is bound to be snow in November) and perhaps most importantly, tailgating conditions.
Each week we’ll be updating you on the forecast for game day so you can plan your day accordingly.
The Hawkeyes travel north for a big game against Big Ten East foes, Michigan. The game is scheduled for 11 am cst so tailgating will begin bright and early, and probably even the night before for any Iowa fans making the trip. Here is a link to a great article from MGOBlog that gives you many more details on how to tailgate in Ann Arbor then I could possibly dig up for you.
The Forecast
The weather should be football perfect this weekend. The forecast looks dry, cloudy, and cool; the exact combination of conditions for the best football team to win. The wind or sun or rain shouldn’t play a factor and it will be up to the skill of the players and coaches to decide this one (hopefully not the referees).
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Traffic Conditions
As discussed, weather conditions shouldn’t lead to any traffic issues. Trying to stuff 100,000 people into a stadium might cause some congestion though.
Tailgate Conditions
A sweatshirt or jacket or shots of fireball (possibly all of the above) will be a necessity in the early morning hours as the temperatures before the game will be in the low to mid 40s.
From the link above, here is a parking map that will give you some ideas on where to park.
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Game Time
By game time at 11 am, temps should break into the mid 50s and head up toward 60 as the game goes on and make for perfect fall football weather.
Overall, it looks like a beautiful and dry day for football. Let’s hope the Hawks aren’t distracted by the fact that the leaves up north turn colors a little sooner than in Iowa City and leave Michigan with a big victory.
Go Hawks!