Iowa Football: Hawkeye Fans Set to Enjoy Spring Game

Welcome to SB Nation Reacts, a survey of fans across the NCAA. Each week, we send out questions to the most plugged-in Iowa Hawkeyes fans, and fans across the country. Sign up here to join Reacts.

The college football season is still months away, but fans around the country are getting a taste of their favorite teams with spring games with several already taking place. After a year of not being able to see their team in the stands and with an opportunity to get an early look at which players may take on a bigger role next season, what coaches are scheming up, and more, you would expect fan attendance for spring games to be near all-time highs.

However, according to the most recent SB Nation Reacts survey, just a little over half of college football fans nationally plan on or have watched their favorite team’s spring game this year.

For Iowa, those results may be skewed by the different nature of this spring. Hawkeye fans will get their second opportunity to soak in a “spring game” this weekend as Iowa opens things up to the public for what will be their final practice this spring. As we’ve come to know and... know, this will not be a true spring game, but simply another practice that is open to the public with some aspect of scrimmage involved for a portion of the practice.

But there is still reason to be excited and still things to look for, even if there is no game day atmosphere or full scrimmage taking place.

According to the survey, 52 percent of fans said they most look for player development in the spring game. Just over one-third of fans said they are watching just because they miss football, while fewer than 15 percent watch for either staring lineups or coaching schemes.

For fans looking to check out the Hawkeyes one final time this spring, gates will open at 8:30 am CT for the 9:30 am practice. Notably, before practice starts, the Iowa men’s and women’s basketball teams will be recognized ahead of the event with Luka Garza to be presented with the Naismith Trophy at 9:20 am.

Garza is also participating in an autograph signing at the Black and Gold Shop in Coralville following the spring practice for those who plan to be in the area.

If you’re looking to attend the spring practice, a reminder that face coverings and social distancing are required. Limited concessions will be open with fans restricted to the west, north and south stands.

Normal game day restrictions on bags and entry items will be enforced with fans asked to enter through gates A, B and H. Free parking will be provided but tailgating is not permitted. There is currently no option to watch or stream Saturday’s practice.

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