Aug. 5, 2008

IOWA CITY - The Hawkeye Express is back for its fifth season of game-day use by University of Iowa football fans.

The six-car, double-decker commuter train, leased by the UI Department of Intercollegiate Athletics from Dan Sabin, owner of Iowa Northern Railroad, can transport upwards of 6,000 fans to and from historic Kinnick Stadium each game day.

"The Hawkeye Express has been a great addition to our game-day atmosphere," said Mark Jennings, associate director of athletics for donor and patron services, who notes that the UI also continues to receive tremendous cooperation from Dennis Miller, president of the Iowa Interstate Railroad, which leases the tracks that the Express runs on to the UI.

"The train itself is a unique way for Hawkeye football fans to get to and from the stadium while avoiding traffic and parking hassles."

Fans board the train at the Coralville "depot" adjacent to U.S. Highway 6 and ride all the way to the parking lot immediately west of Kinnick Stadium. Free parking is provided at lots near the Comfort Suites Inn and Coral Ridge Mall in Coralville. Train tickets cost just $10 per adult with children 12 and under riding for free. Fans can also present at the Hawkeye Express' ticket booth a game-day reserved parking pass and receive four train tickets.

Train tickets can be purchased in advance a the UI Athletics Ticket Office in Carver-Hawkeye Arena and the Iowa City/Coralville Convention and Visitors Bureau Information Desk at Coral Ridge Mall. Tickets can also be purchased on game day upon arrival at the Hawkeye Express depot.

Trips to Kinnick Stadium last approximately eight minutes and start three hours before kickoff. Return trips to the Coralville boarding stop start at the beginning of the fourth quarter and continue for 90 minutes after the game. Passengers can listen to the pre-game radio broadcast on their way to the stadium and either the game or the post-game show on their ride back to Coralville.

The Hawkeye Express is not wheelchair accessible. On game days, patrons with disabilities restricting their mobility are invited to use the parking spaces reserved in Hospital Ramp #2 or limited space in the lot directly north of Kinnick Stadium.

The 2007 season was the first for the current six-car double-decker train painted Hawkeye black and gold. It transported about 4,000 fans per game. For the 2004 and 2005 seasons, the Colorado Ski Train doubled as the Hawkeye Express. The Denver-based 11-car train served Hawkeye fans during the football season then headed back West to make weekend runs from Denver to Winter Park during the ski season.

HAWKEYE EXPRESS FAST FACTS

Where to board
Before the game fans can board the Hawkeye Express at the Coralville depot located at the intersection of U.S. Highway 6 and 25th Avenue. After the game, the boarding area is located immediately southwest of Kinnick Stadium.

When to board
Service to Kinnick Stadium begins three hours before kickoff. After the game, service begins at the start of the fourth quarter and continues for 90 minutes after the game.

Where to park
Free parking is located in parking lots near the Comfort Suites Inn and Coral Ridge Mall.

What does it cost
Round trip tickets cost $10 for adults. Children 12 and under ride for free. Fans that present a game-day reserved parking pass will receive four free train tickets. Train tickets can be purchased in advance a the UI Athletics Ticket Office in Carver-Hawkeye Arena and the Iowa City/Coralville Convention and Visitors Bureau Information Desk at Coral Ridge Mall. Tickets can also be purchased on game day upon arrival at the Hawkeye Express depot.

Need more information
Call the UI Sports Marketing Office at (319) 335-9431 or the UI Athletics Ticket Office at 1-800 IA-HAWKS.