At Iowa’s Kinnick Stadium, home to the University of Iowa Hawkeyes, something extraordinary happens every single home game. While college football is known for its high energy, rivalries, and roaring crowds, this stadium holds a moment that transcends sports. It is a moment when more than 70,000 fans — players, coaches, and spectators — pause the excitement, turn away from the field, and direct their attention toward the Stead Family Children’s Hospital. With hands raised high, they wave to the young patients watching from the hospital’s large windows. This touching tradition is known as the Hawkeye Wave, and it has become one of the most beloved and emotional gestures in all of college football.
The tradition began in 2017 after a fan suggested on social media that the crowd should acknowledge the children who have a direct view of the stadium from their hospital rooms. What started as a simple idea quickly transformed into a powerful symbol of unity, compassion, and hope. During the brief pause at the end of the first quarter, fans and players stand together to send encouragement to the children fighting some of the toughest battles of their lives.
What makes the Hawkeye Wave so special is not just the act itself, but the connection it creates. The children and their families often gather at the large windows overlooking the stadium to wave back, hold up handmade signs, or smile as they witness thousands of people cheering them on. For many families, these few moments serve as a reminder that they are not alone, and that an entire community stands behind them.
In 2022, the tradition grew even more meaningful with the addition of the Kid Captain program. Each home game, one child patient is selected as the Kid Captain and is given the honor of choosing the song that plays during the wave. This small but powerful gesture allows the child to share a piece of themselves with the entire stadium, turning the moment into a personalized celebration of their strength and bravery. Whether it’s an upbeat pop song, a heartfelt anthem, or a tune that brings joy, the music adds another layer of emotion to the wave.
The Hawkeye Wave is more than a football tradition — it has become a symbol of what humanity can achieve when people come together for a meaningful cause. Fans travel from across the country to witness this heartfelt moment, and many describe it as the highlight of their visit. Even rival teams and their supporters participate, demonstrating that compassion knows no boundaries, even in the world of competitive sports.
This tradition also serves as a reminder of the powerful impact small acts of kindness can make. Something as simple as a wave — a gesture anyone can do — has grown into an iconic moment that touches millions. It shows that even in the midst of competition, there is room for empathy and connection. It also illustrates the important role sports can play in building community and spreading positivity.
The stories that emerge from the Stead Family Children’s Hospital are often filled with courage, resilience, and hope. For parents, seeing thousands of people show love and support can be deeply comforting during an emotionally challenging time. For the children, the wave represents joy, encouragement, and the knowledge that they are valued and celebrated.
The Hawkeye Wave has become one of the best examples of how traditions can bring people together in powerful ways. As fans raise their hands toward the hospital each game, they create a moment that will be remembered long after the scoreboard fades. It is a tradition that continues to inspire, uplift, and remind us all that compassion is one of the greatest strengths a community can share.
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