Aug. 17, 2009

IOWA CITY, Iowa -- The Hawkeye Express is back for its sixth season of game-day use by fans of both the Hawkeyes and their opponent. The six-car, double-decker commuter train, which is leased to the University of Iowa Department of Athletics from Iowa Northern Railway Company owner Dan Sabin, can transport upwards of 6,000 Hawkeye fans to and from Kinnick Stadium each game.

"The Hawkeye Express has been a great addition to our game-day atmosphere," explained Associate Director of Athletics for Donor and Patron Services Mark Jennings. "Iowa Interstate Railroad, and its president Dennis Miller, will co¬ntinue to allow us to lease the tracks. 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 can board the train at the Coralville boarding area near Highway 6 and ride all the way to the base of Kinnick Stadium. Free parking is provided at lots near the Comfort Suites and Coral Ridge Mall. Train tickets cost $10 per adult, with children 12 and under riding free. Fans can also present a game-day reserved parking pass and receive four free train tickets.

Tickets can be purchased in advance at the University of Iowa Athletics Ticket Office at Carver-Hawkeye Arena and the Iowa City/Coralville Convention Visitors Bureau Information Desk at Coral Ridge Mall. Tickets can also be purchased on game day upon arrival at the Hawkeye Express depot, located next to the Coralville boarding stop.

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 the way to the stadium, and either the game or post-game calls while returning to Coralville on board the train.

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.

HAWKEYE EXPRESS

Where to Board
Before the game fans board the Hawkeye Express at the "depot" near the Comfort Suites and International House of Pancakes located south of Coral Ridge Mall on U.S. Highway 6 in Coralville.

After the game fans board the Hawkeye Express at the stop located immediately southwest of Kinnick Stadium below Melrose Avenue.

Where to Park
Free parking is located in lots near the Comfort Suites and International House of Pancakes. Limited space is also available at Coral Ridge Mall.

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