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Ride the Hawkeye Express

Add some fun to your fun-filled day at Kinnick by taking the train to the game

Ride the rails to Kinnick!

Ride the rails to Kinnick!

Aug. 30, 2011

IOWA CITY, Iowa - The Hawkeye Express - the engine and club cars that move fans of the Hawkeyes from nearby Coralville to just 100 or so yards from historic Kinnick Stadium and back again - is back for its seventh season of game-day use by University of Iowa football fans.

"The Hawkeye Express is an important part of our game-day atmosphere," explained Mark Jennings, associate director of athletics for donor and patron services.

"The train is a unique way for fans of the Hawkeyes and visiting team to get to and from the stadium while avoiding traffic and parking hassles. It's a one of a kind train and Iowa has it!"

The Hawkeye Express: The Nuts and Bolts

Where to Board
Before Game: Coralville Boarding Stop along Highway 6.
After Game: Kinnick Stadium Boarding Stop below Melrose Avenue.

When to Board
Before Game: Trips start three hours before kickoff for 11 a.m. games, four hours before kickoff for 2:30 p.m. and 7 p.m. games
After Game: Trips begin at the start of the fourth quarter and go for 90 minutes after the game.

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

Cost
Tickets are $10 each for adults. Children ages 12 and under ride free but must have a ticket that will be provided when arriving at the train. Fans that present a game day reserved parking pass will receive two free train tickets. Tickets can be purchased on game day upon arrival at the Hawkeye Express depot.

Hawkeye Express: Quick Facts

  • The Hawkeye Express is owned by the Iowa Northern Railway Company.

  • The train operates on tracks owned by the Iowa Interstate Railroad which runs between Council Bluffs and Chicago.

  • The Hawkeye Express began service in 2004 using the former Colorado Ski Train and the current equipment began service in 2006.

     

     

  • The special Hawkeye train is comprised of six Pullman Standard bi-level commuter cars originally used in Chicago's Metra Rail service primarily between downtown Chicago and the northern suburbs on the former Chicago and North Western lines.

  • The Hawkeye Express diesel locomotive is a former Amtrak passenger unit with 3000 horsepower and an 1,800 gallon fuel tank.

  • Each railcar can seat approximately 160 people and with standing room can accommodate over 200 people making a train total capacity of more than 1,200 people.

  • With a peak in the 1950's and 1960's, trains from all over Iowa, traveled to Kinnick for nearly every football game; for many years Hawkeye teams and fans alike traveled by train for away games.

  • During World War II, teams would sometimes stand for hours due to the large number of service men and women traveling by train.

  • The trip between Coralville and Kinnick stadium is about eight minutes at speeds up to 35 mph.

  • Passengers can listen to the pregame radio broadcast on their way to Kinnick Stadium.

  • As the train is not wheelchair accessible, patrons with restricted mobility are invited to use the parking spaces reserved in Hospital Ramp #2 or limited space in the lot directly north of Kinnick Stadium.

  • Remember, Hawk fans - Always play it safe around railroad tracks, grade crossings, and trains!

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