University of Iowa Homecoming Traditions

Since the first University of Iowa homecoming on Nov. 23, 1912, Hawkeyes have returned to their alma mater to participate in a variety of celebratory traditions. While some rituals such as the recyclable boat races were short-lived, others have stood the test of time.

Here are some of the most enduring University of Iowa homecoming traditions.

Iowa Football’s Big Game

PHOTO: FREDERICK W. KENT COLLECTION, UI LIBRARIES SPECIAL COLLECTIONS The Hawkeyes take on Nebraska during an Iowa homecoming football game on Nov. 25, 1916.

Ever since Duke Slater's (28LLB) days on Iowa Field, the Hawkeyes’ game on the gridiron has been the prime homecoming attraction.

In 1912, Iowa football lost its inaugural homecoming game to Wisconsin, 28-10, in front of a crowd of 5,000 fans. Here are some other notable Iowa homecoming football stats:

• Longest Win Streak: 9 (1980–1988)
• Most Points Scored: 62 in a shutout win over Indiana on Oct. 25, 1997
• Fewest Total Points: 0 in ties against Indiana on Oct. 17, 1931, and Illinois on Oct. 17, 1936
• Most Total Points: 82 in a 61-21 victory over Northwestern on Oct. 8, 1983

PHOTO: Tim Schoon/UI OFFICE OF STRATEGIC COMMUNICATION Basketball star Caitlin Clark served as grand marshal of the homecoming parade in 2023.

University of Iowa Homecoming Parade

This annual celebration through the streets of downtown Iowa City unites town with gown. The tradition started in 1917 with horse-drawn floats, and though horses have since been replaced by horsepower, the entries have only grown more elaborate and colorful.

In recent years, the Iowa homecoming parade has drawn more than 15,000 spectators and has featured Hawkeye sports legends like Caitlin Clark (24BBA), Spencer Lee (21BS), and B.J. Armstrong (89BA) as grand marshal.

Learn more about this year’s homecoming parade.

Pep Rally and Coronation

Held annually on the Thursday night of homecoming week, the Iowa homecoming pep rally and coronation take place on the east side of the Pentacrest. The event includes:

• Awarding two scholarships to exceptional undergraduate students who showcase an extraordinary connection between Hawkeye spirit and academic success.
• Announcing the homecoming king and queen.

Discover more about the homecoming pep rally and coronation.

Iowa Homecoming Buttons

PHOTOS: UI LIBRARIES SPECIAL COLLECTIONS

Since the 1920s, Hawkeye fans have worn homecoming buttons to commemorate their return to Iowa City. These collectors' items have featured Iowa icons, such as coaches Forest Evashevski and Hayden Fry, as well as UI mascots Herky the Hawk and Rex the Great Dane.

The first homecoming buttons were metal badges that sold for 10 cents, while the ones during World War II were made from plastic, paper, and cardboard due to rationing. Rainfall during the 1943 Iowa homecoming game destroyed many of that year's cardboard buttons, making them a rare collectible.

Alumni Reunions and Gatherings

Each fall, alumni reunions are held during University of Iowa homecoming. Whether it’s college or department gatherings, these celebrations are a great way to reconnect with fellow Hawkeyes.

Learn how you can hold your own alumni reunion.

PHOTO: UI OFFICE OF STRATEGIC COMMUNICATION The Alumni Band reunites each fall to march in the homecoming parade.

Iowa Alumni Band

Alumni Band began in 1973 with 91 former members of the Hawkeye Marching Band participating under the direction of Tom Davis, former head of percussion and jazz studies at the UI School of Music. For Alumni Band’s 50th anniversary in 2023, 340 participants returned to perform in pregame festivities during Iowa homecoming.

On game day, the band plays the "Iowa Fight Song," "On Iowa," and other Hawkeye classics inside Kinnick Stadium.

Corn Monuments

PHOTO: JUSTIN TORNER/UI OFFICE OF STRATEGIC COMMUNICATION A corn monument from a recent University of Iowa homecoming weekend.

The corn monument tradition started with a group of College of Engineering students in 1914 as a fall complement to the college’s spring festival and has been an on-and-off Iowa homecoming attraction in the years since. Students construct the monument with hundreds of ears of corn and foster school spirit with creative designs ranging from a scholarly Herky to a satellite dish inspired by James Van Allen (36MS) and his space achievements.

In earlier days, the monument was burned in a bonfire following a Hawkeye victory.

Iowa Shout

This showcase of dancing, acting, and Hawkeye spirit started in the 1970s as a competition among Greek communities. It's since opened to all student groups, with many of the skits tied to a specific theme.

Dolphin Show

PHOTO: UI LIBRARIES, SPECIAL COLLECTIONS Swimmers and gymnasts would perform a wide range of acts, from trapeze stunts to synchronized swimming, during the annual Dolphin Show at the Field House pool.

This discontinued water spectacle featured select members of Iowa’s swimming, diving, and gymnastics teams who performed daring stunts for crowds of nearly 3,000 at the Field House pool. The tradition, which was originally staged along the Iowa River and included the crowning of a Dolphin Queen, lasted more than 50 years but ended after the 1977 show due to concerns from men's swim coach Glenn Patton about the time commitment necessary from his team.