The train that, since 2004, would take fans from a parking lot in Coralville to the stadium every game day has been derailed due to the continued uncertainty created by social distancing, and the ongoing need for repairs and upgrades. The end of the partnership between the University of Iowa athletics department and the train owners, Iowa Northern Railway will leave those fans looking for other transportation options.

A ride to Kinnick Stadium on a passenger train known as the "Hawkeye Express" has become almost as much of a tradition as the game itself, not to mention the "Iowa Wave" to kids in the Stead Family Children's Hospital at the end of the first quarter.

But after over 15 years in existence, the Hawkeye Express has rolled from Coralville to Kinnick for the last time.

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In a statement, University of Iowa senior associate athletics director Matt Henderson gave a shout-out to Iowa Northern Railway President Dan Sabin and his family as well as his predecessor, former Iowa associate athletic director Mark Jennings, and former Iowa athletic director Bob Bowlsby, all of whom helped start the Hawkeye Express experience:

The Hawkeye Express has been a wonderful part of our Hawkeye football gameday experience.”

Henderson went on to say:

While it was a difficult decision to make, we all agree it is the right decision. This experience would not have occurred without the Sabin family and their Iowa Northern Railway Company

For the time being, Iowa's News Now reports that fans can use public parking around Kinnick Stadium, including free parking at the Hancher or Finkbine commuter lots for the 2021 season.

KEEP READING: See how sports around the world have been impacted by the coronavirus

 

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