Zubaz Gameday Guide
What to Wear to an Iowa Hawkeyes Game
Kinnick Stadium in late season is Big Ten football at its coldest and best — black and gold in the stands, wind off the prairie, and The Wave to the children's hospital every first quarter. Here's how Hawkeyes fans layer for it.
This guide covers the full Iowa Hawkeyes gameday uniform — what to wear to the stadium, what actually works in the Iowa City weather, and what to pack for the tailgate. Every piece below is officially licensed Iowa Hawkeyes gear, ships free in the lower 48, and is loud enough that your section will know whose side you're on.
Start with the pants. Always the pants.
Since 1988, Zubaz pants have been the gameday uniform for fans who show up loud. The Iowa Hawkeyes zebra print is instantly recognizable across a parking lot, roomy enough to layer over thermals, and comfortable enough to wear from the 8 AM tailgate through the postgame traffic. If you only upgrade one piece of your gameday fit, this is it.
Dressing for the weather at Kinnick Stadium
Iowa City football means real weather. September games are pleasant, but by November you're dressing for wind, cold and the occasional snow game — and the fans who stay comfortable to the final whistle are the ones who layered right. The formula: thermals or leggings under your Zubaz pants, a t-shirt base, a hoodie or fleece over it, and a knit hat, gloves and scarf for anything below freezing. Bleacher seats steal body heat, so a team blanket earns its spot in the bag for late-season games.
The tailgate checklist
- The uniform: Iowa Hawkeyes Zubaz pants + team top. Non-negotiable.
- Weather insurance: thermals, knit hat, gloves and a team blanket for anything past Halloween.
- Comfortable shoes: you'll be standing 6+ hours between lot and seats.
- Small clear bag: most college stadiums enforce a clear-bag policy — leave the backpack at the tailgate.
- Portable charger: mobile tickets die with your battery.
- Layers for the ride home: night games end colder than they start.
- The dog: if your four-legged fan is tailgating, get them a Iowa Hawkeyes jersey or bandana. Instant lot celebrity.
Finish the fit: Iowa Hawkeyes accessories
Gameday FAQ
What do fans wear to a Iowa Hawkeyes game?
Team colors, head to toe. The classic Iowa Hawkeyes fan uniform is a jersey or team t-shirt up top and Zubaz zebra-print pants below — the look that's been in NFL parking lots since 1988. For late-season games in Iowa City, fans layer thermals underneath and add a knit hat, gloves and scarf.
Is it cold at Kinnick Stadium?
It can be seriously cold. Iowa City games from November on regularly hit freezing or below, with wind making it feel colder in the stands. Layer under your Zubaz pants, cover your head and hands, and bring a blanket for December games.
What is the bag policy at college stadiums?
Most college stadiums enforce a clear-bag policy: bags typically must be clear plastic no larger than 12" x 6" x 12", or a small clutch. Backpacks and large purses aren't allowed inside, so leave them at the tailgate or in the car.
Are Zubaz Iowa Hawkeyes products officially licensed?
Yes — Zubaz is an official NCAA licensee, and every Iowa Hawkeyes item we make is authentic licensed gear in true team colors. Shipping is free on every order in the 48 contiguous United States.