Iowa Hawkeye football fans are excited about the upcoming season and so are area businesses. A new study released by the Iowa City/Coralville Convention and Visitors Bureau claims the U-of-I’s seven home football games will bring in more than $100 million to the Johnson County area.
Kirk Peters, who manages the Hawk Shop in Iowa City, says more people than ever are visiting his store to score the latest black and gold goods. “They want to come in and get what’s new for the season,” Peters said. “There’s a lot of anticipation and excitement for this year’s team.”
The Hawkeyes are ranked 9th in the Associated Press pre-season poll. Iowa opens the season this Saturday when Eastern Illinois visits Kinnick Stadium. Julia Pucket is those stocking up on new Hawkeye merchandise from the Hawk Shop. “I didn’t grow up here, so I don’t have any Hawkeye stuff,” Pucket said. “I was told this is the place to go. We’ve all been planning for two or three weeks about what we’re going to do for the first game, who we’re going with and who is getting tickets.”
All seven of Iowa’s home football games are sold out. The study also shows people who stay in a hotel spend about $950 during their visit. Those who don’t, spend about $275.
By Mark Geary, KCRG-TV, Cedar Rapids