Advice for Monday's dual

[Ankle Pick]

Yes...I'm a PSU fan.. but a WRESTLING fan first... and there is only one place i'd rather be other than at a PSU home wrestling match.... it would be at the famed Carver Hawkeye Arena...

It so happens that I'll be in Cedar Rapids on Monday for business and an early (or late) Christmas gift has arrived with all the stars aligning and a scheduled dual on Monday night..

Asking for advice - where is a good place to eat dinner (only me) near the arena and do you think it will be ok to get tickets at the door?.. - no worries.. I'm leaving my PSU gear at home..

Seriously, I love everything about wrestling...and the passion that both Iowa and PSU bring to the sport only makes it that much better...I'm looking forward to witnessing all that is Iowa wrestling at its finest..(btw - I will be rooting for the Hawks as our BIG10 brethren)... .. the best only brings out the best, and I hope everyone goes into the postseason healthy and hungry...

Thanks and excited for what will be an amazing and competitive post season for both of our clubs..

btw... I fly into Iowa about 3x/ month for work...... EVERY time, it never fails... a local will bring up Iowa-wrestling like its a religion.. .. well, duh..

 

[PrairieHawk24]

The Vine or Wig And Penn are good restaurants within walking distance from Carver and will have plenty of Hawkeye Wrestling fans before the meet

 

[The catman]

Thanks for the heads up. It is doubtful you will find a place to park, pretty sure you won't get a seat at any restaurant near Carver and there's no way you're getting in the door! The bouncers are especially hard on the PSU faithful.
Gotcha! Enjoy, but don't forget your earplugs.

 

[Ankle Pick]

Haha... Thanks guys.. I know I'm risking injury. But it's well worth the life experience and a check off the bucket list.. Can't wait!

 

[whejoe]

The Vine or Wig And Penn are good restaurants within walking distance from Carver and will have plenty of Hawkeye Wrestling fans before the meet

And I recommend an ice cream cone at CHA for dessert.

 

[bravehawks1]

Being a single patron you might be able to wrestle up a spot at the bar and sit there and eat and not need to wait for a table

 

[ih8iast8]

Enjoy the meet! Vine is probably the best place to grab a beer & something to eat if you are flying solo.

 

[Ankle Pick]

Bravehawk.. You had me at "bar".. Looking forward to talk some wrestling with true Iowa fans.. I will "see how the conversation goes" before revealing my true loyalties..

 

[el dub]

Parking will be an issue and the eating establishments mentioned probably swamped. We usually try to park in the small lot to the southwest of CHA but often end up in the larger lot a bit further SW.

 

[Azchief32]

Bravehawk.. You had me at "bar".. Looking forward to talk some wrestling with true Iowa fans.. I will "see how the conversation goes" before revealing my true loyalties..

I don't think it matters, especially on match day. Most folks just like to talk wrestling unless you are "that" guy which you don't seem like. Given a choice between sightseeing in beautiful Harrisburg PA (where I would most likely end up on a business trip) or driving up to a PSU vs Okie State match, there would be no contest.

 

[Vallholl]

I'm a Wig and Pen guy but the Vine is good as well. Both with have wrestling fans.I agree, parking might be tough and slow by CHA but usually you can park in the overflow and walk.

If you don't mind walking, then 1.5 miles is downtown Iowa City and that opens up a lot. Otherwise, you can always grab a cab to the Arena, might have to call one to get back.

Anyway, downtown Iowa City. Where to start? Short's Burger and Shine, The Airliner, Bo James, Mondos, Mickeys...

A little further is Pagliai's Pizza, Hamburg Inn#2, The BlueBird Diner.



Fyi, Vall Jr. and I will order a Pagliai's for the drive home.

 

[el dub]

You'll be fine. Feel free to tell 'em where you came from to watch the dual. Shucks, wear PSU gear. Most of us only act tough on the internet.

Val: Watch where you are going, dude. I see BABIES ON BOARD!

 

[HAMNEGGS]

I'm a Wig and Pen guy but the Vine is good as well. Both with have wrestling fans.I agree, parking might be tough and slow by CHA but usually you can park in the overflow and walk.

If you don't mind walking, then 1.5 miles is downtown Iowa City and that opens up a lot. Otherwise, you can always grab a cab to the Arena, might have to call one to get back.

Anyway, downtown Iowa City. Where to start? Short's Burger and Shine, The Airliner, Bo James, Mondos, Mickeys...

A little further is Pagliai's Pizza, Hamburg Inn#2, The BlueBird Diner.



Fyi, Vall Jr. and I will order a Pagliai's for the drive home.

I'll second Short's... what a burger and great local brews. Then the BlueBird in the AM.

 

[Ankle Pick]

Thanks guys..I'll be at wherever the majority of you folks usually go... .. Btw.. I "hover" over this board along with the PSU board on a daily basis.. .. I feel like I know some of you already by your.myriad of posts...
Congrats on a wonderful platform talking wrestling and more.. Hilariously funny yet knowledgable of sometimes the most random topics..... .., but it's usually something to do about wrestling.. .. .. I don't even mind the jabs at PSU every once in a while.. Sometimes it's well deserved... Others, maybe not so much.. But it's all in the name of THE best sport on earth..

 

[vanhawkman]

The Vine will work for you, Ankle, considering it's a Monday meet and I have to agree with Chief; we are an excitable bunch, but we are always open to someone that knows and respects the sport. I can't make it, but I do hope you enjoy yourself, definitely grab an ice cream cone and don't be afraid to yell for stalling, as we have to do it on a regular basis.

 

[SPOONER]

Parking will be an issue and the eating establishments mentioned probably swamped. We usually try to park in the small lot to the southwest of CHA but often end up in the larger lot a bit further SW.

The lot across the street/SE from CHA where "the bubble" used to be is often a pretty good bet and a short walk.

 

[HawkFT]

I would recommend Wig and Pen over Vine. Strong chance you run into former wrestlers there. Great pizza and smaller setting.

As a BACKUP to Wig and Pen, I HIGHLY recommend Stella (sister of Short's recommended earlier) with excellent craft beers and amazing burgers/fries just west of Kinnick. It is walking distance to Carver and you can park in Kinnick lot (west of the stadium) and still walk to both easy (Stella then to CHA). New football facility right there and you can peak your head in to the lobby! Should probably do that before you eat as it probably is on shut down after 5?

Can't go wrong with Wig and Pen or Stella. The only problem with both of those is a possible wait, so get there before 5 and you should be good. Wig and Pen will have more of a pre-match vibe. The Vine is good too but more of a big bar atmosphere with typical bar food.

Will be REALLY interested in the crowd given a Monday night. We (my family) are diehard fans and a Monday night trip from Des Moines, following work is a MAJOR challenge. Not sure we make the trip due to work and yes have considered taking the afternoon off, but not able to! So will be interesting to see the crowd! Really wish it was on Saturday or Sunday. I doubt we are the only ones not able to get away! So tickets at the door should be fine! I am guessing around 8K only due to a Monday night meet. Hope there is more!

 

[HAWKMANN]

Park at Old Chicago/Heartland Inn and head down to the Vine for wings and a 32oz cold one and then keep heading west east to Carver. It's never failed me.

 

[wasdt21]

grow a pair fly your colors,will be great conversation starter.

 

[Herkuleez5]

I always go to the Vine for wings and beers before but the Wig and Pen is good too. I've seen ex wrestlers at both. Last time I was at the Vine I ran into Terry Brands, yes we were there probably a little earlier than most. Later Lewboo and Royce walked in. Talked with Lewboo about wrestling for about an hour drinking beer.

 

[WWDMHawkeye]

I would recommend Wig and Pen over Vine. Strong chance you run into former wrestlers there. Great pizza and smaller setting.

Will be REALLY interested in the crowd given a Monday night. We (my family) are diehard fans and a Monday night trip from Des Moines, following work is a MAJOR challenge. Not sure we make the trip due to work and yes have considered taking the afternoon off, but not able to! So will be interesting to see the crowd! Really wish it was on Saturday or Sunday. I doubt we are the only ones not able to get away! So tickets at the door should be fine! I am guessing around 8K only due to a Monday night meet. Hope there is more!

Same here, FT. I'm sure attendance will suffer due to the Monday night time. Still hoping Hawk fans break 10k. Since this is easily the best meet since the Grapple, maybe it happens. Too bad it couldn't have been over the weekend. I think we could have been close to a sellout if so.

 

[WWDMHawkeye]

Ankle Pick, thanks for posting. I hope you have a great time. Iowa fans are almost invariably good for some fun wrestling talk, and we're almost uniformly a very hospitable bunch. You have your knuckleheads in every fan base, but I suspect you'll have a great time getting to know some Hawk fans. Shoot -- don't hesitate to wear some PSU gear. As 21 said above, it would be a great conversation starter.

As for eating establishments, I agree with everything above. The Wig and Pen is pretty much the classic wrestling hangout, but you can't go wrong with the places mentioned above. I wish you could see a packed Carver, but the Monday night slot will keep attendance down, unfortunately. Still, it will be plenty loud -- you can count on that.

Hope you have a blast! And please drop by and let us know how your trip went. I'm sure many of us would be interested to hear about it. I'm glad the timing of your trip works out for you.

 

[Herkuleez5]

P.S. I will be at the Vine about 5:30 or a little before hopefully. Wear that PSU garbage so I can pick you out if I see you there.

 

[FineMaterial]

I don't think it matters, especially on match day. Most folks just like to talk wrestling unless you are "that" guy which you don't seem like. Given a choice between sightseeing in beautiful Harrisburg PA (where I would most likely end up on a business trip) or driving up to a PSU vs Okie State match, there would be no contest.

Not sure how to read this. Will you be there Sunday? Let me know, I my be able to extract a ticket.

 

[hawkeye54545]

grow a pair fly your colors,will be great conversation starter.

Yep I agree. And after some good natured banter I will bet that someone even buys you a beer. Mention your HR handle and you may not have to pay for any of your own beer.

 

[Azchief32]

Not sure how to read this. Will you be there Sunday? Let me know, I my be able to extract a ticket.

I wish...No, closest I get to PSU would be Harrisburg so in his shoes, I would go. Thanks though bro.

 

[Menace Sockeyes]

Wig and Pen, flying tomato pizza. Recently recognized on a national list of best pizzas.

 

[whejoe]

Maybe we can get Ankle Pick to do pbp for us......jk

 

[GG121AND2]

Ankle Pick - if you come to Iowa that frequently, will you be near Cedar Rapids on March 11 or 12. If so, come watch the NCAA Division III Championships. I will also be hosting my DIII reception on March 10 - lots of wrestling talk there.

 

[Ankle Pick]

Hey Folks -
Just wanted to thank you for all the key tips and suggestions for last nights dual.. your Hawks obviously had an "off" night, and probably couldn't have looked much worse, but know that atleast from this PSU fan, EVERYBODY should experience a dual at Carver before their bucket is kicked..
Ended up at the Vine, which was packed with friendly and knowledgeable wrestling fans. I was transparent with my PSU fandom, but need to tell you everyone I talked to had the utmost respect for the quality of wrestling each of our clubs bring to the sport and despite a few disagreements (Marinelli starting as a true freshman or not and whether Zain beats Sorenson or not), we all agreed the sport is moving in the right direction.
After a short and brisk walk from the Vine to Carver, I sat in what had to be where wrestling fans go when they die ....... front and center, 4-5 rows away from Gable and within hearing distance of a shouting Brands (which is worth the price of admission all by itself).
Listen - I can't sugarcoat how the Hawks wrestled last night.. they looked rather bad.. but I agree with all of your fellow Hawkeye brethren around me, its just one dual, and the B10's/ Nationals are really what matters.. (although, I think many were even MORE excited about the Olympic Trials then the B10's, which I can't say I blame them)... And NC State is no joke.. they are stacked and came to scrap.
All that said, hard to be even MORE impressed by Gilman, Clark and Sorenson, but I was... Complete Studs and will be rooting for them in every match not against PSU. - Especially Sorenson... I still think Zain is the man there, but its going to be a heck of a battle.
Thanks again for being such fantastic hosts to not only this lowly PSU fan, but to the sport of Wrestling in general.. Even on an "off" night, the energy and passion for wrestling was evident, (btw, glad to hear that PSU fans aren't the only ones to call stalling early and at the end of the day - that's what its all about.
Hopefully Stoll gets healthy and both our clubs are fully primed in 2 weeks.. its going to be a fun ride and all will be decided on the mat - which how it should be everyday in every season.

 

[WWDMHawkeye]

Thanks for the run-down, Ankle Pick. I'm glad you had a good time, but I'm sorry you had to see the Hawks lay one of their biggest eggs in recent memory -- and I'm also sorry that attendance was so awful. That's the kind of crowd we usually get for totally meaningless dual meets. You need to see a big-time meet in Carver against a blue blood like PSU, Okie State, or tOSU. It's a whole different vibe.

As for Big Tens and Nationals, I don't see the Hawks giving PSU much of a fight, unfortunately. I think we got exposed last night. Plus, it looks like we got ourselves a couple of new injuries at the worst possible time of year. I think PSU runs away with Big Ten and NCAA titles this year. Would love to be proven wrong, but I don't see it, and I doubt many honest Iowa fans do . Hopefully we give them more of a fight next season. And hopefully you get a chance to see a meet in a rocking Carver some day.

 

[Vallholl]

Hey Folks -
Just wanted to thank you for all the key tips and suggestions for last nights dual.. your Hawks obviously had an "off" night, and probably couldn't have looked much worse, but know that atleast from this PSU fan, EVERYBODY should experience a dual at Carver before their bucket is kicked..
Ended up at the Vine, which was packed with friendly and knowledgeable wrestling fans. I was transparent with my PSU fandom, but need to tell you everyone I talked to had the utmost respect for the quality of wrestling each of our clubs bring to the sport and despite a few disagreements (Marinelli starting as a true freshman or not and whether Zain beats Sorenson or not), we all agreed the sport is moving in the right direction.
After a short and brisk walk from the Vine to Carver, I sat in what had to be where wrestling fans go when they die ....... front and center, 4-5 rows away from Gable and within hearing distance of a shouting Brands (which is worth the price of admission all by itself).
Listen - I can't sugarcoat how the Hawks wrestled last night.. they looked rather bad.. but I agree with all of your fellow Hawkeye brethren around me, its just one dual, and the B10's/ Nationals are really what matters.. (although, I think many were even MORE excited about the Olympic Trials then the B10's, which I can't say I blame them)... And NC State is no joke.. they are stacked and came to scrap.
All that said, hard to be even MORE impressed by Gilman, Clark and Sorenson, but I was... Complete Studs and will be rooting for them in every match not against PSU. - Especially Sorenson... I still think Zain is the man there, but its going to be a heck of a battle.
Thanks again for being such fantastic hosts to not only this lowly PSU fan, but to the sport of Wrestling in general.. Even on an "off" night, the energy and passion for wrestling was evident, (btw, glad to hear that PSU fans aren't the only ones to call stalling early and at the end of the day - that's what its all about.
Hopefully Stoll gets healthy and both our clubs are fully primed in 2 weeks.. its going to be a fun ride and all will be decided on the mat - which how it should be everyday in every season.

Glad you enjoyed it. The crowd and the effort were poor.

It was our first home dual since Okie St. (due to Jr's schedule) and HawkCrazy or HawkeyeCrazy (whomever sits behind me) mentioned right away, "We haven't seen you this year" and it's always nice to be missed.

After we got our Pagilia's pizza for the ride home and got on 380, Vall Jr. takes a breath between slice 2 and slice 3, turns to me and says, "You know it's a bad dual when the guy behind us never has a chance to yell 'make him your b#tch' or 'this guy is a tub of goo, rip his arm off' ".

True.