Inexpexsive tailgating at Iowa games

[ICHawk-I]

Used to tailgate with a group in the dental lot which was really nice. Haven't done that for 6+ years and want to get back into having a grill out and some brews before the game with like-minded Hawkeye fans.

I don't want to pay for a parking pass to the close lots so wonder what are some good free lots or places (inexpensive) you can park and tailgate and then easily get to the game?

Was thinking Hancher and grab the bus but not sure how many people tailgate there.

TIA

 

[Hawk24]

Used to tailgate with a group in the dental lot which was really nice. Haven't done that for 6+ years and want to get back into having a grill out and some brews before the game with like-minded Hawkeye fans.

I don't want to pay for a parking pass to the close lots so wonder what are some good free lots or places (inexpensive) you can park and tailgate and then easily get to the game?

Was thinking Hancher and grab the bus but not sure how many people tailgate there.

TIA

Lot 42 by the college of public health and art building west is a free lot. It's small though, and the spots go quickly. You can grab the cambus from there or just walk across the highway 6 footbridge over to the medical campus and Kinnick....about a 15-20 minute walk.

 

[2bagger22]

Myrtle is no longer a donor lot. It's something like $10-20 to park on gameday.

 

[IowaNiceHawk]

Park out near the Coral Ridge mall and take the Hawkeye Express to the game.
Easy in and out of the traffic.........(maybe sneak a flask of Hawkeye Vodka to the
Kinnick parking lot). Or, walk over to Jolie's for Meat on a stick and a cold brew on
Melrose, before kickoff.

 

[KuwaitHawk]

Plenty of places in UHeights to select in people's yards and price not too bad. Koser and Highland Dr have plenty to choose from

 

[ichawk24]

Finkbine golf course may be the easiest route on the West side. I don't know how much they charge, but it is reasonable, and an easy walk to the stadium.

 

[cubsMDdmb]

The soccer field across from The Vine is a relatively unknown gem for tailgating. Huge grass field that is very easy to get into and very easy to get out of at any time after the game. I've never waited more than a minute or two to get onto the strip from there and then it's smooth sailing getting on to the highway from he strip. The drawback is if it's wet they close the grass to parking cars. For ease of use and having a big grass field I think it's a great spot.

 

[coreyzbizkits]

Finkbine golf course may be the easiest route on the West side. I don't know how much they charge, but it is reasonable, and an easy walk to the stadium.

Finkbine is $20, at least it has been for a few years.

 

[hawkhuizy]

Back side of Finkbine with Hawkins drive turn lane, you are just below the parking which is adjacent to baseball diamond, and across the street from Carver. Closest without donor parking pay I think

 

[Hawked]

I tailgated behind the main library a couple times and enjoyed it. Parking is cheap and close to the stadium.

 

[beans 33]

University Height is the best and closest options in the neighborhoods north of Melrose

 

[dbq hawk 32]

Hancher is good and free. Don't bother with the buses, just walk. Lot by the art building is small but very nice and shaded. It fills up fast though. You can park at the lot by the EPB/Water plant it charges but you can usually get a spot and isn't too expensive.

 

[herkyihawks]

The myrtle/law lot is 20$ per spot. This is where my group has been the last 5-6 years. It's a good mix of fun and family atmosphere. I'd recommend it.

 

[Hawkfan_08]

The soccer field across from The Vine is a relatively unknown gem for tailgating. Huge grass field that is very easy to get into and very easy to get out of at any time after the game. I've never waited more than a minute or two to get onto the strip from there and then it's smooth sailing getting on to the highway from he strip. The drawback is if it's wet they close the grass to parking cars. For ease of use and having a big grass field I think it's a great spot.

Plus, there is the softball complex lot behind this on the corner of the strip and Mormon Trek. Tailgated 3 times and only paid for 1. I think it was $20. 20 min walk or so.

 

[EvilMonkeyInTheCloset]

The myrtle/law lot is 20$ per spot. This is where my group has been the last 5-6 years. It's a good mix of fun and family atmosphere. I'd recommend it.

Myrtle is a great spot, though the vast majority of people there range from college students (apartments right across the street for ease of access) to their 30s. If memory serves, did that not use to be a popular tailgating spot for the students before it changed? I remember there being a big fuss about that lot right around my sophomore year at Iowa.

I've been to Finkbine the last few games I've attended. That's a much more diverse crowd and one of the bigger lots "close" to the stadium where you'll see lots of non-donor parties with their families and friends.

 

[HawkCharlotte]

The myrtle/law lot is 20$ per spot. This is where my group has been the last 5-6 years. It's a good mix of fun and family atmosphere. I'd recommend it.

If there's a night game, how soon should one try to park there? Does it fill up fast?

Thanks!

 

[2bagger22]

Myrtle is a great spot, though the vast majority of people there range from college students (apartments right across the street for ease of access) to their 30s. If memory serves, did that not use to be a popular tailgating spot for the students before it changed? I remember there being a big fuss about that lot right around my sophomore year at Iowa.

I've been to Finkbine the last few games I've attended. That's a much more diverse crowd and one of the bigger lots "close" to the stadium where you'll see lots of non-donor parties with their families and friends.

Yeah, it briefly became a donor lot beginning in 2011. It was a zoo prior to the change and it hasn't quite recovered.

If there's a night game, how soon should one try to park there? Does it fill up fast?

Thanks!

The lot opens at 7 or 8pm Friday night, actually. Depending on where you're staying it may be easier to drop it off and then walk or take a cab in the morning.

 

[hexumhawk]

Myrtle is no longer a donor lot. It's something like $10-20 to park on gameday.

This is your best option I think if you want to party for cheap. Also, Finkbine usually has plenty of spots for around $20 as well.