ADVERTISEMENT

My thoughts on Iowa fans

yesrutgers01

yesrutgers01

Hall of Famer
Gold Member
Nov 9, 2008
35,328
35,571
113
So, my basic come away from meeting a few Iowa fans and some interaction with them and behavior in the game...
First, I get there early and was parking at the same time as the family of their OG Sean Welsh. Kind of a strange discussion with them. We park on a lawn on River Road across from the Church. They get out of their car, jackie and I were already out of ours. The first thing we here is a Go Hawks- I joke around with them a bit over that and we see they have a player button on and we ask if their son is playing and get into discussion about our son having played OL at RU. The conversation came off as somewhat friendly but almost dismissive in a way.
Met a few others on the walk in and friendly as we are, we keep up a lively chatter with these groups too and almost seemed the same way. Friendly but not super engaging.
During the game. Young couple sits near us with like a 2 y/o son. Hawk fans- Jackie loves little kids so we smile and comment about them getting him started early. "yep" was the only reply.
Overall - none were nasty or 'unfriendly' but it did seem they were a little dismissive.

The only time they really pissed us off was chanting while our player(QL) was down right in front of the group chanting.

Wondering how everyone else's encounters were. Doubtful there was any trouble but did anyone have a fun, loud, ball busting group that were engaging at all?
 
  • Like
Reactions: CNJKnight
yesrutgers01 said:
So, my basic come away from meeting a few Iowa fans and some interaction with them and behavior in the game...
First, I get there early and was parking at the same time as the family of their OG Sean Welsh. Kind of a strange discussion with them. We park on a lawn on River Road across from the Church. They get out of their car, jackie and I were already out of ours. The first thing we here is a Go Hawks- I joke around with them a bit over that and we see they have a player button on and we ask if their son is playing and get into discussion about our son having played OL at RU. The conversation came off as somewhat friendly but almost dismissive in a way.
Met a few others on the walk in and friendly as we are, we keep up a lively chatter with these groups too and almost seemed the same way. Friendly but not super engaging.
During the game. Young couple sits near us with like a 2 y/o son. Hawk fans- Jackie loves little kids so we smile and comment about them getting him started early. "yep" was the only reply.
Overall - none were nasty or 'unfriendly' but it did seem they were a little dismissive.

The only time they really pissed us off was chanting while our player(QL) was down right in front of the group chanting.


Wondering how everyone else's encounters were. Doubtful there was any trouble but did anyone have a fun, loud, ball busting group that were engaging at all?
Click to expand...

I'm sure most of them were still upset over the NDSU loss the previous week. However my brother, an MSU alum, said that they were real jackasses at the Big Ten Championship before, during, & after the game. He said the Ohio State fans he met in 2013 were much friendlier.
 
There were a lot less of them in attendance than I expected there to be. They were generally a non-factor noise wise throughout the game with the exception of the ill-timed let's go Iowa chant. I was disappointed to see that so many good seats in season ticket holder sections seemed to be occupied by Iowa fans. Bad job by the RU fanbase on that front.

I agree that they were not a particularly engaging group of opposing fans, although I had a limited sample size. Nobody seemed to want to interact. Maybe Jersey folks are an intimidating bunch? Overall I would characterize them as pleasant but reserved.
 
  • Like
Reactions: CNJKnight
Whew- was thinking maybe it was me. Lol on the other hand, wifey can usually get anyone to open up and it wasn't happening there either.
 
  • Like
Reactions: CNJKnight
I was pleasantly surprised by a thread on their site where they said that Rutgers fans were very friendly and that they all (mostly) had a good experience.

https://iowa.forums.rivals.com/threads/rutgers-game-day-questions.162252/

I married an Iowa (State) girl and they are nice people out there (although she might disagree about Hawkeye fans). Jersey folks definitely much more vocal/outspoken, but that is more of a cultural/regional thing, I think. I couldn't believe when I first met her family that they would all sit around the table with one person talking and the others listening. I had to fight my natural instinct to interrupt.
 
  • Like
Reactions: redking and DirtyRU
Many Iowans have a stereotypical view of people from NJ. (Same in reverse). I know quite a few Iowans. They can be quiet but they are allgood people as best I can tell. Their fans are fans of a traditional big ten team and many would not view Rutgers as a legitimate opponent at this stage.
 
  • Like
Reactions: candid and ManasquanMike
my thoughts:

1. I expected many more than were actually there. Agree their visiting fan base was a non factor.
2. Had a coupe young (mid 20s maybe) Iowa fans in the row behind me. Really friendly, knowledgeable about their team, and respectful towards us. They definitely had a "oh shit, not again" feeling after we scored.
3. I sit close to the area where the "lets go Hawks" started and was VERY disappointed in how loud it got while Lambert was down. I'll chalk it up to ill-timed jubilation, but wasn't a good look for them at all.
4. There was a group of Iowa fans a few rows in front of us (honestly, it looked like they could have played at Iowa, or have friends who do) who were talking smack with some RU fans, but I think the snack was flowing both ways pretty evenly so no big deal.
5. Have a group of RU fans behind us who kept screaming "North Dakota State" anytime Iowa fans had a chance to cheer their team. That bugged me. Doesn't seem to make a lot of sense to disparage another team's loss to perceived "weaker" competition when we're losing. What exactly does that say about us?
6. Way too many RU fans in rows 101-105 rows 1-10 selling tix to visiting teams. Been happening the last few years and seems to be getting worse. Shame.
 
Had no problems with the folks around us, but other in my tailgate group had a different experience with some Iowa fans around them.
 
People in front of us were very nice. we didn't speak to them until when we exited. I wish we spoke earlier. they were pretty nice. they commented that the students "greeted" them very nice. (sarcasm). I asked them with which finger.....
 
Was a mixed group of Rutgers and Iowa fans next to us in the Black Lot. Seemed very friendly and eventually went over and had some drinks with them. Were a good bunch.

During the game didn't have any Iowa fans nearby.

When exiting using the ramp by the Audi Club, which was absolutely jam packed, I made a joke to my buddy saying, "well at least I know what being herded feels like." Did not realize a couple of Iowa fans were next to me. One of them made a joke saying, "Yep this is what it's like to be a cow in Iowa" to which I replied, "well that's what you get for plowing under your crops to build a baseball field". He seemed surprised this was the only Field of Dreams joke he heard all day. I laughed, he laughed, good times were had by all.

4.5/5 Screaming Schiano's: Would host conference game against them again

8vysxtp.png
8vysxtp.png
8vysxtp.png
8vysxtp.png
s3sX1Ha.png


EDIT: That picture of Schiano is even more haunting with just the eyes
 
Last edited:
  • Like
Reactions: Rokodesh, RU_87, RUsSKii and 3 others
"6. Way too many RU fans in rows 101-105 rows 1-10 selling tix to visiting teams. Been happening the last few years and seems to be getting worse. Shame"

Whew, thank god I'm in rows 11 and 12.
 
rubaseball78 said:
"6. Way too many RU fans in rows 101-105 rows 1-10 selling tix to visiting teams. Been happening the last few years and seems to be getting worse. Shame"

Whew, thank god I'm in rows 11 and 12.
Click to expand...

May as well with how many in that area wont stand up or make a peep on 3rd down anyway...Schiano gave us tickets a few time...believe his giveaway seats were in 104 about 15-20 rows up. We left those seats by end of 1st Qtr fist time we got them and never went back any other time he gave them to us.
 
  • Like
Reactions: redking
There were probably 50+ Iowa fans in our section. Walked over and had a nice chat with some. Joked around a little. Real nice folk.
 
Those Iowa women have zero style or glamour of any kind. Plain Jane would be too kind. Frumpy is the best word I can think of. And yes even though it's a dress down situation, you can show some style at a football game.

BTW, the men were all in cargo shorts. That's high fashion in Iowa.
 
All the Iowa fans I encountered were friendly, polite, courteous, respectful and complimentary regarding their visit to NJ. Similarly, my observations of the Rutgers fans were that they were good hosts and were friendly, polite, courteous and respectful to the Iowa fans. The way it should be.

Were there a few that did not behave like this? Probably. But on the whole I think the fans of both teams conducted themselves properly.
 
Last edited:
We ran in to a few in Scarlet. Trying to figure out how they were able to get in to Scarlet in the first place but I'm sure they almighty Buck had something to do with that. They were generally nice.

Best part about Section 101 was when they did the Iowa chant, an RU student with no shirt on and just Jorts ran over to them and yelled "F You Iowa"!! The cops didn't like that much and escorted him out. reminded me of Cornholio from Beavis and Butthead. No pun intended lol.
 
OriginalKnight said:
Those Iowa women have zero style or glamour of any kind. Plain Jane would be too kind. Frumpy is the best word I can think of. And yes even though it's a dress down situation, you can show some style at a football game.

BTW, the men were all in cargo shorts. That's high fashion in Iowa.
Click to expand...

[eyeroll]
 
  • Like
Reactions: RUPete
yesrutgers01 said:
So, my basic come away from meeting a few Iowa fans and some interaction with them and behavior in the game...
First, I get there early and was parking at the same time as the family of their OG Sean Welsh. Kind of a strange discussion with them. We park on a lawn on River Road across from the Church. They get out of their car, jackie and I were already out of ours. The first thing we here is a Go Hawks- I joke around with them a bit over that and we see they have a player button on and we ask if their son is playing and get into discussion about our son having played OL at RU. The conversation came off as somewhat friendly but almost dismissive in a way.
Met a few others on the walk in and friendly as we are, we keep up a lively chatter with these groups too and almost seemed the same way. Friendly but not super engaging.
During the game. Young couple sits near us with like a 2 y/o son. Hawk fans- Jackie loves little kids so we smile and comment about them getting him started early. "yep" was the only reply.
Overall - none were nasty or 'unfriendly' but it did seem they were a little dismissive.

The only time they really pissed us off was chanting while our player(QL) was down right in front of the group chanting.

Wondering how everyone else's encounters were. Doubtful there was any trouble but did anyone have a fun, loud, ball busting group that were engaging at all?
Click to expand...

If you have a full head of gray hair and were wearing a Haslam jersey I saw you from the back leaving the stadium.
 
OriginalKnight said:
Those Iowa women have zero style or glamour of any kind. Plain Jane would be too kind. Frumpy is the best word I can think of. And yes even though it's a dress down situation, you can show some style at a football game.

BTW, the men were all in cargo shorts. That's high fashion in Iowa.
Click to expand...

Sorry you were disappointed they didn't break out their formal attire for Rutgers. Those outfits are reserved for the Minnesota and Nebraska games.

And if they play Iowa State? Forget it. Black tie event. Tuxes and ball gowns only.
 
  • Like
Reactions: scarlet night, RickB113, m1ipabrams and 2 others
BigGreenWood said:
Sorry you were disappointed they didn't break out their formal attire for Rutgers. Those outfits are reserved for the Minnesota and Nebraska games.

And if they play Iowa State? Forget it. Black tie event. Tuxes and ball gowns only.
Click to expand...
You're missing my point jackass which I clearly stated. Learn some comprehension skills.

Failed attempt at humor as well.
 
OriginalKnight said:
You're missing my point jackass which I clearly stated. Learn some comprehension skills.

Failed attempt at humor as well.
Click to expand...

...coming from the guy commenting on Iowa fan's fashion choices. Lolz.

Besides, the cargo shorts are easily explainable. They heard about the new water bottle policy and needed to maximize their ability to sneak water bottles into the stadium
 
There were a lot of small groups of Hawks fans near us in the Scarlet lot. We talked to most of them. None of them came off as dismissive. Some were pretty engaging. There were some very interesting discussions, and some of them sounded like RU fans from this board because they had many of the same complaints about their coaches, QB, etc.
 
OriginalKnight said:
Those Iowa women have zero style or glamour of any kind. Plain Jane would be too kind. Frumpy is the best word I can think of. And yes even though it's a dress down situation, you can show some style at a football game.

BTW, the men were all in cargo shorts. That's high fashion in Iowa.
Click to expand...

Is this NYC Banker in disguise?

I actually met a couple here in Ocean City during the week while I was Uber driving who were very nice. The husband had never been to the NJ shore so they were spending a week here and then went to the game Saturday.
 
  • Like
Reactions: hiwater and mychaljohn
OriginalKnight said:
Those Iowa women have zero style or glamour of any kind. Plain Jane would be too kind. Frumpy is the best word I can think of. And yes even though it's a dress down situation, you can show some style at a football game.

BTW, the men were all in cargo shorts. That's high fashion in Iowa.
Click to expand...
I'm going to the game in Minnesota in a few weeks. What should I wear?
 
  • Like
Reactions: BigGreenWood
yesrutgers01 said:
So, my basic come away from meeting a few Iowa fans and some interaction with them and behavior in the game...
First, I get there early and was parking at the same time as the family of their OG Sean Welsh. Kind of a strange discussion with them. We park on a lawn on River Road across from the Church. They get out of their car, jackie and I were already out of ours. The first thing we here is a Go Hawks- I joke around with them a bit over that and we see they have a player button on and we ask if their son is playing and get into discussion about our son having played OL at RU. The conversation came off as somewhat friendly but almost dismissive in a way.
Met a few others on the walk in and friendly as we are, we keep up a lively chatter with these groups too and almost seemed the same way. Friendly but not super engaging.
During the game. Young couple sits near us with like a 2 y/o son. Hawk fans- Jackie loves little kids so we smile and comment about them getting him started early. "yep" was the only reply.
Overall - none were nasty or 'unfriendly' but it did seem they were a little dismissive.

The only time they really pissed us off was chanting while our player(QL) was down right in front of the group chanting.

Wondering how everyone else's encounters were. Doubtful there was any trouble but did anyone have a fun, loud, ball busting group that were engaging at all?
Click to expand...
My buddy's nephew, an UI undergrad, flew in for the game, visit with his grandparents. He disdained the song/chant that the Iowa faithful were performing when one of our players was being helped off the field.
 
I've only experienced isu fans and they were lovely people...hard to believe the other Iowans would be so different
 
jmc11201 said:
Plenty of layers...fall has arrived a bit early this year. Four weeks from now, the weather may not be that great. Hope I'm wrong.
Click to expand...
Functionality be damned, I need to look my best so I don't have Minnesota fans criticizing our fanbase's attire on their message boards!

BigGreenWood said:
Gonna go bold on this one....

...10 gallon hat and a bolo tie. Confuse their fan base.
Click to expand...
Interesting approach. I'll have to check the the Gophers forums and see what they have to say about Colorado State's fans' clothing choices the other day.
 
  • Like
Reactions: cicero grimes and hiwater
bethlehemfan said:
Many Iowans have a stereotypical view of people from NJ. (Same in reverse). I know quite a few Iowans. They can be quiet but they are allgood people as best I can tell. Their fans are fans of a traditional big ten team and many would not view Rutgers as a legitimate opponent at this stage.
Click to expand...
Seems many Big Ten fans from the original schools will always view us as a member, with an asterisk. A buddy from Michigan said to just give the new members the $, and let them all play each other (I guess if the big ten admitted several new members), and let the original schools play within their group.
 
We had an Iowa crew a couple cars down in the Yellow lot. They didn't really engage with anyone.

They did have a giant blow-up Hawkeye, like one of those wacky inflatable flailing arm tube man things.

I befouled their blow-up doll.
 
  • Like
Reactions: CNJKnight, cicero grimes and yesrutgers01
You must log in or register to reply here.

Similar threads

Rutgers NJ

OT: Your stories of a brush with famous people.

Replies
107
Views
5K
Rutgers Football
JWB389
J
P

Some Bowl Thoughts

Replies
10
Views
1K
Rutgers Football
beaced
B
ScarletteK80

RU vs Iowa 2/13

Replies
12
Views
738
Women's Basketball
MADHAT1
MADHAT1
B

Game and Michigan fans!

Replies
57
Views
2K
The Round Table
Smols
Smols
L

Preview of RU vs Iowa

Replies
23
Views
640
Men's Basketball
lion1983
L
ADVERTISEMENT

Latest posts

ADVERTISEMENT
Top Bottom
Back