Caitlin Clark and the Iowa women’s basketball team will host DePaul for an outdoor exhibition game at the Hawkeyes’ football home, Kinnick Stadium, on Oct. 15.
The “Crossover at Kinnick,” a first in program history, will attempt to set a new attendance record for women’s basketball.
The current record is 29,619, set at the 2002 national title game between UConn and Oklahoma at the Alamodome in San Antonio. Kinnick Stadium can hold as many as 69,250 fans for football games.
“I am thankful that our administration has the same vision as we do for our program and are willing to take on this amazing opportunity for our team to be showcased,” Iowa coach Lisa Bluder said. “Our team is excited to be able to attempt to break the all-time attendance record for women’s basketball (29,619). I know, if anyone can do it, Hawkeye fans can and will.”
Tickets will go on sale next week and be sold in two tiers. A “rain or shine” ticket will be required if inclement weather forces the game to move indoors. Proceeds from the event will benefit the University of Iowa Stead Family Children’s Hospital.
Iowa is coming off a national title game appearance in April. The Hawkeyes lost to LSU but will take another shot at the championship this season behind Clark, the returning national player of the year.
Iowa averaged 11,143 fans per game last season. The state has a rich history of girl’s and women’s basketball, including the invention of 6-on-6 high school basketball long before the introduction of Title IX.
–Field Level Media