The 28 Most Unique College Stadiums That Are Now Iconic Landmarks

14. The Wave: Kinnick Stadium's Heartfelt Tradition

If college football has a single tradition that can bring an entire stadium to tears, it’s The Wave at Kinnick Stadium. Located in Iowa City, Iowa, this 70,000-seat stadium is home to the Iowa Hawkeyes, but more importantly, it is home to one of the most touching gestures in all of sports. At the end of the first quarter of every home game, everyone in the stadium—players, coaches, referees, and fans—turns toward the University of Iowa’s Stead Family Children’s Hospital, located just beyond the stadium’s east stands. In unison, they wave to the children inside, who, from their hospital rooms, return the wave with smiles and tears. It’s a moment of unity, compassion, and perspective that transcends football itself.Kinnick Stadium, built in 1929, might not have the largest capacity or the most high-tech features, but it has a heart unlike any other stadium in the world. When packed with Hawkeye faithful dressed in black and gold, the stadium generates an intense home-field advantage, making it one of the toughest places to play in the Big Ten. Yet, amid the roaring crowd and fierce battles on the field, The Wave reminds us that some things are bigger than the game. This stadium, named after Iowa’s only Heisman Trophy winner, Nile Kinnick, embodies the grit, pride, and resilience of the Midwest. And while its traditions of hard-nosed football and unwavering fan support make it a legendary venue, it is The Wave that has etched Kinnick Stadium into the hearts of millions. It is proof that college stadiums are more than just structures—they are places where humanity shines, where sports unite communities, and where moments that truly matter unfold.