Iowa notes: Attendance, facilities, ANF choice

IOWA CITY - Barring a run on tickets before Saturday, Iowa will experience its first home game with fewer than 60,000 people since 2003.

As of Thursday afternoon, Iowa had sold 57,598 tickets, far below capacity of 70,585. The last time Iowa opened with fewer tickets sold was Aug. 30, 2003 against Miami (Ohio), when the attendance was 54,128. The following week against Buffalo, Iowa sold 54,471.

'In 2002, we went undefeated in the Big Ten and the first two games of 2003, we were below the numbers we're going to have on Saturday,” Iowa Athletics Director Gary Barta said. 'That just reminds us all that once we regain momentum, we can get it back and we're going to work hard at that.”

'Did something happen that would have driven those two games down so much, like some world crisis or something?” asked associate athletics director Rick Klatt. 'I just can't remember. Then of course we rebound and sell out the last five games. So, I guess the moral of the story for me is a fan base can rebound pretty quickly.”

The game marks just the 26th time since 1979 Iowa has failed to sell more than 60,000 tickets.

Klatt said most games have tickets sales around 57,000 right now but one - Purdue. Iowa has sold about 50,000 tickets to its home finale against the Boilermakers on Nov. 21.

'I think it's supply and demand, time of year and opponent,” Klatt said. 'We're at that time of year where we're very much a slave to wins and losses, and we're very much a slave to the weather. If you're a fan of the Hawkeyes right now, you've got lots of choices.”

FACILITIES PLAN UNVEILED

Iowa has unveiled its master facilities plan for 2016 through 2026, and the plan targets most of the department's athletics venues.

Three areas already were announced last month when the state Board of Regents gave the department permission to proceed. They include a $35-45 million renovation to Kinnick Stadium's north end zone, a west campus residence hall and dining facility ($85 million) and an indoor track facility on West Campus ($15-20 million).

Among the other projects under consideration include major changes at Carver-Hawkeye Arena.

'We're talking about a new entryway, a grander entryway, more of a display of our history and tradition,” Barta said. 'We're going to look at is there any way to incorporate clubs or suites of any kinds. Initially, we're looking at new video board, sound system, court floor, concourse enhancements. It may go in stages. In fact, I anticipate it probably would.”

At Kinnick Stadium, Iowa likely will replace the turf and enhance locker rooms and team areas. Improvements are considered for the athletics' hall of fame and learning center. Refurbishing Finkbine Golf Course and the clubhouse is under consideration. Phase III of baseball renovations includes a new baseball stadium around the current Duane Banks Field.

Among the largest potential projects includes developing the West Campus to include an outdoor track facility, a softball stadium, an Olympic-style arena and support service facility to accommodate volleyball and gymnastics competition. The department has received interest from donors about specific projects. Patron gifts will decide which project moves to the top of the list.

'Vision without resources is irrelevant,” Barta said. 'These are not funded yet. We have to figure out how we're going to fund them.”

ANF WINNER

Former Iowa offensive lineman Robert Gallery was selected as the fourth nominee for the ANF Wall of Fame at Kinnick Stadium.

Gallery, who won the 2003 Outland Trophy as the nation's best interior lineman, will be honored Sept. 19 when the Hawkeyes play Pittsburgh. Gallery was selected No. 2 overall in the 2004 NFL draft and played eight years in the NFL.

Previous honorees include Casey Wiegmann, Jared DeVries and Bruce Nelson.

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