'Magic Bus' moving, but new group will also raise funds at old site

A popular charity tailgating attraction at University of Iowa football games is definitely moving this fall. But the group now leasing the Melrose Avenue spot used by the well-known “Magic Bus” will help fund local charities as well.

The Iowa City Rugby Club first used an old school bus for a tailgating attraction back in 1990. And over the years, the popular event raised about $10,000 a year for local charities by charging admission to a pre-game party. But last fall, the group told fans it would probably have to move because the new owners of the property at 817 Melrose Avenue had increased the rent significantly.

The rugby club notified fans this week on the Magic Bus' Facebook fan page that the new Magic Bus location will be at 110 Woodside Dr. The group says that's about two minutes farther away from the stadium, but otherwise the plan is to continue on what the club was doing before at a bigger and better site.

Tracy Barkalow, a spokesperson for the old Magic Bus site owners, said the new group there this fall will also operate a tailgating event. The site will now be used by a group called the Stadium Club. Operators Chris Querrey and Jimmy Clark are now leasing the space and say they will also offer live music and beer for a 21-and-over crowd.

The new operators will charge admission and also donate a percentage of profits to charity. The charities as this time will be the Children's Miracle Network and Children's Hospital at the University of Iowa. The Stadium Club operators said the percentage of profits given to charity after expenses will be determined later. Some year-end donations may also go to local high schools.

Owner spokesperson Barkalow said the old Magic Bus site was cleaned and renovated, and he now hopes the new tailgate operators can draw a more upscale crowd celebrating before Hawkeye games.