UI officials deter fans from 'rushing the field'

IOWA CITY - Officials at the University of Iowa are hoping recent arrests at Kinnick Stadium will send a strong warning to fans to stay off the field after the game.

Last weekend three fans were arrested and charged with trespassing after jumping on the field just moments after Iowa's goal-line stand at the end of their 24-16 victory over Michigan. In the last few seasons the university has had few incidents involving fans running onto the field.

"In 2008 we had some students and fans injured when they were on the field, which really triggered us to take a hard look at this," said UI Associate Athletics Director, Rick Klatt.

In 2009, the university began taking a proactive approach to stopping fans from running on the field, Klatt said.  Announcements are now made over the stadium public address system and warnings about the consequences of running on the field are printed in various pieces of literature given out to fans.

"We will do what's necessary to send the correct message," said Klatt.  "If that means we have to arrest as many as we can get in custody, then we will do that."

Klatt said he is pleased with how fans have responded to the message the university is sending.

The final test of the season will come this Saturday when the Hawkeyes host Michigan State. Kickoff is set for 11 a.m.