Families are invited to Kinnick Stadium on Saturday, Aug. 15, as the University of Iowa football team hosts its annual Kids’ Day at Kinnick, presented by UI Health Care.
The free event gives Hawkeye fans an opportunity to watch the team during an open practice before the start of the 2026 season. Practice begins at 11 a.m. (CT), with Gates A, B and H opening at 10 a.m.
Young fans will have the chance to meet their favorite Hawkeye players during an autograph session beginning at approximately 10:30 a.m. along the front of the west and south stands.
A special highlight of the day will feature the 2026 Kid Captains, who will join Hawkeye players on the field for photos after receiving an exclusive behind-the-scenes experience at Kinnick Stadium. The Kid Captain program, a partnership between UI Stead Family Children’s Hospital and the University of Iowa football team since 2009, honors the courage and determination of 12 current and former pediatric patients. Throughout the football season, each Kid Captain is recognized during a home game while sharing their inspiring story with Hawkeye fans.
Fans can meet this year’s 2026 Kid Captains and read their inspiring stories by visiting https://uihc.org/childrens/kid-captain.
Admission is free, and complimentary parking will be available in designated hard-surface lots. Standard parking ramp fees will still apply where applicable. Fans should note that concession stands will be cashless, accepting only debit and credit cards, and Kinnick Stadium’s clear bag policy will be in effect.
The Hawkeyes open the 2026 season on Saturday, Sept. 5, hosting Northern Illinois at 3:15 p.m. on BTN.
Single-game tickets remain available for home matchups against Northern Illinois (Sept. 5), Ohio State (Oct. 3), Wisconsin (Oct. 31 – Homecoming), Purdue (Nov. 14), and Nebraska (Nov. 27). Games against Iowa State (Sept. 12) and UNI (Sept. 19) are already sold out.
Source: University of Iowa Athletics / UI Health Care
Kid Captains: https://uihc.org/childrens/kid-captain
Photo Courtesy: University of Iowa Athletics / UI Health Care
