The University of Iowa Department of Athletics will honor legendary broadcaster Gary Dolphin for 30 years as the radio play-by-play voice of Iowa Hawkeye Football and Men’s Basketball by naming the radio broadcast booth at Kinnick Stadium in his honor, according to a media release from the University of Iowa.
Since 1996, Dolphin’s voice has become synonymous with Hawkeye athletics, bringing fans every touchdown, buzzer-beater, championship celebration, and unforgettable moment across some of the most successful eras in Iowa athletics history. Over the course of his career, Dolphin has called thousands of events, building lasting connections with fans, alumni, donors, and communities throughout the state through his passion, preparation, and storytelling. He is the only play-by-play announcer to have called a game from that booth.
UI Director of Athletics Beth Goetz praised Dolphin’s three decades of service. “For three decades, Gary Dolphin has brought Hawkeye Athletics to life for millions of fans across Iowa and around the world,” Goetz said. “His voice has become part of the fabric of Iowa Athletics, capturing some of our most memorable moments while representing our university with professionalism, integrity, and passion. Naming the radio broadcast booth in his honor is a fitting tribute to his extraordinary contributions and the lasting impact he has made on generations of Hawkeye fans.”
Gabe Aguirre, Vice President and General Manager of Hawkeye Sports Properties, added that Dolphin’s connection to the fan base goes beyond the broadcast booth. “His passion, familiarity, and deep connection to the Hawkeye community have made fans feel as though they were experiencing every game alongside him,” Aguirre said. “Even when he eventually steps away from the microphone, his name and his lasting impact will remain a permanent part of Hawkeye broadcasts.”
Dolphin expressed gratitude for the honor, noting that Coach Kirk Ferentz delivered the news personally — a moment he said he will cherish forever. In his statement, Dolphin also thanked Bob Bowlsby, the former UI Director of Athletics who hired him in 1996 before later becoming the Big 12 Commissioner, as well as Goetz, Matt Henderson, Learfield, and Iowa Athletics for making the honor possible. “Very honored and humbled by this honor, knowing all the great play-by-play talents that came before me that I grew up listening to,” Dolphin said. “To have Coach Ferentz break the news to me is something I will cherish forever.”
The naming of the Gary Dolphin Radio Broadcast Booth ensures that his legacy and contributions to Iowa Athletics will remain a permanent part of Kinnick Stadium for future generations.
