Dear Hawkeye Friend:

One of the main reasons I was eager to become the new director of athletics at The University of Iowa is the legendary loyalty of Hawkeye fans like you.

The combination of talented student-athletes; first-rate coaches and staff; excellent facilities; and generous and dedicated fans makes the UI athletics program one of the most respected in the nation.

I am honored to follow Hawkeye directors of athletics like Bump Elliott, Christine Grant, and Bob Bowlsby in maintaining the integrity and success that have been a hallmark of UI athletics for decades.

I look forward to meeting many of you at I-Club events and receptions around the state in the next several weeks -- and helping all of you make the walls and rafters ring as only the Hawkeyes can!

Go Hawks!

Gary Barta
Director of Athletics

You're invited to the rededication of Kinnick Stadium and the dedication of the Krause Family Plaza
As you plan your trip to Iowa City for the first game in the renovated Kinnick Stadium, be sure to include in your schedule the rededication celebration at 4 p.m. on Friday, September 1. The public rededication ceremony will take place on the new Krause Family Plaza on the south side of the stadium. The 12-foot-tall statue of Nile Kinnick will be unveiled and a slate of distinguished speakers will officially rededicate the home of Hawkeye football.

See the new Kinnick theatrical production at Hancher
The UI Department of Intercollegiate Athletics has teamed with Iowa City's Riverside Theatre to create a once-in-a-lifetime look at the life and legacy of Nile Kinnick. Performances are on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday at Hancher Auditorium during the weekend of Kinnick Stadium's rededication. Order tickets here.

Game-day information for football fans
Some important tips for making your trips to Iowa City to cheer on the Hawkeye football team enjoyable:

• Due to Kinnick Stadium rededication festivities, Lot 43 will not be available for game parking until after 9 p.m. on Friday, September 1. All other lots will be open at 6 p.m.
• Please be aware of parking changes for both reserved and public lots.
• Fans are encouraged to ride the Hawkeye Express train to Kinnick Stadium.
• Kinnick Stadium features new section and seat numbers.
• You can find more game-day information at hawkeyesports.com.

Hawkeye Huddles
Make travel plans now for the 2006 away football games and attend the free pre-game Hawkeye Huddles, sponsored by Liberty Mutual. See photos from previous Huddles.

Kinnick Society Dinner -- September 15 (revised date)
This special event is held each fall at a surprise location for I-Club members who contribute at the Kinnick Society level. Invitations for qualifying contributors will be mailed later this month.

Fall Kickoff Reception -- September 30 (revised date)
Each fall, members of the I-Club at the Golden Hawk level and above are invited to the Fall Kickoff Reception, which is typically held prior to the first home game. This year the event is being held on September 30, prior to the Hawkeyes' first Big Ten home game. Invitations will be mailed later this month.

Tee up in memory of Chris Street
Join Hawkeye basketball stars, past and present, for the annual UI Golf Classic on September 11. The event is staged in memory of former basketball great Chris Street.

Another great Golden Harvest golf outing and banquet
See photos from this annual August event and learn which Hawkeye fans and local I-Clubs won awards.

"Great academics, elite football"
For senior tight end Ryan Majerus -- a lifelong Hawkeye fan from Oelwein, Iowa -- "it's a true honor to represent the University and all the people who are a part of making it great."

Join the team! Join the I-Club!
If you're an I-Club member, thanks for your support! If you haven't joined yet -- or would like to upgrade to a higher level -- become one of the thousands of Hawkeye fans who join the I-Club each year by making a gift online

Support the Hawkeye Marching Band
Our marching band performs before hundreds of thousands of people each year. Help the band represent the Hawkeyes at home and on the road!

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