September 3-5
Well, if there's one thing that Iowa does big - it's football. We know of their appetite for corn, but
what about pizza?It's Thursday September 3rd, and we're making the trip from our Minnesota adventures down to Ames, Iowa. Ames is home to Iowa State University, home of 48,831 screaming fans today. ISU's opponent tonight is North Dakota State University, a tough group clad in green and gold. But work comes first. After a players parade down the main road, hungry fans are flocking to our machine. Many remember us from when we were here last year for Homecoming. No sweatshirts needed this time around though, as the summer sun shines down on us from the heavens. One group that definitely remembers us is the ISU Cheer squad. They sprint over and gorge themselves on free pizza. Next year we're going to make them do a personalized Palermo's cheer before we hand out the freebies. Either way, thanks for the continuous support cheer squad! We are finishing up around game time, and 10 cases are in the history books. Lawrence, one of ISU's
event coordinators, hooks us up big time with free VIP passes for the game. Jack Trice Stadium, which holds 50,000, has an amazing VIP section with an incredible view. Situated directly behind the band, we can see every detail from the level we're on. Free food and drinks put the icing on the cake. We look like children in a candy store; a great way to end a very successful day. Thanks a ton Lawrence!Friday is supposed to be a relaxing day off, but the Hawkeye Faithful is throwing a festival to honor Haden Fry, a long time, hall of fame, football coach. And this "Fry-Fest" is taking place in the field adjacent to our hotel. Charlie Daniels plans to take the stage, and I can imagine the insanity will soon follow. After a long night, the alarm rings at 5:30am Saturday morning. The black and gold fans (and dogs) from the Big Ten do football one way: BIG. As we are setting up at 6am, there are already tailgaters everywhere. By car, by truck, by bus, or by
RV - the Hawkeye faithful find a way to make it happen. We are set up in Rally Alley, the final walkway to get to Kinnick Stadium. We are slow at first, but the closer we inch to game time, the busier we get. And the response is going great. As usual, people love free, and people love pizza. We eventually will go through 10 cases today - with 1 case going to the band, LOL! Fresh off of naming a street after legendary coach Hayden Fry, the Hawkeyes go on to somehow get a victory from Northern Iowa University. Thanks for all the support Iowa! We'll be back soon.