After this Saturday, the Kinnick Stadium that we have all know and loved will never be the same.

The good old wrecking ball will start flying back and forth very quickly after the clock clicks to zero.

I grew up in the South end zone seats, so this Hawkeye fan will be filled with mixed emotions. My father took me to my first game in 1974 when the Chosen Children knocked off UCLA. It was the first time I stormed the field and it was not the last.

I will remember Hayden’s first game against Indiana and being up 26-3.

I will try to forget that we lost to Lee Corso that day 30-26.

I will remember the kick.

I will try to forget Bobby Freaking Olive.

I will remember Banks to Clark in ‘02.

I try to forget the second half against ISU in 2002.

I will remember Matt Rodgers on a sneak against Illinois.

I will remember snow angels.

I will remember the naked bootleg.

I will remember Miami at night.

I will try to forget the result of that one.

I will remember Nebraska and UCLA in 1981.

I will remember Kirk Ferentz first Big Ten win against Michigan State and later in the season the upset of Northwestern.

I will remember roses falling from the sky in November of 1981.

I will remember so much about sitting in the south end zone growing up and it will always be a special place in my heart.

But, the new and improved Kinnick will be ready to go, we hope, by next September. It might not be the same, but it will still be Kinnick and that is the most important thing. I will miss the rickety old end zone seats and the memories of watching from those seats, but I also look forward to the facelift of the best venue in college football.

The readers of HawkeyeReport.com responded with several of their own personal memories of Kinnick Stadium. While we could not include all of them, here is a healthy sample.

One of the best moments was during one of Iowa's worst years. It was Coach Ferentz's first year and third game, the win over Northern Illinois.

My oldest son and I were at Kinnick for his second game. We sat in the north end zone about 5 rows up and I'll never forget the look on his face, eyes wide open, popcorn flying in the air, and a scream of 'Touchdown' from his nine year old lungs as Ladell Betts rumbled into the end zone.

My favorite hawk memory was Kirk's first big ten win against MSU. I was actually working the concession stand during the game and with a few minutes left inthe third, I ditched work and found a seat onthe visitors side, around the 20yd line. Everytime something good would happen, in typical hawkeye family fashion everyone was slapping hands and really into the game. I noticed an older gentleman, probably about 65-70 years old, sitting in his overalls taking it all in. After I noticed him, everytime something good happened, I would lean over the aisle and we'd give each other a high-five. He loved be included. Anyway, as the final seconds ticked off, everyone started jumping around and hugging each other. I'll admit, I shed a little tear. I was watching the rush onto the field when I felt a tap on my shoulder. I turned and it was my new friend from across the aisle. He grinned and spread his arms out wide and we gave each other a great big bear hug. I said "go hawks" and he repeated it to me and smiled and then walked out.

I was in the north end zone about 22 rows up. I was 12 years old. I swear the kick was coming right at me. It landed in a guy's arms about 7-8 rows above me. I saw him catch it and then take off running for the exit. I've only missed one home game since 1984, and that was because I had a high school playoff game on a Saturday during the Iowa game. And although there's been some great moments, e.g. Banks to Clark, Shelton's Int, The Bootleg, there was never a day like 1 vs 2.

A perfect, gloomy day for the game of a lifetime. I just remember sitting there and crying because I was so happy. I was there with my dad and grandpa. My grandpa never said anything at the games. He just watched them and took in the atmosphere. But I will never forget this, before the kick he looked at me and said, if he would just make this kick, I would die a happy man. I was floored. Ten years later on the same day, my grandpa passed away. Amazing!!

In the 60's hanging out with my friends, watching the game while sitting on a hillside in the SW corner because the bleachers hadn't been built yet. Later that decade taking a date to the games, cheering together and eventually marrying my favorite Hawk fan. In the 70's and 80's passing on my passion for the Hawks when taking my sons to Kinnick and watching them to grow to love the black and gold as I do. In the 21st century, taking my little grandson to the game and knowing he's on that field scoring touchdowns for the Hawks just like his daddy and grandad use to dream.

This is simple for me.

I've been to a ton of games over the last 25 years, but the one that came immediately to mind was the MSU game in 2000. The first Big Ten win under Kirk Ferentz.

This team had been down and out for couple years now, but the signs were there for a turn around. You could see the team slowly gaining confidence every game and getting better with every snap. Then comes the MSU game and a kick return by Kahlil Hill for a TD. Touchdown Iowa!! Then a jailbreak screen by Kevin Kasper for a TD. Touchdown Iowa!!

I have sat in the South endzone for that game and all games that I have attended. Seeing the fans rush the field from my seat and feeling the emotion in the stadium that day is still, to this day, the sole reason Iowa fans rush the field at Kinnick after wins. Fans found out that it's a fun to celebrate after wins and you never know when you'll be in search for another first Big Ten win.

So many yeara-so many memories. (I'll turn 71 y/o tomorrow) My first was sitting as a Knot Hole kid in 1949. Coach was Eddie Anderson. My reaction was 'I have to be here someday as a student so I can see all the games' It was overwhelming seeing the crowd- four times the size of my hometown. Incidentally, Hawkeyes 28 Nortwestern 21.

Finally, my wish came true. I was on campus and witnessed the arrival of Evy and his promise of a Rose Bowl for Iowa. Came true Jan.1,1956. Known as the All IOWA PICNIC.

1952. The greatest defensive game ever played. Ohio State came to Kinnick highly rated (don't remember exactly). When game was over Ohio State had minus yards and no score. Iowa one touchdown and a safety. Final score 8-0. This was era of Calvin Jones. KF should have shown this game film to team before Minnesota game. Maybe now before Wisconsin to stop Davis.

1953. Iowa leading Notre Dame 14-7 with time running out. Notre Dame had ball marching down field with no timeouts left. This is best known as the injured player ruse game. Time out for a N.D. injury. Player taken off field while substitute made. Injured player jumping and celebrating on sideline as N.D. scores tying game. Final 14-14. No wonder I hope Our Lady of the Fake Injury never wins a game.

The first time I went to a game at Kinnick, when I was a young one -- I still remember Keith Chappelle getting a big run in, and even though we lost (can't remember to who) I was so excited on that play, and can still see it in my mind.

Watching Reggie Roby boom the ball... always a beautiful sight.

My birthday - Oct. 12, 2002 - when we kicked MSU's butt. :) And Jermelle broke that long kick return for a TD, that was just a thing of beautym you could see the exact moment where he turned on the jets and you knew he was scoring. That was a great, great present.

Still love the game last year where Greenway accidentally knocked Roth down. And of course, I'll never forget Bob Sanders scoring his TD in Kinnick, nor Robert Gallery schooling that poor Illinois CB twice last year.

I've had the pleasure and good fortune to be present at several of the more memorable moments in Hawkeye football memory over the last 40 years.

Actually, most of you have touched on my best game day memories at one point or another as I've read down through this list so I'm feeling an even closer kindred spirit with my Hawkeye brothers and sisters than normal. I'll offer a shortened list (in no particular order):

-- My father taking me to my first Hawkeye game. As was mentioned above by others, we didn't have a lot of money so to me, it was a huge surprise, expense, extravagance, etc. I couldn't believe he spent money on that and took me along! Makes me love him all the more, especially as he ages and time grows short to share sweet memories.

-- Sitting on the grass in the corners before expansion of the north and then south endzone seating took away that option.

-- Witnessing the 'Chosen Children' game in person

-- Beating Nebraska

-- Winning Floyd

-- Watching Mike Gatens steal Woody Haye's hat at the end of an OSU-Iowa tilt

-- That naked bootleg by Long against MSU

-- Taking my Cdn co-worker with me to the Iowa - Michigan game in '85. He's NEVER forgotten it, hated U.S. football until that day and still talks fondly about it yet. Now follows the Hawkeyes as best he can in Edmonton, AB. I still get chills thinking about that game and literally re-live the dying moments whenever I listen to the audio files

-- Father Bob Holzhammer on the PA system during games

-- Watching one of my roomates in temporary housing standup to cheer for the Hawkeyes when he couldn't even see the field because he was so drunk and doing an amazing stiff body, slow motion face plant into the metal bleachers in front of us (student section -- everyone standing). He immediately got up, blood pouring from every opening and walked back to our dorm room like he was stone cold sober! Next day, he wanted to know who beat the crap out of him! Didn't remember a thing about falling or the game........

-- The Scottish Highlanders

-- All the incarnations of Herky over the years

-- Wasn't in Kinnick but witnessing Haydon Fry's introduction to the Hawkeye faithful as the new Head Hawk at the Iowa vs ISU men's bb game. It was on my birthday. Hawk's won, Fry merely said (to the best of my recall) "Ladies and gentlemen, we are going to win!". I got goosebumps then and still do thinking about it. Somehow KNEW we had a keeper and that the long suffering program was in for some major positive changes. He just had/has that presence about him.

-- Seeing the EMPTY field east of Kinnick that is now the Colloton, Poppajohn and Pomerantz Pavilions of the UIHC. The JV squad used to practice on those empty lots and students had some PE classes and pick-up football games there!

-- Spring games bathed in sunshine and warmth with 20,000+ in attendance for a practice. Priceless.

-- Perhaps most dear to me, the last home game: Iowa vs Purdue 2004. I mentioned it earlier on these boards but two kind, generous female Hawkeyes gave my 9 year old son and me free tickets. I have tickets for this week's game but haven't told him yet so he was thinking he'd never get to a Hawkeye game. The look on his face going into Kinnick and during that game will stay with me to my grave. Thank you, Ladies. You're true Hawkeyes!

-- Thanks to names that come back to me. I know I'm leaving out way too many but here's to those that helped provide me with some of the best memories of my life. Thank you: Evy, Karl Noonan, Gary Snook, Denny Green, Ed Podolak, Craig Clemens, Levi Mitchell (?), Tom Rusk, Andre Tippet, Jon Hayes, Chuck Long, the Haight brothers, John Harty, Owen Gill, Norm Granger, J.C. Love-Jordan, Keith Chapelle, Gordy Bohannon, Eddie Philips, Ronnie Harmon, Larry Station, Reggie Roby, Robert Smith, Peter Marciano, Rob Houghtlin, all the guys from '86 - 2001 whom I didn't get to see or follow closely while I was isolated in Canada, Haydon Fry and Kirk Ferentz in particular but all the great coaches from Iowa's history. I know there's more but you get the idea. Thanks for the memories and building the traditions we now love and pass along to our children.

In 1981 I attended my first Iowa game at age 25. I grew up a Hawk fan, but as a farm kid we listened to games during harvest. I was able to make three games that first year. The last was vs MSU. The three other guys I went with had this brilliant idea...to carry in some Bubbly to celebrate the season. It was much easier to sneak in a pint or a few cans in those days. The four of us each took two bottles along to sneak in. I started early and hit it pretty hard...too hard. Had to go take a break (passed out) before noon (most of you will not remember 1:05 kick-offs). Just before 1 PM I awoke in our car in downtown Iowa City. I walked/jogged (could not risk shaking up the bubbly!) to the stadium and arrived around 1:15. The normally crowded gates were clear except for me and the two bottles of bubbly I had down each sleeve of the heavy winter coat. Acting like the Tin Man from the Wizard of Oz I handed the attendant my ticket with the neck of each bottle down each sleeve. When I got to my seat I caught much grief for my nap, but also discovered that all four of us had smuggled in the Champagne. As the game progressed initially the most popular folks in our SW end zone corner were the guys with radios (which were bulkier then). The Hawks were basically in control start to finish but the play that Ohio St scored the late go ahead TD was a play that Iowa lost yards on a carry, yet I rember that a cheer went up as word spread faster than an internet rumor. I remember standing and screaming and watch a few of the younger players walk over to the railing to confirm what was causing the rucus with several pounding each other before a few of the seniors would come over and get them to focus back on the task at hand. The Hawks actually took it up and notch, as did the crowd. Late in the game as the chant "Rose Bowl, Rose Bowl" rattled the windows of a much smaller UIowa Hospital many of the players started to realize it was going to happen, but I think were sort of stunned. As the 4th quarter started we uncorked the eight bottles. We each kept one and shared the other four which were passed up and down the rows. Many sections of Kinnick have their area cheer leaders and ours was no exception. As he grabbed the bottle he read it and hollered out that it was California Champaign!

Hawkeye fan my entire life...as a matter of fact, I verbally committed to Iowa in 1974 at the age of 2...

09-27-86 My first game at Kinnick Stadium...a 69-7 Mark Vlasic led blowout of UTEP in a pouring rain...money was tight for our family back then, and my dad had done some work on our neighbors car in exchange for the tickets...one of the best days of my life sitting there in the South Bleachers eating over salted popcorn and drinking watered down soda with Dad in the rain...stayed the entire game, a tradition that I have only broken once in my lifetime of attending Iowa games (sadly, this year's ASU game)...

09-15-90 My first game as a U of Iowa student...welcome to IOWA son! Returned from a 63-10 blowout of Cincinnati with one of the worst sun burns of my life...what a season! Bobby #$#@$@$ Olive game included...

11-23-91Ah, the infamous "Snow Angel" game...also the first one I took my younger brother to...a 23-8 win over Minnesota complete with the largest snow ball fight in state history...

09-05-92First night game at Kinnick, a 24-7 loss to Miami(FL)...blew off my then girlfriend to take the same brother to this game also...HOLD ON TO THE BALL, JEFF!!! The worst part of that is that Antilla had told me that Friday in Accounting to watch for him on the first offensive play of the game for the Hawks...wow, was that crowd jacked...I firmly believe had he held on, Iowa would have won that game

09-08-01 Based on my first entry to this list, this game will always be special for me...other then it being a 44-19 blowout of Ben Rothlesberger and the Miami Redhawks, it was a chance to sit in those same South Bleachers next to my dad, holding my son for his first game at Kinnick Stadium, keeping the tradition going...

I'll pick two from different eras. The first in 1968 was the greatest individual effort I ever saw, the 1968 game where Ed Podolak rushed for 286 yards against Northwestern. The Wildcats just couldn't lay a hand on him all day, no matter how or where he got the ball. The second and more recent one was actually a loss, the game we lost to Wisconsin 13-7 in 2000. Everyone around me left disappointed, but I could feel the attitude on the field shift that day as we hung around with Wisconsin until the end. I think the team realized then that we could play with anyone, and the quiet confidence was suddenly there. The next week they went on the road and beat Penn State.

MSU,1981 What an absolutely unbelievable atmosphere. In those days cell phones didn't exist & small T-V's were rare, so updates from the Ohio St. game were not instantaneous. Each piece of good news would arrive several times. Those few with portable TV's would get it first and a cheer would go up from the fans seated near by. Hearing those cheers,others would join in,not knowing what happened but figuring it must be good. Minutes later those with radios tuned to the Iowa game might get the same news which would be followed by another chain-reaction cheer. Often,seemingly random cheers would erupt from different parts of the stadium. We would turn to a neighbor who had a TV for an explanation. At times the Hawks on the field would look up at the crowd, bewildered by these cheers that had no connection to the action at Kinnick. There have many great memories since, but none can top seeing my dear father arriving back at the parking lot with a look of absolute joy on his face. He was the last of our party to get back to the car. "I just wanted to hear the band play "California Here I Come" one more time" he said.

Definitely the Purdue game in '02. I was sitting in the south stands with my 11 year old son. When Purdue scored to take a 4 point lead with Iowa having no timeouts, I still held out slim hope but was not extremely optimistic. It had been a GREAT game to that point, however, I suspected the Hawkeyes good fortune might have finally met its match. My son then leaned over to me and said, "...don't worry Dad...the Hawks are going to win!" What happened in the next few minutes was pure magic. When Brad Banks took off on that scramble and ran into Purdue territory I knew something special was about to happen. They worked their way down the field almost too quickly, but were faced with a 4th down play driving toward the south end zone. The throw to Dallas Clark opened up right in front of us, and the ball seemed to float in the air forever before he caught it. The south stands went absolutely NUTS and I picked up my son and held him up high, screaming and high-fiving anyone we could find. After the Hawk D picked off Purdues last-gasp pass and the time ran off the clock, my son and I just remained in the stands soaking up the history we had just witnessed. I will nver forget that game and that moment for as long as I live.

Thanks to everyone for sharing their personal stories. Here is to you Kinnick, thanks for so many great memories and thanks for the one’s that are yet to come.