IOWA CITY, Iowa — USA Today announced on Tuesday the ‘Hawkeye Wave’ as the 2024 Readers’ Choice Award for Best College Sports Tradition. 

Surpassing some of the greatest traditions in college sports, 70,000+ Hawkeye and football fans alike turn their attention from the field to the UI Stead Family Children’s Hospital overlooking Kinnick Stadium. At the end of the first quarter, fans wave to pediatric patients and their families watching the game, creating a moment of connection and hope.

The Wave began in 2017 and has quickly become one of the most beloved college sports traditions across the nation. The University of Iowa, along with the UI Stead Family Children’s Hospital have collaborated on initiatives supporting young patients long before the distinguished Wave. In 2009, the Kid Captain program was introduced to honor these patients and share their inspirational stories. Each home Iowa football game features a Kid Captain, who receives a commemorative jersey, special recognition from both the hospital and the football team, and opportunities for behind-the-scenes experiences. Along with that, each Kid Captain chooses what song is played in Kinnick Stadium during the Hawkeye Wave.

There were several honorable mentions, including the Army-Navy Game, Purdue’s Big Bass Drum, and Wisconsin’s Jump Around, Texas A&Ms The 12th Man, Virginia Tech’s Enter Sandman and Script Ohio.