University of Iowa renames road to honor a heartfelt tradition

The University of Iowa announced Monday that For The Kids Way, an east-west road on the university’s campus, will be renamed Hawkeye Wave Way both to honor the wave as well as avoid trademark issues with a nonprofit named similarly.

The new name symbolizes the bond between the iconic college athletics tradition and the UI Health Care Stead Family Children’s Hospital, situated north of Hawkeye Wave Way between John Pappajohn Pavilion and Pomerantz Family Pavilion (see map).

The Hawkeye Wave, introduced seven years ago, has become a nationally celebrated tradition. During every Iowa football home game since 2017, fans, student-athletes, and coaches pause between the first and second quarters at Kinnick Stadium to wave at patients and families inside Stead Family Children’s Hospital.

Families and patients will now be greeted by this recognizable name when they arrive at Hawkeye Wave Way.

History of the street

Originally called South Hospital Drive, this street started at Hawkins Drive, leading to the north entrance of Hospital Parking Ramp 4, and ended at the Field House. After the 2015 Field House renovations, it extended to merge with South Grand Avenue, reducing congestion on Melrose Avenue and improving traffic flow for visitors to UI Health Care Medical Center.

Renamed For The Kids Way in 2019 to honor Dance Marathon programs’ impact on Stead Family Children’s Hospital, it now transitions to Hawkeye Wave Way as these programs shift away from “For The Kids” due to trademark issues.