In a little over four months the Hawkeye Express, a fan commuter train will transport Hawkeye faithful to and from Kinnick Stadium to watch the University of Iowa football team begin play within the new Big Ten Conference. Today I discovered a single Hawkeye club car in storage at the Oelwein Yard. Perhaps the commuter is here for annual maintenance and/or off-season storage. Other elements of the train have been spotted in storage on tracks in Coralville close to where people park and board during game days. The Hawkeye Express began running in 2004, originally using elements from a ski train but now have dedicated six Pullman cars purchased from a Chicago commuter line. The diesel is a former Amtrack locomotive from Arkansas.
Hawkeye fans embraced the train concept as a way to move efficiently through traffic and to be delivered to Kinnick's entrance. Its been a win-win for fans and for the University. Know that.
Oh, that is AWESOME! I don't think we have a Badger Express, mores the pity.
ReplyDeleteoh wow -- didn't know the Express existed! we sold our Hawkeye Express bus two years ago ... miss it terribly!
ReplyDeleteThat's just totally awesome, even better than a team mascot!!! Whoot...whoot!!!
ReplyDeleteGod bless and enjoy your weekend!