A magic Hawkeye tradition deserves to continue
The city of Iowa City is a self-described "locus for culture, education, variety, and fun." The heart and soul of the city is the University of Iowa. Organized football got its start on the Iowa campus in 1889, and since 1929, Kinnick Stadium (then known as Iowa Stadium) has been the home of the football team. Similar to chanting "I-O-W-A" after a touchdown or touching the statue of Nile Kinnick before a game, tailgating is also a tradition beloved by students, fans, and alumni.
No other college tailgating location has obtained more national recognition than the Magic Bus. Located behind the house at 817 Melrose Ave. from 1991 to 2008, the Bus is a tailgating institution.
Dedicated not only to the worship of the Beer and Football Gods, the Magic Bus is unique in that it also supports live music and local charities. It has raised tens of thousands of dollars for various organizations and families in need.
Tailgating, by definition, is not a refined, intellectual activity. It tends to be a little loud, sometimes a little rowdy, sometimes a little bawdy. Iowa fans are enthusiastic and vocal about their football team, as they should be.
To single out the Magic Bus as being a confluence for hooligans and degenerates who get particularly loud or rowdy is inaccurate and unfair. This ill-deserved reputation threatens the very existence of this Iowa tradition. In fact, the Magic Bus attracts, embraces, and earns the loyalty of all types of folks, from construction workers to attorneys, doctors to secretaries, accountants to entrepreneurs, students to salesmen.
Because of financial constraints, the Magic Bus has been forced to secure a new location for its operation; this has proven to be a difficult task. Right now, the Bus seeks to make its new home at 110 Woodside Drive, but it has been met with resistance by residents of that neighborhood. While I understand the concerns of those living in the immediate vicinity, it bears repeating that for the six days out of the year that are reserved for home football games, the entire area surrounding Kinnick Stadium is inundated with individuals and groups congregating for the sole purpose of tailgating.
Perhaps for just six days the residents of Woodside Drive can exercise a bit of tolerance — another notable quality on which Iowa City prides itself — and overlook the extra noise and commotion to instead focus on the tradition, charity, fun, and football espoused by the Bus.
As an Iowa alum, I have volumes of wonderful memories and enduring friendships that were created at the Magic Bus. I am heartsick at the thought of this Iowa tradition being extinguished. Please take a moment of your time to voice your support for the Magic Bus. And remember, "In Heaven, there is no beer …"
Chandra M. Arkema, esquire
Philadelphia
UI alum '00
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