Despite overlooking the northeast corner of Kinnick Stadium for the past 66 years with Iowa’s iconic Tigerhawk emblem proudly adorning its side, the University of Iowa officially began removing the legendary, yet dormant water tower on Friday, July 10.
Built in 1960 with a carrying capacity of approximately 750,000 gallons, the Hawkins Drive water tower provided a valuable water supply to much of the Iowa campus, but has since been replaced by more effective storage methods throughout the area.
Although the structure holds a firm place in many Hawkeye fans’ hearts as a prominent part of Kinnick Stadium lore, its removal will make way for Iowa Health Care Stead Family Children’s Hospital’s new adult inpatient tower that will connect to the main hospital and allow for more patients to receive the best and most cutting-edge care…