Stunning images from Iowa's record-breaking exhibition win over DePaul at Kinnick Stadium
Although the Iowa Hawkeyes football team wasn't at home this weekend, there was still an electric crowd at Kinnick Stadium as the women's basketball team, starring standout senior guard Caitlin Clark, played an exhibition against DePaul University in front of a packed house.
The "Crossover at Kinnick" event drew a record 55,646 fans, nearly doubling the team's previous high -- 29,619 at the 2002 Final Four. It is the most fans to watch an NCAA women's basketball game.
Purple reign: Watch Washington Huskies fans storm the field as time expires in massive win over Oregon
Caitlin Clark mastery and stunning images:
As the teams were announced before the game, Clark was, of course, saved for last. Her introduction left the crowd in a frenzy.
As the game progressed, Clark did not disappoint. She recorded a game-high 34 points, as well as a triple-double with 11 rebounds and 10 assists. Clark said earlier in the week that she didn't expect to have much touch on her shot playing in an outdoor stadium. "I tell people I will airball twice. Just prepare yourself," said Clark. Clearly, she wasn't giving herself enough credit.
After falling to a very early 4-1 deficit, Iowa dominated throughout the game, beating DePaul handedly by a final of 94-72. Kinnick Stadium is located next to the UI Stead Family Children’s Hospital, which the Iowa athletic department presented with a donation of about $250,000.
Iowa's tradition, since 2017, has been to turn to the hospital and wave to the children after the first quarter of every home game. Despite no football game played, the Hawkeyes and their fans still turned to the hospital and offered a wave.
Although we may not get to see many more women's basketball games in outdoor stadiums, this one surpassed all expectations. The stardom of Clark was only outshined by the passion from Iowa's fans.
The reigning national runners-up start their season with a home game against Fairleigh Dickinson University on November 6.
NCAA Basketball: News, scores, and updates