Lang
12/24/19
Organizers admit they didn’t know what to expect when they created a Facebook event for a holiday “wave” to patients and families at the University of Iowa Stead Family Children’s Hospital. But hundreds turned out Monday night to wave flashlights, cellphone lights and glow sticks at the facility. Supporters lined the west side of Hawkins Drive from the east gates of Kinnick Stadium to the south parking lot. Police also blocked off portions of the street and directed traffic, while a parade of firetrucks and emergency management vehicles rolled by the hospital starting at 6:30pm.
The event “Holiday Wave at Stead Family Children’s Hospital” was a nod to the game-day salute at Iowa home football games, where fans wave to patients and family members at the hospital after the first quarter.
Organizers say they hope the holiday wave becomes an annual tradition. Footage of Monday’s event can be found on the UI’s Facebook and Twitter feeds.
Fans at the Holiday Bowl in San Diego will be asked to do “The Wave” at the end of the first quarter of the game between No. 19 Iowa and No. 22 USC on Dec. 27. The wave will be directed at the Iowa City hospital, as well as representatives from two children’s hospitals in Southern California who will be at the game.