Hawkeyes Clear Up Confusion Around Black & Gold Spirit Game

A popular Facebook page centered around the Iowa Hawkeyes fandom stirred up some confusion earlier this week. The University has stepped in to clear it all up.

In memorial of Celia Barquin Arozanena, who was murdered earlier this week, ISU asked that anyone attending the game on Saturday to wear yellow. Yellow was Celia's favorite color.

Their announcement sparked the idea that the Hawkeyes should follow suit. It was suggested that anybody heading to Kinnick Stadium should wear gold as a show of support for the rival school. I'll admit, it is a good idea and a very sweet gesture.

The problem stems from the fact that Saturday is the Black & Gold Spirit Game against Wisconsin. This is the game that has been planned for months with a seating chart that features black and gold strips in the stands. Hawkeye Heaven posted about the grassroots "gold out" and encouraged fans to go against the pre-planned color-coding.

It got to the point that Hawkeyes fans and even students believed that the University had sanctioned the all-gold attire. To clear it all up, UoI released this statement:

"We are deeply saddened for the Iowa State community. Our thoughts are with Celia Barquin Arozanena's family, friends, classmates, and teammates.

While we are mourning with the Iowa State family, our football game on Saturday vs Wisconsin will remain a Black & Gold Spirit Game."

Hawkeye Heaven eventually posted a retraction:

Here's the official seating chart for Saturday's Black & Gold Spirit Game: