As the big Iowa-Iowa State game approaches, thousands of Iowans are indulging in the intrastate rivalry for bragging rights. And this year, the city’s mayors are getting into the competition.
Iowa City Mayor Regenia Bailey contacted Ames Mayor Ann Campbell this week to propose a friendly bet, prompting the first wager between the two officials.
The losing mayor has to demonstrate defeat at her next City Council meeting.
“When the Hawks win, Mayor Campbell has to wear a Hawkeye T-shirt to the next Ames council meeting,” Bailey said and chuckled. “In the unlikely case that Iowa loses, I of course will have to wear a Cyclone T-shirt to our next council meeting.”
Campbell said she is excited to accept the challenge.
“I think that this is a fun way to show that even in the heat of contest, we are still two Iowa college communities that work together,” she said.
Bailey said she was unsure whether mayors of the two Iowa cities have bet anything in the past, but said it’s both mayors’ first bets.
Although the two never mentioned a point spread, Las Vegas has the Hawkeyes favored to win by 6.5 points. Iowa has won four of the last six games, including last year’s 17-5 victory at Kinnick Stadium, but the team has failed to leave Ames with a victory since 2003.
When the two teams met in Ames last in 2007, all of Iowa State’s points came off five field goals — good enough for a 15-13 victory.
“They love that home-field advantage at Iowa State, but I’m not too worried,” Bailey said. “ I know the Hawks can pull it off.”
Despite the competition, Bailey and Campbell wanted to remind fans to have fun at Saturday’s game.
“I think that it’s a good idea,” UI junior Mike Highland said. “It strengthens the rivalry and gets students more involved.”
But some students were slightly cautious about the idea.
“I think that the council members from Iowa City and Ames might get a little offended,” UI senior Mark Bowers said, adding council meetings are usually formal events. “But in the end, it’s all in good fun. It will be healthy for the rivalry.”
The game is set to kickoff at Jack Trice Stadium in Ames on Saturday at 11 a.m. Viewers can watch it on Fox Sports Midwest.