In advocating support for the Iowa Hawkeye football team, three organizations with local roots are expected to host a hometown rally.

The Iowa City Downtown District, the I-Club, and the University of Iowa Spirit Squad will team up to invite community members to the downtown Hometown Huddle on Friday to support the Hawkeyes as they prepare to take on Missouri State on Saturday.

The event will take place on the Pedestrian Mall near the Weatherdance Fountain at 6 p.m. Lisa Blunder, head coach of the Hawkeye woman’s basketball team, will be there to lead the event and get students and families excited for the upcoming athletic seasons.

Herky and the Spirit Squad will be at the event to hand out giveaways.

There will be a second huddle on Sept. 20 at the same time before the football game against Western Michigan. The rally will be led by wrestling coach Tom Brands and wrestling icon Dan Gable.

— by Cassidy Riley