The north end zone renovations — part of the $89.9 million Kinnick Edge efforts first announced in 2016 — add much to the functionality of the gameday experience. The updates led to a 146 percent increase in restrooms in Kinnick Stadium, a 90 percent increase in concession availability, and a brand new club seating section.

Even though the players don’t believe the tunnel adds to their hype on game day, they do think the new north end zone will have an impact on primetime games in Kinnick. The new end zone actually moved the north-side stands closer to the field, and players believe that itself has a great effect on the noise level on the north side of Kinnick’s field.

“I definitely think it’s louder, especially on that side of the field on the north side,” Stanley said. “Especially with the Jumbotron up on top this year, it keeps the sound level up.”

Players realize the opportunity they have this weekend with Penn State. The new setup at Kinnick does nothing to tamper the environment that Hawkeye fans are used to, and several of the players believe that the environment has grown to new, interesting heights.

“When I do [score] in there, when I score in [the north end zone], it gets pretty loud,” wide receiver Ihmir Smith-Marsette said. “Hopefully, we do what we have to do this weekend and get that crowd going.”