Iowa City, Iowa – Basketball fans in Iowa have once again displayed their unwavering support for the Hawkeyes women’s basketball team by selling out tickets to the NCAA Tournament’s first and second rounds in just 30 minutes at Carver-Hawkeye Arena. This remarkable feat showcases the immense popularity and dedication of the fans towards their beloved team.
The top-seeded Hawkeyes, led by the reigning national player of the year Caitlin Clark, are set to face either Holy Cross or Tennessee-Martin on Saturday, followed by a potential matchup against either West Virginia or Princeton on Monday. With Clark holding the NCAA career scoring record, anticipation is high for the games ahead.
Not only have tickets for the games been in high demand, but the secondary market prices have also seen a significant surge. This level of enthusiasm and support for women’s basketball in Iowa is not uncommon, as the team has now sold out its home NCAA Tournament games for the third consecutive year.
Coach Lisa Bluder expressed her gratitude for the overwhelming support, emphasizing that the team has felt the NCAA atmosphere in every game played this season. The Hawkeyes have maintained an impressive record of selling out 34 of their possible 36 games, with the Big Ten women’s basketball tournament in Minneapolis completely sold out earlier this month.
Looking ahead, the Sweet 16 and Elite 8 matchups are set to take place in Albany, N.Y., providing a new challenge for the team and fans alike. The “Caitlin Clark Effect” will be put to the test as Iowa supporters may have to travel from the East Coast to show their unwavering support for the team.
Despite the distance, Clark remains confident that Iowa fans will show up in numbers to cheer the team on. The possibility of an exciting journey to the Final Four adds to the anticipation and excitement surrounding the team’s performance in the NCAA Tournament. The unity and passion displayed by fans and players alike highlight the strong connection and love for women’s basketball in Iowa.