University of Iowa - Go Hawkeyes Collection

The Grateful Dead’s connection to the University of Iowa is both historic and memorable. Their performances at the Iowa Field House in Iowa City are etched into the annals of Hawkeye history. On March 20, 1971, the Dead played a show that became legendary not just for the music but for the audience’s spontaneous decision to remove chairs from the floor, transforming the venue into a massive dance space. This act of collective spontaneity exemplified the communal spirit of the era. Their final performance at the Field House on August 10, 1982, was a culmination of their Iowa journey. The show opened with “Feel Like a Stranger” and included a dynamic second set featuring “China Cat Sunflower” into “I Know You Rider,” and a powerful “Eyes of the World.” The encore of “It’s All Over Now, Baby Blue” and “Johnny B. Goode” left the audience in awe.  This collection pays homage to the Grateful Dead’s enduring influence and the vibrant community of Deadheads at the University of Iowa. Featuring one-of-a-kind graphics and officially licensed apparel, it’s a tribute to the timeless groove that continues to resonate in Iowa City and beyond.