Game day in Iowa City. The air is crisp, the anticipation palpable. For Hawkeyes fans, the pilgrimage to Kinnick Stadium is a ritual, often starting hours before kickoff. Tailgates buzz with energy, friendships are rekindled, and the black and gold colors dominate the landscape. As the stadium fills, a different kind of electricity starts to build, a sonic surge that signals the imminent clash on the gridiron. And it all culminates in a moment marked by a legendary guitar riff and Brian Johnson’s unmistakable screech: “Yes, I’m back in black!”
This isn’t just stadium music; it’s an institution. AC/DC’s “Back in Black” isn’t merely played at Kinnick Stadium – it ignites it. For nearly two decades, this hard rock anthem has been the unmistakable soundtrack to the Iowa Hawkeyes’ entrance, transforming the pre-game atmosphere from excited anticipation to explosive energy. It’s more than a song; it’s the sonic embodiment of Hawkeye football.
Iowa Hawkeyes football team bursts onto the field at Kinnick Stadium as AC/DC's "Back in Black" plays, creating an electrifying game day atmosphere
The Genesis of a Gridiron Anthem
The year was 2005, a time of renewal for Kinnick Stadium. Renovations brought a new tunnel, a passage from the locker room to the field in the southwest corner. HawkVision, the team behind the in-game experience, saw an opportunity. Jim Berg, the production lead, envisioned the tunnel as a dramatic stage for the team’s entrance. To amplify the moment, they needed a soundtrack, something powerful and visceral. Enter AC/DC.
The choice wasn’t arbitrary. Former Iowa strength coach Chris Doyle, familiar with the players’ workout playlists, suggested “Back in Black.” The song was already a hit within the team, pumping iron in the weight room. It translated perfectly to the stadium. As Mike Moriarity, HawkVision director, explained, it ticked all the boxes: a killer riff, anthemic vocals, cross-generational appeal, and even a nod to the team colors in the title itself.
Why “Back in Black” Resonates: More Than Just a Song
The brilliance of “Back in Black” as a game day anthem lies in its multifaceted appeal. The opening guitar riff, iconic and instantly recognizable, is pure adrenaline. It’s the sound of rock and roll rebellion, perfectly capturing the competitive spirit of football. Brian Johnson’s vocals are a raw, powerful shriek that cuts through the stadium noise, demanding attention.
Beyond the sonic punch, the song’s themes resonate on game day. “Back in Black,” written after the tragic loss of AC/DC’s previous singer Bon Scott, is an anthem of resilience and comeback. It’s about overcoming adversity and returning stronger – a message perfectly aligned with the spirit of athletic competition. For the Hawkeyes and their fans, it’s a declaration: We are here, we are ready, and we are back in black, ready for battle.
An Unintentional Tradition Cemented by Fan Demand
What started as a production experiment quickly evolved into a beloved tradition. HawkVision didn’t initially grasp the cultural impact they were creating. The realization dawned a few years later when, due to a miscommunication, the team entered the field without the customary AC/DC intro.
The reaction was immediate and vocal. Fans erupted in protest. The university felt the heat. Dave Sibert, the Hawkeye tunnel camera operator, recalls this moment as the true confirmation: “That was the first that we knew that it had actually become a tradition.” The near-uproar underscored just how deeply ingrained “Back in Black” had become in the Hawkeye game day experience.
The Future of the Anthem: If It Ain’t Broke…
Now, “Back in Black” is as synonymous with Iowa Hawkeyes football as the roar of the crowd or the sight of Kinnick Stadium on game day. It’s a unifying moment, a shared experience that transcends generations of fans. From the moment those opening chords ring out, everyone in Kinnick Stadium is connected, united by the power of the music and the anticipation of the game.
And for the foreseeable future, expect to hear that iconic riff echoing through Kinnick before every home game. As Mike Moriarity wisely stated, “Until there’s a new coaching regime, way in the future, I don’t think we’ll mess with it. If it isn’t broke, don’t fix it. And it works really well.” For Iowa Hawkeyes fans, “Back in Black” is more than just a song – it’s the sound of Saturday, the sound of tradition, and the sound of game time.
