Iowa State, Iowa ADs call for better fan behavior toward marching bands in joint statement

Iowa State and Iowa athletics directors said Wednesday that bands from both schools have suffered bullying from football fans, regardless of whether the Cy-Hawk game was played in Ames or Iowa City.

In a joint statement, Iowa State's Jamie Pollard and Iowa's Gary Barta asked for better fan behavior directed at the opposing school bands:

“Both the University of Iowa and Iowa State University are committed to providing a safe environment for everyone attending events on their respective campuses. This includes members of the school’s marching bands.

"Unfortunately, both the Hawkeye and Cyclone marching bands have been the target of unacceptable behavior at football games in Iowa City and Ames in recent years. Some of the conduct directed at the students in our respective marching bands recently has been rude, vulgar, and in some cases, violent.  

"We should all feel embarrassed when students in the bands don’t feel safe when performing at an away game. Each of our athletics departments is committed to doing whatever is necessary to improve the environment for visiting school marching bands in the future.

"A significant part of the solution is insisting our fans help address this issue by showing more respect to our visitors. We owe it to these hardworking performers to have a safe stage on which they can showcase their spirit and talent.”

The statement comes on the heels of Saturday's 18-17 victory by Iowa at Jack Trice Stadium. On Monday, Barta issued a vague news release that said:

“University of Iowa Athletics has been made aware of inappropriate actions made toward student members and staff of the Hawkeye Marching Band while attending the Iowa State football game Sept. 14. We have contacted Iowa State Athletics administration and are working to gather additional information.

“Our main priority is the safety of all Iowa students, staff, and coaches when attending events away from Iowa City.”

In a news conference Tuesday, Pollard said he was not made aware by Barta of anything rude happening to the Iowa band. Law enforcement officials assigned to protect the band were unaware of any nastiness.

The most recent statement did not acknowledge anything about Saturday's alleged incident.