Iowa Wrestling Dual Part of Bout at the Ballpark This Winter

Over time, the biggest rivalry in college wrestling has been Iowa versus Oklahoma State. This winter the two storied programs will meet in a unique dual meet doubleheader.

The Cowboys and Hawkeyes will meet on the mat this winter inside Globe Life Field in Arlington, Texas. The field is home to Major League Baseball's Texas Rangers, but on Saturday, February 12, 2022, it will play host to an Iowa-Oklahoma State wrestling dual, as well as an exhibition between the senior national teams from the United States and Iran.

Iowa coach Tom Brands said,

This is a no-brainer for us. It’s Oklahoma State. It’s outside the box. It’s international and I know it will be done right. We need to be ready to go.

You know they will be.

According to a  media release from REV Entertainment, the event will begin at 6:30 p.m. with two mats on the field. Matches will alternate throughout the event. The event will also be streamed live here.

Tickets go on sale Thursday, October 14 at 10 a.m. here.

As I'm sure you recall, Iowa defeated Oklahoma State at Kinnick Stadium on November 14, 2015. The final that day was 18-16 Hawkeyes, with 42,287 people in attendance (see photos below). The meet set an attendance record for most fans to watch a wrestling meet in the United States. I was there and it was an absolute blast.

I wouldn't bet a new record attendance will be set in Arlington, Texas next February but I will put money on this. Even though Stillwater, Oklahoma (home of Oklahoma State) is about 8 hours closer to Arlington than Iowa City, you can bet there will be a ton of black and gold-clad Iowa fans there to support Tom Brands and his Hawkeye wrestlers.