Speaking as a UNI only fan, I totally respect the fact that some people on here hate the fact that UNI has a portion of the fan base that is 'dual fans'. I hated it for a long time too, but I have come to realize that even though those fans don't agree with me, I can't hate them for it. Do I try to change it? Yes. Am I successful? Not always. However, what I have noticed is that most of those 'dual fans' (albeit not just Hawk but Clone/Panther or Nebraska/Panther fans), are that they typically are only that way in football. They see UNI as separate from Iowa/ISU in football...as they are in separate subdivisions (D1 FBS and FCS). However, in basketball and all other sports, it's UNI only, as they see ISU/Iowa on the same level.
Growing up, I had a favorite(s) 1-A football team(s) to follow, but that was b/c growing up, you didn't see the UNI's of the world on tv. For those who state that they have been UNI alums and have gone to UNI games in the past, the on campus atmosphere has changed over the past 5 years as compared to the previous 120 years since it's inception. The men's basketball program at UNI was not very good until then, and at that time (with the playoff resurgence under Farley), the campus became more and more UNI only. I have been amazed at the number of 'Panther only' fans that are graduating, on campus, or who have been dual fans their whole life, only to realize they have a product they can really get behind at UNI.
I'll be honest, as a Panther alum, I don't think I could afford to be a fan of any other college in the state.
My sports nature wants to get 100% behind a team, and that means going to as many games as possible, traveling to some games, and buying NCAA tourney tix. At UNI, while close in proximity, is also the most affordable. I can get season tickets for football, basketball, wrestling, and volleyball for less than $500...and they are great seats against great competition. If I can't watch them live in person, I can usually watch my team on tv (football/basketball).
So, I guess the reason for this post is to let those know who haven't been to UNI lately (last 5 years), the dynamics have changed. If you think the Dome has a bad atmosphere, then you would be correct, if it's only 60% full. However, as UNI this year puts a crowd of 90-95% capacity every game in the Dome, it has been great. When it's 80% it's been great. Come to the Dome for a playoff game, things have changed. Will you still see the occasional Hawk hat? Sure...same goes for the Clone hats. Will you see more than a handful? Not anymore. The fan base is changing, and no, UNI couldn't have gotten to where they are today without loaning some fans from the other regent schools, but the way things are going now, dual fans will continue to become a much smaller portion of the fans cheering in the stands (however, at UNI they welcome as many fans as possible regardless of where they come from, if you can get a ticket). And at the same time, I'm not hating on those who are dual fans. I just hope that those who come from UNI will become more and more of a Panther fan, and less of their other school they cheer for.
