CLIVE, Iowa — Fans in central Iowa brought the Hawkeye magic to cheer on the Iowa women's basketball team as they pushed their way to the Elite Eight.
Some say The Front Row is "the Hawkeye bar" in Iowa, and these fans showed up to support the team in Albany.
“I have been a women’s basketball fan, but it’s grown pretty much since Caitlin Clark came aboard," said Tasha Steinkamp, an Iowa fan.
The Front Row holds watch parties for all Hawkeye sports, but this year continues to prove that the Caitlin Clark Effect is real.
“We came here three hours early to watch the game, so we had a seat, because it’s the Hawkeye bar," said Joan Rudolf, another Iowa fan.
Fans are seeing bigger crowds each game to watch women's basketball.
“Especially women’s, I think more and more people are coming to watch the women’s Hawkeyes because it's just phenomenal," Steinkamp said.
Fans say that watching a game at "the Hawkeye bar" is unmatched.
“Everybody shows up in black and gold, the wait staff is amazing, play is amazing, it’s just a good time, everybody’s cheering for the right team," said Michael Nielsen, another Iowa fan.
The sport and the team is building connections and bringing passion, all for the 'must-see' team in Iowa.
"They're just fun to watch and once you get to know them all, I follow them on Instagram now, and I feel like I kind of know their [personalities]," said Randi Potter, an Iowa fan.
Fans expect the crowds to grow as the Hawkeyes continue dancing.