University of Northern Iowa Athletics
Panther Caravan returns with three in-state stops for 2026
4/23/2026 12:00:00 PM | General
CEDAR FALLS, Iowa - The Panther Caravan, powered by MidAmerican Energy, is hitting the road again this May to spread Panther Pride throughout Iowa. Enjoy food, games, giveaways and camaraderie with people who love UNI just as much as you do. This year's stops include Des Moines, Tiffin and Cedar Falls.
The Ever Loyal Club and UNI Alumni Association are teaming up to make this spring's caravan an exciting experience, featuring great venues, and food - all free of charge. Each event will offer easy opportunities to sign up for the Ever Loyal Club, purchase athletics season tickets, and get involved with the local Alumni Clubs. Guests are asked to register online for events ahead of time.
Featured speakers during the 2026 Panther Caravan will include special guests such as Director of Athletics Dr. Megan Franklin, and multiple UNI coaches including Todd Stepsis (football), Bobbi Petersen (volleyball), Tanya Warren (women's basketball), Kyle Green (men's basketball) and Doug Schwab (wrestling).
New this year will be a visit to PinSocial (formerly Pinseekers) in Tiffin, just south of Cedar Rapids, with on-site activities including golf, duck pin bowling and mini golf.
The final stop will bring the Panther Caravan back home to Cedar Falls with a free, downtown festival-style event with live music, food and beverage vendors and Panther giveaways.Â
Entertainment for the stop in Cedar Falls will include live music by The Diplomats, a Cedar Falls based electronic pop and hip-hop duo. DJ Darryl, who has brought the energy to basketball season inside the McLeod Center, will also keep the vibe going with crowd-favorite tracks.
"Each spring's Panther Caravan is always one of the most exciting events of the year for UNI," said Brian Gabel, President of the UNI Alumni Association. "It is a powerful way to bring Panther spirit directly to our alumni and friends. It's an opportunity to strengthen connections, celebrate Panther pride, and share the exciting momentum happening on campus and with Panther Athletics. Each stop allows us to engage our community in fun and unique ways while reinforcing why Panthers are Purple for Life!"
Â
Jasper Winery
2400 George Flagg Pkwy, Des Moines
6-7:30 p.m. CT
Wednesday, May 13 - Cedar Rapids/Tiffin
PinSocial (formerly Pinseekers)
1515 Anderson Pl, Tiffin
6-7:30 p.m. CT
Thursday, May 14 - Cedar Falls
River Place Plaza
100 State St., Cedar Falls
4:30-9 p.m. CT
Â
More information about Panther Caravan and links to register can be found online by visiting panthercaravan.uni.edu.
Â
UNI Athletics action can be followed all year long on social media on Facebook (UNI Athletics), X (@UNIAthletics) and on Instagram (@uniathletics). Schedules and rosters, along with the latest Panther news and information can be found online at UNIpanthers.com.
