University of Northern Iowa Athletics
UNI wrestling announces Dual In The Dome, presented by Journeymen Wrestling
6/30/2026 10:00:00 AM | Wrestling
Panther Train to host Hawkeyes in the UNI-Dome this December and visit Iowa City in 2027-28.
CEDAR FALLS, Iowa --- The UNI wrestling team on Tuesday announced that it has agreed to a two-year, home-and-home dual series with in-state rival Iowa set to begin with the 2026-27 season.
Northern Iowa will welcome the Hawkeyes to Cedar Falls for the Dual In The Dome, presented by Journeymen Wrestling on Dec. 11 at 7 p.m. CT inside the UNI-Dome for the first home matchup against Iowa since 2010. The Panthers meanwhile will visit Iowa City and Carver-Hawkeye Arena during the 2027-28 season on a date to be determined.
This is an exciting day for the UNI and Iowa wrestling programs with the announcement of this home-and-home series, said UNI Director of Athletics Dr. Megan Franklin. This matchup gives us the opportunity to celebrate the sport of wrestling, honor the generations of student-athletes and coaches who built these proud programs, and begin anew. It is a reminder that our greatest successes often come through the friendships, partnerships, and shared vision that exist beyond the mat. When those entities come together with the common goal of growing the sport, we get to put together an exciting announcement like this today.
Live coverage of this December's Dual In The Dome, presented by Journeymen Wrestling will be exclusively broadcasted on FloWrestling.
I couldn't be more excited for my team, our program, our fans, the state of Iowa and the wrestling community as a whole, said UNI head wrestling coach Doug Schwab. In-state rivalries are like no other and I am grateful for the opportunity to renew this one with the Hawkeyes. I can't wait to have Tom, his staff, team, program and fans to a sold out UNI-Dome. Thank you Frank Popolizio as we aren't here without you. See you in December!
The Panthers finished this past season with an 11-8 dual record and a 4-4 mark against Big 12 teams, while sending five athletes to the NCAA Championships. Iowa meanwhile, a perennial wrestling power, posted a 12-6 dual record with a 5-3 mark in Big Ten duals, qualifying ten athletes for the national championships with seven All-Americans.
Some rivalries never die—they simply wait for the next chapter, said Frank Popolizio, club director and founder of Journeymen Wrestling. After fourteen years, Iowa and UNI return to the mat, renewing a tradition that belongs among college wrestling's most storied duals, alongside Oklahoma State vs. Oklahoma, Iowa vs. Iowa State and Army vs. Navy. Journeymen Wrestling is honored to help bring this historic rivalry back to life and be part of its next chapter.
2026-27 season ticket holders who have already renewed, as well as those currently holding new season ticket deposits, will receive special presale access and a 20% discount to purchase tickets beginning on Wednesday, July 22 as a capacity crowd is anticipated for the event. Admission to this dual is not included in UNI wrestling season ticket packages (or as part of TC's Kids Club/Young Alumni Tickets) and will be treated as a featured standalone event in the UNI-Dome. Eligible full-time, fee paying UNI students will be able to attend the event for free.
Tickets to the general public will go on sale on Wednesday, August 5. Full seating options and pricing for the Dual In The Dome will be announced at a later date.
Panther fans are encouraged to renew their regular wrestling season tickets now until the renewal deadline of August 31 through the UNI Ticket Office in order to take advantage of discounted purchase prices for the Dual In The Dome. For more information regarding season tickets, click HERE.
UNI wrestling action can be followed all season long on social media on Facebook (University of Northern Iowa Wrestling), X (@UNI_wrestling) and on Instagram (@uni_panther_wrestling). Check out the latest Panther news and information online at UNIpanthers.com.
