The University of Iowa is bringing another major brand into Kinnick Stadium, lining up a new partnership with Progressive Insurance that will show up most visibly on the field during the 2026 football season.
Announced Tuesday morning through an agreement with Learfield, the deal is designed to “expand investment” and centers on on-field advertising. Progressive’s presence inside Kinnick will include a white sideline apron stretching between the 20-yard line and the endzone in all four corners of the stadium. The agreement also calls for in-game videoboard features, digital and social media integrations, and in-venue LED signage before, during and after each game.
Iowa said this is the 13th university where Progressive Insurance has an expanded sponsorship and on-field branding arrangement. The list of schools already includes Boise State, Colorado, Georgia, Kansas State, Ole Miss, Oregon, Purdue, SMU, Syracuse, Texas Tech, USC and Wake Forest.
Matt Henderson, Iowa’s deputy director of athletics, said, “Their expanded investment reflects the value and national visibility of Iowa Athletics, while creating new opportunities to engage our fans in meaningful ways throughout the football season,” Henderson said in the announcement. “Partnerships like this help us continue delivering a first-class atmosphere at Kinnick Stadium and strengthen the connection between leading brands and our passionate fan base.”
The Progressive announcement follows a busy offseason for Iowa’s athletics department. It is the third major agreement unveiled this summer, after the Hawkeyes introduced specialty beer with Big Grove and liquors with Cedar Ridge Distillery.
Gabe Aguirre, vice preside and general manager of Hawkeye Sports Properties, said, “We are thrilled to welcome Progressive to Kinnick Stadium and look forward to the start of a great partnership,” Gabe Aguirre, vice preside and general manager of Hawkeye Sports Properties, said. “Saturdays in Kinnick are special and I’m happy they are going to be a part of it.”
Iowa also added the John Deere logo to Duke Slater Field last season, with that installation taking place during the 2025 season.
The Hawkeyes open at Kinnick Stadium on Sept. 5 against Northern Illinois, with kickoff set for 3:15 p.m.
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