The University of Iowa football team will hold an open practice at Valley Stadium, West Des Moines, on Friday, April 8, with a youth clinic scheduled to follow the practice session. The Hawkeyes are staging the event at Valley Stadium for the fourth straight spring.

The open practice in West Des Moines will begin at 6 p.m. at Valley Stadium, and will be preceded by an autograph session on the field at 5:30 p.m. West and Southeast gates will open at 4:30 p.m. No tickets are required for the event, which is free to the public. Roster cards, posters, schedule cards, and 2016 ticket information will be available at all open gates.

A 45-minute youth clinic will take place following the practice (approximately 7:45 p.m.). The clinic is open for the first 275 children (ages 7-12), with all participants receiving a free t-shirt. Release of Liability forms will be distributed at the entrance gates. Forms must be completed and signed by the youth’s parent/guardian and presented to UI staff at the NW Field Gate at 7:15 p.m. Parents/guardians will not be permitted on the field during the youth clinic.

Concession stands within the stadium will be open and Herky’s Locker Room will be open outside the west entrance. No outside food or drink will be allowed in Valley Stadium. Other prohibited items include strollers and umbrellas. Bags may also be subject to search upon entry to Valley Stadium.

No tailgating, including open flame grills, is allowed on West Des Moines Community School District, city of West Des Moines, or Valley Church property; including before and after the practice. Alcohol is not ever allowed on the city of West Des Moines or West Des Moines Community Schools property. All WDMCS property, including Valley Stadium, is tobacco-free.

Iowa began spring drills on Wednesday, March 23. The Hawkeyes will host their final spring practice in Kinnick Stadium on Saturday, April 23 (1 p.m.) to conclude spring practice.