Before this year, I had never been to a field hockey game. Just like most of you.

Obviously, I knew covering the Iowa field hockey team this fall for the Daily Iowan would be a challenge.

Going into my first field hockey game — Iowa against Wake Forest on Aug. 29 at Grant Field — I had absolutely no idea what to expect.

Growing up in Iowa, there are no high school field hockey programs. And I certainly had never seen a game anywhere else.

Sure, I had done my research. I read up on the rules. But I knew I was in for something new.

Iowa may have lost to Wake Forest, 3-2, that day, but it would be hard to ask for a better first field hockey experience.

With that in mind, everyone who has never seen a field hockey game should make a trip out to Grant Field — one of the best field hockey venues in the country.

Not only is the game entertaining, but the field hockey program is one of our school’s best. It’s also one of the best in the country. Plus, with free admission, the price is definitely hard to argue against.

Just watch out for the sprinklers at halftime.

— by Jordan Garretson