Iowa Hawkeyes Face Potential Heat Issues During NCAA Tournament

Coach Jan Jensen addresses concerns about Carver-Hawkeye Arena's lack of air conditioning as temperatures are expected to reach 87 degrees during the team's opening-round matchup.

Mar. 21, 2026 at 2:49pm

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The Iowa Hawkeyes women's basketball team is set to host their NCAA Tournament opening-round game at Carver-Hawkeye Arena, but the lack of air conditioning in the venue could pose a challenge as unseasonably warm temperatures are forecasted for the region. Head coach Jan Jensen acknowledged the potential issue, noting that the team will need to focus on hydration and managing the heat, which could impact both teams playing in the expected sellout crowd.

Why it matters

The Hawkeyes have been a popular draw this season, garnering the most viewership and social media attention in women's college basketball according to Nielsen data. However, the team's success could be threatened by the hot conditions at their home arena, which may negatively impact player performance and fan experience during a crucial NCAA Tournament matchup.

The details

Carver-Hawkeye Arena, the home of the Iowa Hawkeyes, does not have air conditioning, and the latest weather forecast is calling for a high of 87 degrees on the day of the team's opening-round NCAA Tournament game. Coach Jan Jensen acknowledged that the heat could be a minor issue, especially for the younger players who are not accustomed to such warm conditions in the typically cold Midwest. Jensen said the team will need to focus on hydration and managing the heat, which could also impact the expected sellout crowd.

  • The Iowa Hawkeyes are set to host their NCAA Tournament opening-round game on March 22, 2026.
  • The latest weather forecast is calling for a high of 87 degrees in the Iowa City region on March 22, 2026.

The players

Jan Jensen

The head coach of the Iowa Hawkeyes women's basketball team.

Caitlin Clark

A former star player for the Iowa Hawkeyes who helped build the program's popularity before her departure.

Lisa Bluder

The former head coach of the Iowa Hawkeyes women's basketball team.

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What they’re saying

“What I try to focus on, sometimes to a fault, you just control the controllables. I'm glad you brought it up because maybe I better try to talk about it. I'm older, I'm in my fifties right, so I can be like we can't control that, suck it up. But when you're younger and it is really hot and it's been cold in Carver most of the year because it's winter in the Midwest, might need to chat about it. But I do think the focus will be great. Hydrate up. Both sides will have to have a lot of water if the crowd does heat it up in there. But I think that we'll be pretty smart about we gotta do what we gotta do whether it's 80 or 20.”

— Jan Jensen, Head Coach, Iowa Hawkeyes

What’s next

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