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About The Rose Club

Welcome

About Us

Learn about the history, traditions, and founding members of The Rose Club.

Find answers to the most common questions asked.

Our Story

Past, Present & Future of The Rose Club

Pre 2021

The Iowa City Rose Club is the culmination of 20 years of tailgating in someone else’s yard or on a block of concrete.

The Rose Club on Melrose Ave has some Hawkeye history. The “above garage” deck has been the site of many Scoba diving and tailgate parties since the early 90s, and according to one Melrose historian, Hawkeye legends Tom Davis, Dan Gable, and Hayden Fry have spent time in the house and on the deck.

2023

Renovations:

Bathroom remodels, a “Hawkeye” modified stairway/deck entry, new vinyl back fencing, and a better TV setup that enhanced our experience!

Tailgate Recap:

We said goodbye to Jimmy Buffett, expanded our tailgate themes to include a Caddyshack/80s theme, were rumored to have had live music, and enjoyed a 10-win season... AND IT WASN’T A FAIR CATCH!!

Philanthropy Efforts:

We raised money for the Willis Dady Homeless Shelter, “Containers for a Cause," and for the Landland “Be a Light” foundation/scholarship fund.

2022

Renovations:

The garage was renovated, the deck resurfaced, and a few other improvements were made for better fall Saturday experiences!

Tailgate Recap:

We had several successful themes, including a Kentucky Derby tailgate, an Animal House tailgater, and the first-time “Irish fest”

Philanthropy Efforts:

We had fundraisers for local food banks and for Iowa City High student scholarships.

2021

Established in 2021, the Rose Club moved indoors and 20 feet above ground. In the front and back yard of The Rose Club, members meet on those 7 magical Saturdays every fall for family, fun, fellowship, great food, beverages, and IOWA HAWKEYE football.

Tailgate Recap:

The first year of tailgating was eventful, and tailgate themes such as Hawktoberfest, Mardi Gras on Melrose, Prohibition, and Christmas on Melrose were seen.

2024

Renovations:

The lower decks have been resurfaced, a new roof and garage door added, much “team-specific trim” has been added to the house… and finally, a fitting tribute to the late, but always great HAYDEN FRY will be in the house.

Tailgate Recap:

2024 themes included Hawktoberfest, Melrose/Kentucky Derby, and Christmas on Melrose.

Philanthropy Efforts:

We hosted the “Why We Wave” foundation and welcomed about 12 pediatric warriors and their families battling pediatric cancer for food, beverages, and an ice cream social. We also raised $300 for their cause.

In the spring, we hosted an IOWASWARM baseball NIL event and raised north of $5,000 for the Iowa Swarm, Coach Heller, and the baseball Hawkeyes. Money from the Iowa Swarm compensates Iowa athletes for participating in community service/charity-based activities.

2025

In 2025, The Rose Club incorporated and became a 501(c3) charity! The Rose Club Foundation was born and is excited to see what it can do!

Renovations:

In 2025, The Rose Club has undergone a few physical changes. No more UGLY evergreen bushes in the front and back, and a new deck has been placed in the front yard to provide additional tailgate seating/enjoyment.

Tailgate Plans:

On top of our yearly Hawktoberfest, Kentucky Derby tailgate, and Christmas on Melrose celebrations, we will do a prohibition/Italian-themed tailgate, our Beach/BBQ/Buffet tailgate, and Mardi Gras on Melrose.

Philanthropy Efforts:

The RCF hosted its second annual University of Iowa Baseball NIL fundraiser and welcomed special guests from the Iowa Baseball team and the athletic department. We raised about $2,000 for the Iowa Swarm, Coach Heller, and the Iowa Baseball team. Money from the Iowa Swarm compensates Iowa athletes for participating in community service/charity-based activities.

Year After Year

Traditions of The Rose Club

Themes Every Tailgate

We do themed tailgating at The Rose Club. Themes often include: Hawktoberfest, Mardi Gras on Melrose, Movie and TV-driven themes, and Jimmy Buffett tribute tailgates.

Reduce, Reuse & Recyle

We recycle and reuse as much as possible and donate all our cans to “containers for a cause”, with the proceeds going to the Stead Family Children's Hospital.

Giving Back to the Community

Since 2021, we have fundraised for some local causes, including scholarships, food banks, and homeless shelters. In 2024, we started hosting events to showcase and fundraise for local charities.

Next Level Tailgating with a Purpose Beyond Game Day

Bringing Together Hawkeye Fans to Make a Lasting Difference

The Rose Club Foundation brings Hawkeye fans, families, and friends together for more than just game day; we’re building community, honoring tradition, and making a difference. Through our ‘Next Level Tailgating’ experience, we turn passion into purpose, raising support for causes close to our hearts. Join us as we celebrate, connect, and give back during and after football season.

We focus on supporting areas such as Iowa Student Athletics and fundraising for community causes, including cancer support, food insecurity, and shelter programs, among others.

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Frequently Asked Questions

General

Game Day

Donations and Tax Info

Other Events and Involvement

Absolutely! The Rose Club has a fun, welcoming, family-first atmosphere. Kids of all ages are part of the experience, and we make sure it’s enjoyable for everyone — whether you're a die-hard fan or just here for the snacks and community. Please be aware there is almost guaranteed to be alcohol and possibly profanity. There are usually areas where it is less crazy, but we want to be transparent that on game days especially the Rose Club is a busy place with a lot going on!