Memo from Casey D. Mahon to Dr. Christine Grant about exceeded capacity at Carver-Hawkeye Arena, February 7, 1985. Christine Grant Papers [IWA0329], Iowa Women’s Archives.
From curator Dr. Jennifer Sterling:
The February 3, 1985 NCAA women’s basketball record is an oft-told Iowa sports history tale and several items in the exhibit are dedicated to its commemoration: a “Dream Come True” t-shirt, a thank you to the 22,157 fans from Coach C. Vivian Stringer, and a memorandum from Casey Mahon, Associate Vice President for Finance and University Services to Dr. Christine Grant, Women’s Athletic Director.
The letter from Mahon to Grant reiterates assurances provided to the State Fire Marshal that Carver Hawkeye Arena will never again exceed its rated capacity of 15,450 and aptly summarizes the significance of the moment when Mahon states, “I must admit that we have come a long way in women’s athletics when I find it necessary to write you this memorandum.”
Letter transcription:
“February 7, 1985
Memorandum
TO: Christine H. B. Grant
FROM: Casey D. Mahon
I have given the State Fire Marshal assurance that the Carver Hawkeye Arena will never again be filled beyond its rated capacity of 15,450. Therefore, it obviously must be my expectation that you will see to it personally that the arena’s capacity does not exceed that number; therefore, attendance figures will never exceed, or be announced to exceed, that number.
I must admit that we have come a long way in women’s athletics when I find it necessary to write you this memorandum. I did want to make sure that you were totally clear on the understanding I have reached with the Fire Marshal, however.”
Coach Stringer postcard celebrating women’s basketball and NCAA attendance record, Iowa vs. Ohio State at the University of Iowa, February 3, 1985. Frederick W. Kent Photograph Collection [RG30.0001.001], University Archives. Transcription: “Thanks Iowa fans. Only you could have done it. You are the greatest fans in America!”