Saying goodbye to summer is tough, but it gets a whole lot easier knowing your Saturdays will be filled once more with the exciting and competitive game of college football. With the 2016 college football season beginning and conference games on the horizon, it's time to pull out your black and gold game day bibs and appreciate the things that make Hawkeye football so amazing.

1. Tailgates

Iowa City is known for their legendary tailgates. Some of the best football memories come from the tailgates taking place before and after the games. Not to mention, some of the best food.

2. So Many People

Every Saturday thousands of people flock to Iowa City to watch the Hawkeyes in their latest match-up. With so many people walking around near Kinnick Stadium and the downtown area, Iowa City takes on a new persona—a much more exciting and enjoyable persona.

3. A Sense Of Belonging

It doesn't matter if you're native to Iowa City or not, as long as you're not a Cyclone, you'll find yourself right at home in Kinnick Stadium.

4. Great Conversation Starters

Talking about last week's game is always a relevant topic in Iowa City, so mentioning the game-winning play or the current record is guaranteed to strike up a conversation.

5. Iowa Cheer Squad

The traditional Iowa cheers are easy to pick up and get the crowd pumped between plays, making it hard not to join in.

6. Unpredictability

The Iowa Hawkeyes almost never perform as predicted, which only makes the game even more thrilling to watch. You never know when a turnover in the last minute or a 57ft field goal will win the game.

7. Night Games

No matter what time kickoff is, you can always count on Hawkeye fans bringing energy to Kinnick. However, there is a whole other level of energy when the sun goes down.

8. Rivalries

The Iowa Hawkeyes currently play to win four different traveling trophies among other college football teams. Having a history with these teams and having a trophy on the line raises the stakes and makes winning the games all the more fun.

9. Post Season Games

Being able to cheer on the Hawkeyes while they play games out of state in the Big Ten Championship or in a bowl game is an incredible feeling. The season doesn't have to end with just twelve games, so we get to watch a little more of the football team we love.

10. School Pride

Whether you attend the University of Iowa or not, no matter the outcome of the game, you will find yourself saying "I am proud to be a Hawkeye" in the end.