The Iowa Hawkeyes open their 2018 season on Saturday when they host the Northern Illinois Huskies.

Ahead of the season opener, NIU football sent a video to Hawkeyes fans at UI Children's Hospital, which overlooks Kinnick Stadium. Last season, the Hawkeyes started the 'Iowa wave,' a new tradition where fans turn at the end of the first quarter to wave to the patients and families watching from the hospital windows.

"You are all extremely inspiring to us & we want you to know that we support you in your difficult journeys! Excited to wave to you from the field Saturday!" the Huskies wrote.

Watch the video below:

The two teams will kick off at 3:30 p.m. ET on Saturday, with the Iowa Wave coming at the close of the first quarter.