JOHNSTON, Iowa — Pioneer has been helping heroes in the field for generations but usually it’s corn and soybean fields across the Midwest.  

Pioneer is deepening that commitment to support everyday heroes as the new title sponsor of the “Heroes Game” between the Iowa Hawkeyes and Nebraska Cornhuskers this fall. The 13th annual matchup between the Big Ten Conference rivals will kick off at 11 a.m. (CT) on Friday, Nov. 24, 2023, at Memorial Stadium in Lincoln, Nebraska. 

The 2023 Pioneer Heroes Game will continue the rich tradition of recognizing and celebrating local heroes who exemplify the goal of positively impact their community and inspire others. One citizen-hero from each state and team will be selected then honored at the Pioneer Heroes Game in Lincoln. The winners will receive VIP treatment as special guests, with on-field recognition and their name inscribed on the Heroes Trophy, which goes to the winning team of the annual contest. 

“Pioneer is incredibly honored to be the title sponsor of the annual Iowa and Nebraska Heroes Game,” said Todd Frazier, VP, U.S. Marketing, Corteva Agriscience. “For nearly 100 years, we’ve been helping and honoring farmers throughout the U.S. and we are excited to keep that tradition going by honoring local heroes that live and work in the communities we serve every day. This partnership is one small way we can express our sincere gratitude for those heroes.”

Hero nominations will be accepted online through Sunday, Oct. 1., 2023, at hawkeyesports.com/hero and huskers.com. Fans are encouraged to nominate everyday citizens of Iowa and Nebraska who have performed extraordinary acts of heroism.  

 Pioneer, a current partner of both the Iowa Hawkeyes and Nebraska Cornhuskers, is a multi-year title sponsor of the Heroes Game. The ongoing relationship between Pioneer and Iowa is overseen by Learfield’s Hawkeye Sports Properties, the University’s athletics multimedia rightsholder and locally based team. The ongoing relationship between Pioneer and Nebraska is overseen by Husker Athletic Partners, a Playfly Sports Property, the university’s athletics multimedia rightsholder.