Owls Overview

Fast facts

League: NCAA Football

Head Coach: Tom Herman

Team Mascot: Owlsley the Owl and Hoot the Owl

Year Opened: 2010

Capacity: 29571

City / State: Boca Raton / Florida

Rivalries & Top Games to Attend

Shula Bowl

Rival Team: FIU Panthers

Each year the Shula Bowl is contested between Florida Atlantic and Florida International. The matchup is named after famed Dolphins head coach Don Shula because both program’s first coaches have ties to the legendary coach. These two bitter Florida rivals are located only two hours away from each other, so there are always plenty of fans of both teams at the Shula Bowl creating an intense albeit fun tailgating and in-game atmosphere. If you can only make it to one FAU game, then make sure to attend the Shula Bowl.

Owls Tailgate Guide

Atmosphere

FAU offers fans some of the best weather in the all of the country helping to ensure that you’ll have a great time when tailgating at FAU. The tailgates consist of a combination of hard partying FAU students as well as a more relaxed group of alumni who love to cook some delicious cuisine.  

The fans here at FAU take tailgating seriously particularly for a smaller school. Not only does FAU have a dedicated student tailgate area known as the Rat’s Mouth, but they also have plenty of traditions that show off their Owls pride.

You’ll have a great time partying with fellow Owls fans and taking part in FAU pregame traditions when tailgating before a game at FAU.

Traditions

Owlsley Statue

The Owsley statue located outside of FAU Stadium shows off the owl pride and provides a great photo op before the game. Also, make sure to rub his beak before the game to give the Owls some extra luck.

Owl Rally

One of the best pregame traditions to experience during your trip to FAU is the Owl Rally. Taking place approximately an hour and a half before kickoff this pep rally, featuring the FAU band and spirit squad, pumps up the crowd and gets everyone worked up into the frenzy before they even enter the stadium. The show takes place outside Gates 1 and 2, so make sure to stop by and participate in this excellent game day tradition.

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Owl Walk

Another great way for you to spend your tailgate experience is by taking part in the Owl Walk. Before every game, the Owls players and coaches walk to the stadium as everyone lines their path to greet them. The Owl Walk occurs two and a half hours before kickoff and is an excellent way for you to get into the game day spirit and show off your Owls pride.

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Owls Landing

Located southwest of the stadium, Owls Landing offers a variety of food options that are perfect for those of you who want to take part in the tailgating festivities but don’t want to go through the hassle of setting up your tailgate.

Annual Football Kick-Off Bonfire

Each year FAU students burn an effigy of the opposing team’s mascot before the first game of the season. The tradition is an excellent way to kickoff the season and a fun way to get involved in FAU athletics.

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Where to tailgate

Owls Stadium Guide

In Game

FAU is home to a budding football program that is seeing more and more fans come out and support the Owls each year.  The growing fanbase at FAU creates a unique atmosphere that is both very passionate and very approachable for new fans. Everyone will feel welcome at an Owls game as the friendly FAU fans are among some of the most welcoming in the country.

Despite being a relatively young fan base, you’ll find no lack of passion at FAU when attending a game. The fans here have a variety of chants for you to take part in and will show their passion and pride for the Owls with their cheering all throughout the game.

One of the unique things about attending an FAU game is the tropical atmosphere that surrounds by the stadium and the game itself. FAU Stadium is located close to the beach and offers a gorgeous panoramic view of the ocean from the west side of the stadium. Don’t worry if you’re seated on the east side of the stadium, though, as here you’ll find a beautiful view of the setting sun if attending a night game.

The passionate young fanbase and beautiful oceanside location of FAU Stadium make for a delightful game day experience at FAU.

Things to check out

Howard Schnellenberger Statue

When visiting FAU make sure to stop by the Schnellenberger Statue. The statue pays tribute to one of the most pivotal figures in the creation of the FAU football program, so make sure to honor him while attending the game.

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Sky Boxes with views of the Atlantic Ocean

The sky boxes at FAU offer one of a unique views in all of the sports. FAU Stadium is the only place in the country where you can see both a division one college football game as well as look out over the Atlantic Ocean. These boxes can be pricey, but they are wealth worth it for the unique view they offer you.

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Owl Fingers

After every Owls score, exuberant fans flash this hand signal to show off their FAU pride. To take part in this gameday tradition, all you have to do is for a circle with your pointer finger and thumb on both hands and extend your other fingers.

Owlsley

Owlsley is the official mascot of FAU athletics and can be on the sideline at every home football game. He riles up the crowds through his crazy antics making sure that everyone is in full support of the owls, so make sure to keep an eye out for him during the game.

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Florida Atlantic Marching Owls

The marching band at Florida Atlantic is an integral part of the gameday experience both inside and outside of the stadium. Before the game, you’ll find the band taking part in both the Owl Walk as well as the Owl Rally as a way to make sure fans are fired up and ready to support FAU on the field before the game even starts.

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Fight Songs

  1. Kick Off Chant

    After the ball is kicked everyone chants “FAU” and when the ball is caught fans chant “Owls”

    F-A-U!
    Owls!

  2. Go! Owls!

    The home side chants Go! and the students respond with Owls!

    Go!
    Owls!

  3. Fight Song

    We’ll fight fight fight for F A U
    Where home is a pa-ra-dise
    We’ll fight, fight, fight, for F A U
    We know we’re gonna win, and it’s feelin’ mighty nice
    Cheering our hometown team down the field
    and waving our colors too, Hoot! Hoot!
    The fighting owls are on the prowl
    Go F.A.U!

  4. FAU Alma Mater

    With the Gulf stream breezes blowing
    The search for truth goes on.
    Seeking, learning, sharing knowledge.
    Finding the meaning of the past that is gone.
    Where nature beams with pleasant weather. We strive to learn to work together.
    Florida Atlantic, we praise and hail thy name. 

Owls Bars & Restaurants

  1. Yard House

    Yard House beer

    If you're looking for over 125 varieties of beer and ciders, look no further than the Yard House.

    201 Plaza Real, Boca Raton, FL 33432, USA

    561-417-6124.

    Bar website

    american - $$

  2. The Irishmen

    The Irishmen

    The Irishmen has brought back a real neighborhood pub to Boca. Beautiful wood work, fully renovated, and always improving ourselves.

    1745 NW Boca Raton Blvd, Boca Raton, FL 33432, USA

    561-368-1129

    Bar website

    european - $$

  3. Hooters

    Hooters

    A great place to watch football while feasting on delicious comfort food!

    2240 NW 19th St #1011, Boca Raton, FL 33431, USA

    561-391-8903

    Bar website

    american - sportsbar - $$

  4. Casa de Montecristo

    Prime

    Prime Cigar & Wine Bar is Boca Raton's best oasis from the hustle and bustle, featuring a huge humidor and cigar inventory, top-shelf drinks and sophisticated ambiance.

    2240 NW 19th St #916, Boca Raton, FL 33431, USA

    561-613-6130

    Bar website

    american - $$

  5. The Funky Buddha Lounge & Brewery

    The Funky Buddha Lounge Brewery

    The experience begins with the atmosphere, a light smell of flavored shisha drifts, warm earthy colors, excellent music, and most importantly a very positive vibe.

    2621 N Federal Hwy, Boca Raton, FL 33431, USA

    561-368-4643

    Bar website

    american - $$

  6. Hijinks Sports Grill

    Hijinks Sports Grill

    Many come to watch the game, but everyone comes for a damn good meal paired with an unbeatable drink selection.

    133 SE Mizner Blvd, Boca Raton, FL 33432, USA

    561-465-3077

    Bar website

    american - sportsbar - $$

  7. The Black Rose Irish Pub

    The Black Rose Irish Pub

    Boca Raton's Black Rose Irish Pub is the type of bar that transports you back to the old Irish neighborhoods of Boston.

    234 S Federal Hwy, Boca Raton, FL 33432, USA

    561-392-3808

    Bar website

    european - $$

  8. Tom Sawyer Restaurant & Pastry Shop

    Tom Sawyer Restaurant Pastry Shop

    Located close to FAU, students, faculty and locals all know, when you come to Tom Sawyer, you’re leaving happy.

    1759 NW Boca Raton Blvd, Boca Raton, FL 33432, USA

    561-368-4634

    Bar website

    american - $

  9. Tanzy

    Tanzy

    A social garden-fresh modern Italian dining destination!

    301 Plaza Real, Boca Raton, FL 33432, USA

    561-922-6699

    Bar website

    american - italian - $$$

  10. J. Alexander’s Restaurant

    J Alexanders Restaurant

    Known for its wood-fired cuisine, the menu features a wide selection of American classics including prime rib of beef, steaks, fresh seafood, sandwiches and entrée salads.

    1400 Glades Rd, Boca Raton, FL 33431, USA

    888-528-1991

    Bar website

    american - steakhouse - $$

  11. Boca’s Best

    Bocas Best pizza

    From our Classic Italian dishes to our delicious hand tossed pizza, the menu is full of the finest and freshest ingredients.

    119 W Palmetto Park Rd, Boca Raton, FL 33432, USA

    561-367-7227

    Bar website

    italian - pizza - $

  12. Farmer’s Table

    Healthy, delicious and affordable dining. The warm and welcoming restaurant serves breakfast, lunch and dinner and offers take-out options.

    1901 N Military Trl, Boca Raton, FL 33431, USA

    561-417-5836

    Bar website

    american - $$

  13. Augy’s Pizza

    Augys Pizza

    One of the best places to get New York-Style Pizza near FAU.

    1501 NW Boca Raton Blvd, Boca Raton, FL 33432, USA

    561-368-1330

    Bar website

    italian - pizza - $$

  14. Abe & Louie’s Steakhouse

    Abe and Louies Steakhouse

    Abe & Louie’s sets the standard for the classic American steakhouse, offering unparalleled flavor combinations and undeniably superior service.

    2200 Glades Rd, Boca Raton, FL 33431, USA

    561-447-0024

    Bar website

    american - steakhouse - $$$$

  15. Hillstone Restaurant

    Hillstone Restaurant

    Enjoy first tier offerings of USDA Prime steaks, seafood, sandwiches and entrée salads as well as handcrafted sushi.

    1900 NW Executive Center Cir, Boca Raton, FL 33431, USA

    561-998-0550

    Bar website

    american - steakhouse - $$