Panthers Overview

Fast facts

League: NCAA Football

Head Coach: Mike MacIntyre

Team Mascot: Roary the Panther

Year Opened: 1995

Capacity: 20000

City / State: Miami / Florida

Rivalries & Top Games to Attend

Shula Bowl

Rival Team: FAU Owls

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 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 FIU game, then make sure to attend the Shula Bowl.

Panthers Tailgate Guide

Atmosphere

FIU has been home to some rowdy and wild tailgate parties in the past, however recently the administration has cracked down on these wild parties a bit.  That doesn’t mean that fans still won’t come out in force to tailgate and have fun just that things may be a bit more subdued than in the past. You’ll still see students partying and having a good time as there are still plenty drinks to be had and games to be played.

It’s not just the party atmosphere that draws students to Panthers game, but the passion they have for their team as well. On game days students bring out the blue and gold large FIU flags and Panther Paw boomsticks to show off their support for the Panthers football team. The students are like a walking spirit squad and have a very positive outlook on the game even if the team has been playing poorly for some time.  

If you’re not into partying hard or setting up your tailgate, then check out The Panther Pit.  The Panther Pit is set up in conjunction with the school and offers food vendors, picnic tables, face painting, merchandise, a bounce house, and much more. It’s located right outside the corner gate to the stadium, so stop by and join in on the fun.

The passionate fans make attending an FIU tailgate worthwhile, so make sure to get to the game early to take part in this great game day tradition.

Traditions

Panther Pit

This tailgating area set up in conjunction with the school offers food vendors, picnic tables, face painting, merchandise, a bounce house, and much more is located right outside the corner gate to the stadium, so stop by and join in on the fun.

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Panther Sculpture

The Panther sculpture provides a great photo op and will bring those who rub its paw 40 years of good luck, so stop by to give yourself and the football team good luck on gameday.

Where to tailgate

Panthers Stadium Guide

In Game

Florida International may not be the biggest program, but that doesn’t mean you can’t have a great time when attending a Panthers game. The smaller size of the stadium means you’ll experience a more intimate atmosphere when attending an FIU game and will provide you with a great view of the action no matter where you’re sitting.

As for the fans, FIU has a growing fan base  that is hoping to have more to cheer for in the coming years as the team has struggled a bit lately. Don’t worry though as there is still plenty of fan support behind the team with the diehards filling the stands for every game win or lose.

A unique thing about attending an FIU game is the fact the food inside the stadium offers a Latin flare.  FIU is located in a diverse area of Miami and as a result, you’ll find some unique concessions that you wouldn’t find elsewhere. In the upper corner of the stadium, you’ll find a signature FIU dish, the arepa.  If you’ve never had an arepa before think of it as a tamable biscuit, the outside is made of cornmeal and the inside is usually stuffed with pork and melted cheese.  This is an absolute must have when you’re at the game and a fan favorite of the students.

The intimate atmosphere and unique concessions will ensure that you have an excellent time at FIU Stadium when watching the Panthers.

Things to check out

Panther Club

The Panther Clubs offer fans the opportunity to experience an FIU game in the most luxurious fashion available. Not only do these seats provide the best view of the game, but they also allow fans to access the exclusive stadium club and upgraded concession options.

FIU Panther Marching Band

The Marching Band plays a significant role in creating the atmosphere at FIU games and provides plenty of great traditions. The halftime shows are excellent and showcase how far the football program has come in only a short period

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Roary the Panther

Roary is the official mascot of FIU who provides both support for the Panthers as well as entertainment throughout the game. His wild antics pump up the crowd creating a great home field advantage.

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Panther Rage

This group of diehard Panthers fans supports the team at all athletic events. These fans are filled to the brim with school pride and are very vocal in their support of the Panthers during games, so keep an eye out for them when attending an FIU game.

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Fight Songs

  1. Fight Song

    We are the panthers of FIU
    the golden panthers of FIU
    We will continue to fight
    with all of our might for victory for gold and blue
    we stand together and proudly say
    our golden panthers go all the way
    We’ll always strive for victory
    blue-blooded through and through
    ’cause we’re F-I-U-  Go F
    Go I
    Go U
    Go F-I-U
    Panthers fight! Panthers fight! Panthers fight!
    (Repeat)

  2. Alma Mater

    Hail to thee dear FIU With voices true we pledge to thee
    All our love and our devotion
    Humble faith and loyalty
    We will strive for understanding
    and for peace and unity
    We will search for truth and wisdom
    We will always honor thee
    FIU alma mater
    Hail hail to thee.

  3. Rattle the Cage! Chant

    Rattle the Cage!

    Rattle the Cage!

Panthers Bars & Restaurants

  1. Pollo Tropical

    Pollo Tropical

    Pollo Tropical is a restaurant chain and franchise specializing in the cuisine of the Caribbean.

    581 NW 57th Ave, Miami, FL 33126, USA

    305-537-5965

    Bar website

    american - $

  2. EL Centro

    EL Centro beer

    Definitely a go-to place if you're craving for Mexican/ Salvadoran food that's amazingly delicious!

    155 SW 107th Ave, Miami, FL 33174, USA

    305-552-9480

    Bar website

    american - mexican - $$

  3. La Esquinita Habanera Restaurant

    La Esquinita Habanera Restaurant

    Dominican food that's just so good!

    200 SW 107th Ave, Miami, FL 33174, USA

    305-559-6117

    Bar website

    mexican - $

  4. New Wave Billiards

    New Wave Billiards

    New Wave Billiards is the perfect place for friends to get together to watch their favorite sporting events and get the coldest alcoholic drinks.

    1403 SW 107th Ave, Miami, FL 33174, USA

    305-220-4782

    Bar website

    sportsbar - $$

  5. Sabores Chilenos

    Sabores Chilenos

    Chilean restaurant in Miami that serves great flavorful food and has a good service!

    10760 W Flagler St #6, Miami, FL 33174, USA

    305-554-4484

    Bar website

    american - $$

  6. Los Mega Perros

    Los Mega Perros

    Excellent Columbian food and great service!

    9511 W Flagler St, Miami, FL 33174, USA

    305-823-6900

    Bar website

    american - $$

  7. La Capital De Los Jugos

    La Capital De Los Jugos

    Latin Food, Fresh Fruits, Natural Juices and products to delight a true Latin taste!

    2401 SW 122nd Ave, Miami, FL 33175, USA

    305-485-1688

    Bar website

    american - $

  8. JC’s Pizzeria

    JCs Pizzaria pizza

    If you're looking for a delicious pizza place with convenient dine-in or carryout options, look no further than JC's Pizzaria in Keizer!

    11865 SW 26th St, Miami, FL 33175, USA

    503-390-0805

    Bar website

    pizza - $

  9. Ruth Chris’s Steakhouse

    Ruth Chris Steakhouse

    Ruth’s Chris Steak House specializes in serving aged USDA Prime steaks, broiled in a trademark 1800-degree oven and served on a plate heated to 500 degrees.

    2320 Salzedo St, Coral Gables, FL 33134, USA

    305-461-8360

    Bar website

    american - steakhouse - $$$