Seminoles Overview

Fast facts

League: NCAA Football

Head Coach: Mike Norvell

Team Mascot: Osceola and Renegade

Year Opened: 1950

Capacity: 79560

City / State: Tallahassee / Florida

Rivalries & Top Games to Attend

FSU vs Florida University

Rival Team: Florida Gators

These intrastate rivals have been battling for supremacy since 1958 when the Gators took down the Seminoles 21-7. The Gators hold a 34-32-2 all-time lead. However, things have been more competitive over the last 40 years as the series is tied 21-21-1 since 1974. The rivalry has been particularly fierce over the last 25 years as from 1990 to 2000 both schools were ranked in the top 10 during every meeting.

FSU vs University of Miami

Rival Team: Miami Hurricanes

These two schools first met in 1951 when the Hurricanes beat the Seminoles 35-13. Since then the series has been close with Miami holding a slight 31-28 all-time lead. However, the Seminoles have won the last five in a row. This rivalry has been particularly heated since the late 1980s as both teams have found themselves near the top of the rankings in recent years. Field Goals have been particularly pivotal in the rivalry having decided several of the most famous contests including Wide Right I, II, III, and IV as well as Wide Left.

FSU vs Clemson University

Rival Team: Clemson Tigers

Florida State and Clemson have played each other every year since the Seminoles entered the ACC in 1992. Florida State has gotten the better of Clemson over the course of the rivalry as they won the first meeting between the teams in 1970 38-13 and hold a 20-8 lead in the all-time series. Between the late 1990s and the early 2000s, this rivalry was known as the Bowden Bowl as Bobby Bowden coached the Seminoles while his son Tommy was the head coach of the Tigers.

FSU vs Virginia

Rival Team: Virginia Cavaliers

When the Seminoles and Cavaliers meet they play for the Jefferson-Eppes Trophy, which is named after Thomas Jefferson and his grandson Francis W. Eppes VII. The two schools played every year from 1992 to 2006. However, their meetings have become more sporadic due to the divisional alignment of the ACC. Florida State owns a 14-3 series leads and will look to extend that lead in 2019 when the teams meet again.

Seminoles Tailgate Guide

Atmosphere

Tailgating at Florida State is serious business, as the fans here don’t wait until Saturday morning to get things going. Downtown Getdown is one of the best parts of a Seminoles home game as each Friday night before the game downtown begins to rock in anticipation. There are live bands, street vendors, and some streets are completely shut down due to the crowd. If you get to Tallahassee a day before the game, make sure to attend the Downtown Getdown to get the real Florida State experience.

Seminoles fans love to throw back a few beers and have a wild and fun time on game days. The pregame party here starts on Friday night and lasts all through the weekend with fans drinking and carousing long into the night on game days. Come prepared to party hard and get wild when attending a Florida State game since you wouldn’t want to miss out on any of the game day fun.

While Florida State provides a raucous pregame atmosphere, you won’t find the same kind of homemade food here as you will at many of the other ACC tailgates. The bar and restaurant scene is more popular, so make sure to check out our list of places to go before and after the game.

Traditions

Unconquered Chief Osceola Statue

Residing in the Williams Family Plaza, the Chief Osceola statue is a symbol of the spirit of the Seminole people and a tribute to their long lasting legacy. The spear is ignited each night at sunset and burns until sunrise the morning after. If attending a night game make sure to check out the statue before or after the game.

Downtown Getdown

Each Friday night before the game downtown begins to rock in anticipation. There are live bands, street vendors, and some streets are completely shut down due to the crowd.

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Lighting Osceola's Spear

24 hours before each home game Chief Osceola’s spear is lit in preparation for the following day's game.

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Alligator Roast

Before every Florida-Florida State game you’ll find Seminoles fans roasting alligator. There are few better tailgate experiences out there than eating some delicious roast alligator before this instate clash.

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Sod Cemetery

The Sod Cemetery located next to the practice field gives fans a look into the history of Florida State football. Here you’ll find patches of sod from all the biggest Seminole victories throughout their history. This is a must see for any Florida State or college football fan.

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Seminole Family Statue

The bronze statue located outside of the stadium illustrates a typical Seminole family from the 1800s and is an excellent way to honor the Seminole Tribe and their heritage.

Sportsmanship Statue

Located at the AI D. Strum Plaza, this 15-feet tall statue portrays a football player standing and extending his hand to help a fallen rival. The statue helps to reiterate the great tradition and values of Florida State University and Florida State athletics.

Downtown Getdown

Each Friday night before the game downtown begins to rock in anticipation. There are live bands, street vendors, and some streets are completely shut down due to the crowd. If you get to Tallahassee a day before the game, make sure to attend the Downtown Getdown to get the real Florida State experience.

Where to tailgate

Seminoles Stadium Guide

In Game

The Seminoles have called Doak Campbell Stadium home since 1950, and it has been home to many memorable moments. The history and tradition at Florida State are worth the price of admission alone, and you’ll be able to feel the aura of the stadium the minute you step foot in one of the cathedrals of college football.

Doak Campbell Stadium provides one of the most intense and intense and unforgettable college football atmospheres in the nation. The fans here are buzzing all game whether they are watching Chief Osceola lead the team onto the field or taking part in the Seminole War Chant.. This one of a kind atmosphere is sure to give you goosebumps as the passion of the fans here knows no bounds.

The fans here are pumped up before the game even gets going. Before every match, the Florida State marching band enters the field as Seminole fans recite the war chant riling up the fans and creating an electric atmosphere that is something special to be a part of. Regardless of what team you cheer for the atmosphere at a Florida State game is sure to make the hair on the back of your neck stand up and provide an unforgettable experience.

Things to check out

Bobby Bowden Stained Glass

This three story stained-glass window overlooking the field depicts former coach Bobby Bowden among a sea of fans. It is one of the five largest stained-glass windows in all of the United States and a tribute to one of the greatest coaches in college football history.

Chief Osceola Riding onto the Field

Chief Osceola rides onto the field on the back of his trusty steed Renegade and throws a flaming spear into the center of the stadium. The tradition will raise the hairs on the back of your neck and give you the true essence of Florida State football.

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Marching Band Walk

This game day tradition really gets the fans pumped up and ready to cheer on the Seminoles to victory. Before every game, the Florida State marching band enters the field as Seminole fans recite the war chant. Regardless of what team you cheer for the marching band walk is sure to bring you goosebumps and make attending a game at Doak Campbell Stadium an unforgettable experience.

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Fight Songs

  1. High Over Towering Pines

    High over towering pines our voices swell,

    Praising those Gothic spires,

    we love so well.

    Here sons and daughters stand,

    faithful and true,

    Hailing our alma mater,

    F.S.U.

  2. FSU Fight Song

    Chorus:

    You’ve got to fight, fight, fight, for FSU!

    You’ve got to scalp ’em Seminoles!

    You’ve got to win, win, win, win, win this game,

    and roll on down and make those goals!  

     

    For FSU is on the warpath now,

    And at the battle’s end she’s great!

    So fight, fight, fight, fight to victory!,

    Our Seminoles from Florida State!

     

    (Say and YELL)

    F-L-O-R-I-D-A S-T-A-T-E

    Florida State, Florida State, Florida State!

    Whooooooo!  

    (Repeat Chorus)

  3. Hymn to the Garnet and Gold

    Here’s a hymn to the garnet and the gold, ringing to the sky.
    Here’s a song for the men and women bold, sing with heads held high.
    Striving e’er to seek to know, fight for victory.
    Alma mater, this our song to you echoes “F. S. U

  4. Seminole War Chant

    The Seminole War Chant can be heard all throughout Tallahassee as it is the rallying cry of the team and fans. 80,000 Seminole fans waving their hands back and forth as they cheer on their team is quite the sight to behold as well as a great way for the fans to get in their opponent's head. Join in the Seminole War Chant for the chance to experience one of the most famous traditions in college football.

    You got to fight, fight, fight for FSU!
    You got to scalp ’em Seminoles!
    You got to win, win, win, win this game and
    Roll on down to make those goals!
    For FSU is on the warpath now,
    and at the battle’s end she’s great.
    So fight, fight, fight for victory,
    the Seminoles of Florida State!
    F-L-O-R-I-D-A……S-T-A-T-E
    FLORIDA STATE!! FLORIDA STATE!! FLORIDA STATE!!
    Woooooooooooooooo!!!!
    (repeat)

Seminoles Bars & Restaurants

  1. Potbelly’s

    The Bird Bar and Grill beer

    Local bands often play at this buzzing gathering place with a patio offering happy hour drink deals.

    459 W College Ave, Tallahassee, FL 32301, USA

    850-224-2233

    Bar website

    american - $

  2. Poor Paul’s Pourhouse

    Poor Pauls Pour House

    If there's such a thing as a landmark in Tallahassee, POOR PAUL'S POURHOUSE is the place tp be.

    618 W Tennessee St, Tallahassee, FL 32304, USA

    850-222-2978

    Bar website

    american - $

  3. Fermentation Lounge

    wine

    Awesome friends. delicious beer. Unforgettable food. Best experience.

    415 All Saints St #113, Tallahassee, FL 32301, USA

    850-727-4033

    Bar website

    american - $

  4. Ken’s Tavern

    Kens Tavern

    Looking for a fun place in Tallahassee, look no further you have found the best place for Drinks, Dancing and floor rattling Music.

    656 W Tennessee St, Tallahassee, FL 32304, USA

    850-599-9062

    Bar website

    american - $

  5. Madison Social

    Madison Social

    Food is a social experience.

    705 S Woodward Ave #101, Tallahassee, FL 32304, USA

    850-894-6276

    Bar website

    american - $$

  6. Bullwinkle’s

    Tequila

    Longtime saloon draws a high-energy crowd with DJs, bands & a variety of daily drink specials.

    620 W Tennessee St, Tallahassee, FL 32304, USA

    850-224-0651

    Bar website

    american - $

  7. Gordo’s

    Gordos

    Local staple for pressed sandwiches & other Cuban favorites in no-frills digs with an outdoor deck.

    1907 W Pensacola St, Tallahassee, FL 32304, USA

    850-576-5767

    Bar website

    american - $$

  8. Pizza Mouth

    Imos Pizza Pizza

    Informal chain offering an extensive menu of pizza, wings & Italian comfort food.

    623 W Tennessee St, Tallahassee, FL 32304, USA

    850-224-8629

    Bar website

    italian - pizza - $$

  9. Los Compadres

    Los Compadres

    This lively, colorful cantina with outdoor seating dispatches Mexican fare & an array of margaritas

    2102 W Pensacola St, Tallahassee, FL 32304, USA

    850-576-8946

    Bar website

    mexican - $$

  10. Cypress

    Cypress Restaurant

    A sophisticated Southern regional-style restaurant, Cypress offers a creative menu of fresh in-house preparations featuring chef-cut aged meats, local produce and fresh seafood

    320 E Tennessee St, Tallahassee, FL 32301, USA

    850-513-1100

    Bar website

    american - $$

  11. Hobbit American Grill

    Five Star Tavern Burger Etiwanda Roadhouse Burger Old Bag of Nails Pub Burger Dixie Pig Barbecue Burger

    Local chain serving burgers, sandwiches, wings & pub grub in casual surroundings.

    2020 W Pensacola St, Tallahassee, FL 32304, USA

    850-576-1009

    Bar website

    american - $

  12. Jim & Milt’s

    Gus Bar & Grill Sandwich Fries Pioneer Diner Sandwich Paul Reveres Family Restaurant Sandwich Wild Magnolia Sandwich

    Smoked BBQ plates & other Southern faves served in an unfussy space with counter service.

    1923 W Pensacola St, Tallahassee, FL 32304, USA

    850-576-3998

    Bar website

    american - bbq - $$

  13. Guthrie’s

    Guthries Chicken

    Long-running chain serving fried chicken fingers, salads & Southern-style sweet tea.

    1818 W Tennessee St, Tallahassee, FL 32304, USA

    850-224-2244

    Bar website

    american - $

  14. Cabo’s Island Grill and Bar

    Cabos Island Grill

    A wide menu of Mexican & American dishes offered in a brightly colored surf-themed setting.

    1221 Apalachee Pkwy, Tallahassee, FL 32301, USA

    850-878-7707

    Bar website

    american - mexican - $

  15. Chubby’s Chicken

    Chubbys Chicken

    Fast-food option serving chicken wings, wraps & salads at their drive-thru & walk-up windows.

    534 W Tennessee St, Tallahassee, FL 32301, USA

    850-521-0101

    Bar website

    american - $

  16. Momo’s Pizza

    Momos pizza

    Pizzas by the pie or huge slice & a big beer menu in casual digs with old-school checked flooring

    1416 W Tennessee St, Tallahassee, FL 32304, USA

    850-224-9808

    Bar website

    pizza - $$

  17. 4th Quarter

    4th Quarter

    It’s not just a sports bar, but a great place for great friends to meet up and have some fun.

    2033 N Monroe St, Tallahassee, FL 32303, USA

    850-385-0017

    Bar website

    sportsbar - $$

  18. Voodoo Dog

    Voodoo Dog

    Casual restaurant serving hot dogs & burgers with inventive toppings such as mac ’n’ cheese.

    805 S Macomb St, Tallahassee, FL 32301, USA

    850-224-0005

    Bar website

    american - $$