Miami Hurricanes Overview

Fast facts

League: Division I (NCAA)

Head Coach: Jim Larrañaga

Team Mascot: Sebastian the Ibis

Year Opened: 2003

Capacity: 7972

City / State: Coral Gables / Florida

Rivalries & Top Games to Attend

Miami vs Florida State

Rival Team: Florida State Seminoles

Miami-Florida State is one of the best ACC football rivalries, and the two schools have an intense basketball rivalry as well. While the basketball matchups between the Hurricanes and Seminoles may not be as memorable, the matchups between these two on the hardwood are still must-see events for fans of the two teams.

Miami vs Florida

Rival Team: Florida Gators

Miami and Florida recently renewed their basketball rivalry so don’t miss it when the Gators come to town. The rivalry on the hardwood may pale in comparison to the rivalry on the gridiron, but the two Florida-based schools have met over 60 times despite not being in the same conference, so there is plenty of history here. Don’t miss it when the Gators come to town as you’ll be in for a treat.

Miami Hurricanes Stadium Guide

In Game

Since Jim Larranaga took over the Hurricanes in 2011, the Miami basketball program has been on an upward trajectory. Most notably the university has developed a strong student section known as Storm Surge. The over 1,100 member student group provides an electric atmosphere for big games and has even garnered national recognition from ESPN and USA Today. If you’re looking to experience one of the great up and coming basketball game day experiences, then make sure to check out a Hurricanes game.

The student section isn’t the only thing that makes attending a Miami basketball game an exceptional experience. The pageantry on display inside the Watsco Center is also great. The football team’s smoke entrance carries over to the basketball team, and you can see one of the best mascots in college sports, Sebastian the Ibis, live and in-person when attending a Hurricanes basketball game.

Additionally, Miami is an excellent city to visit and the Hurricanes play in a beautiful area of the city that has plenty of bars and restaurants nearby.

If you’re looking to escape the cold and take in a college basketball games then there are few better places to go than Miami, so make your travel plans today.

Things to check out

Banners

Check out the honored players banners inside the Watsco Center. The banners honor Miami greats such as Rick Barry and Tim James, so take a minute to remember the Hurricanes past basketball greats when attending a Miami basketball game.

The U

One of the things Miami fans are known for is using their hands to make a U. This hand gesture is an excellent way to let other fans know who you cheer for and to show off your team pride.

The Smoke

The Hurricanes famous football entrance makes its way to the Watsco Center where the team enters the court accompanied by smoke. You’ll get goosebumps as the cheerleaders lead the Canes onto the court, so make sure you don’t miss the team’s entrance.

Sebastian the Ibis

Sebastian is the official Hurricanes mascot and is an American white ibis. The mascot was originally an entry for a homecoming contest in 1957 and made his first gameday appearance the following year. Look for Sebastian as he leads the team through the smoke and onto the court.

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Storm Surge

Storm Surge is the official student section at University of Miami basketball games. The group began in 2011 and has quickly grown to become one of the more intimidating student sections out there. Everyone in Storm Surge dresses in orange and performs choreographed cheers, so enjoy the student sections cheers and chants when attending a Hurricanes game.

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Larranaga Lawn

Along with the rise of the Storm Surge student section has come the creation of Larranaga Lawn. Before big games, there is a high demand for tickets, and as a result, students will camp outside the arena before the game to get a spot. If you’re a student who wants to attend an important game, make sure to get your spot early, so you don’t miss out.

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Fight Songs

  1. Miami U How-Dee-Doo

    (Chorus)
    Miami, Miami, Miami, Hurricanes
    Drive, Drive, you Hurricanes
    Keep right on goin, up that scorin’
    Miami, Miami, Miami, Hurricanes
    Drive on over the goal and on to victory.

    (YELL)
    M-I-A-M-I, M-I-A-M-I,
    Fight, Fight, Fight!

    (Repeat Chorus)

  2. Hail to the Spirit of Miami U

    Hail to the spirit of Miami U.
    Hail to her pride and glory free.
    Hail to her Orange, Green and White so true.
    Hail to her fighting varsity!
    Long may her banner wave o’er vanquished foes.
    In our hearts may she always be.
    Hail to the spirit of Miami U.
    We pledge our faith and loyalty!

  3. UM Alma Mater

    Southern suns and sky blue water,
    Smile upon you Alma mater;
    Mistress of this fruitful land,
    With all knowledge at your hand,
    Always just to honor true,
    All our love we pledge to you.
    Alma Mater, stand forever
    On Biscayne’s wondrous shore.

  4. It’s all about the U

    The U
    It’s all about the U
    It’s all about the U
    It’s all about the U
    You say it!

    The U
    It’s all about the U
    It’s all about the U
    It’s all about the U
    Ow! C’mon!

    U
    It’s all about the U
    It’s all about the U
    It’s all about the U
    You say it!

    The U
    It’s all about the U
    It’s all about the U
    It’s all about the U
    Ow!

    The the them Canes
    The the them Canes
    The the them Canes
    The the them Canes
    Ow!

    When I say Miami you say U
    Miami
    U
    Miami
    U
    Miami
    U

    When I say Miami you say U
    Miami
    U
    Miami
    U

    Now bring on down to the Hurricane Song
    ooooooooooooooooooooooohhhhhhhhhhhh!
    C-A-N-E-S CANES!

  5. It’s Great to be

    It’s great to be a Miami Hurricane!

    It’s great to be a Miami Hurricane!

    It’s great to be a Miami Hurricane!

  6. Let’s Go ‘Canes

    Let’s go Canes!
    Let’s go Canes!
    Let’s go Canes!

Miami Hurricanes Bars & Restaurants

  1. The Rathskeller

    Egans

    Indoor/outdoor beer hall offers Bavarian surroundings with German food & brew, plus live music.

    1320 S Dixie Hwy, Coral Gables, FL 33146, USA

    305-284-6310

    Bar website

    european - $$

  2. Monty’s Sunset

    Montys Sunset

    Waterfront seafood eatery with a raw bar, featuring live music & DJs, happy hour & TV sports.

    300 Alton Rd, Miami Beach, FL 33139, USA

    305-672-1148

    Bar website

    american - $$

  3. Sandbar Sports Grill

    Sandbar Sports Grill

    Surfer-style sports tavern with multiple TVs, pub grub, drink deals & live music nightly.

    4301 Ocean Beach Blvd, Cocoa Beach, FL 32931, USA

    321-799-2577

    Bar website

    sportsbar - $$

  4. Barracuda Bar and Grill

    beer glass

    Nautical decor & a jukebox add to the rustic vibe of this colorful joint with American-seafood eats.

    3035 Fuller St, Miami, FL 33133, USA

    305-918-9013

    Bar website

    american - $$

  5. El Palacio De Los Jugos

    El palacio Delos Jugos

    Humble outdoor stand where beautiful sandwiches of comfort food is offered with fresh juice from the market next door.

    5721 W Flagler St, Miami, FL 33144, USA

    305-635-0156

    Bar website

    european - $

  6. Bagel Emporium & Grille

    Bagel Shop

    Old-school bakery serves up traditional housemade bagels & daytime fare for dine-in or carryout.

    1238 S Dixie Hwy, Coral Gables, FL 33146, USA

    305-666-9519

    Bar website

    american - $$

  7. Havana Harry’s

    Havanah harrys

    Hearty Cuban classics & fresh local fish receive American twists at this homey, humble eatery.

    4612 S Le Jeune Rd, Coral Gables, FL 33146, USA

    305-661-2622

    Bar website

    american - $$

  8. Versailles

    Versailles

    Large, stylish eatery with a selection of cakes & baked items as well as sandwiches & savory eats.

    3501 SW 8th St, Miami, FL 33135, USA

    305-444-0240

    Bar website

    cafe - $$

  9. Taco Rico

    Taco Rico

    Unfussy spot for tacos, burritos & larger combination platters plus drinks & a self-serve salsa bar.

    473 S Dixie Hwy, Coral Gables, FL 33146, USA

    305-663-3200

    Bar website

    american - mexican - $$

  10. Shorty’s BBQ

    Shortys

    Shorty’s BBQ restaurants and catering service have been serving up barbecue in South Florida for over 65 years!

    9200 S Dixie Hwy, Miami, FL 33156, USA

    305-670-7732

    Bar website

    bbq - $$

  11. Shake Shack

    Shake Shack

    Hip, counter-serve chain for gourmet takes on fast-food classics like burgers & frozen custard.

    400, 1111 Lincoln Rd, Miami Beach, FL 33139, USA

    305-434-7787

    Bar website

    american - $$

  12. Titanic Restaurant and Brewery

    Titanic Restaurant and Brewery

    Long-standing brewpub near the University of Miami featuring happy hour, karaoke & jazz & blues jams.

    5813 Ponce De Leon Blvd, Coral Gables, FL 33146, USA

    305-668-1742

    Bar website

    american - $$

  13. Casola’s Pizzeria & Sub Shop

    The Waysider

    Family-owned venue dishing pizza, pasta & croissant sandwiches, with credit cards for delivery only.

    2437 SW 17th Ave, Miami, FL 33145, USA

    305-858-0090

    Bar website

    pizza - $

  14. Jaxson’s Ice Cream Parlor and Restaurant

    ice cream on a cone

    Huge ice cream scoops & American fare are served at this old-fashioned parlor with memorabilia.

    128 S Federal Hwy, Dania Beach, FL 33004, USA

    954-923-4445

    Bar website

    american - $$