The Cincinnati Bearcats are the RedHawks’ oldest rivals having played them in the first ever college football game played in Ohio back in 1888. The winner of the matchup between these two Buckeye State rivals has been taking home the Victory Bell since the 1890s, which started when some Bearcats fans “borrowed” the bell from Miami. If you want to see the oldest rivalry in the state of Ohio, then make sure to travel to Yager Stadium when the RedHawks take on the Bearcats.
The Battle of the Bricks between Miami and Ohio dates back to 1908 and has been going strong ever since. Each year the two teams meet on the gridiron for MAC supremacy creating a fierce rivalry that is a lot of fun for both sides. The RedHawks lead the all-time series 52-37-2, so come out and watch them try to extend their lead over their hated instate rivals from Athens.
RedHawks Tailgate Guide
Atmosphere
Tailgating at Miami has a lot to offer and will surely create an unforgettable game day experience that will have you wanting to come back soon. Here you’ll find not only plenty of great food and drinks but also a ton of school pride on display with both students and alumni coming out in strong numbers to support their RedHawks.
The main tailgating hub at Miami is the Red Zone. Here you’ll find pregame performances by the Miami University Marching Band, free tailgating games like cornhole, inflatable games, and local food vendors. You’ll even be able to win prizes for the best tailgating party here, as every game there is a competition to determine who has the best pregame setup.
When attending a game at Miami make sure to take in the Hawk Walk, which takes place two and a half hours before kickoff. The band and cheer team lead the team to the stadium before throngs of adoring fans who cheer on the RedHawks as they walk past. The Hawk Walk is an excellent way to show off your RedHawks pride, so make sure to stop by and get into the Miami game day spirit. No matter when you go you’ll have a great time attending a Miami RedHawks football, however, if you’re looking for the most exciting tailgating atmosphere make sure to attend a game when to instate MAC rivals are in town. The pregame parties when the Ohio Bobcats are in town are particularly intense, so circle the date on your calendar if you’re looking for the best tailgate of the year.
Yager Stadium was built to replace Miami Field, the latter of which can trace its origin back to 1896 making it one of the first college football stadiums built in Ohio. Today you can still stop by the original ticket windows located in front of Yager Stadium, so stop them to enjoy these charming relics of the past.
The Hawk Walk takes place two and a half hours before kickoff and is a great way to show off your Miami pride. Throngs of fans line the street as the band and cheer team lead the team into the stadium, space fills up quickly so make sure to arrive to the walk route early.
Don’t worry if you didn’t bring a grill, Tailgate Town has you covered. Tailgate Town opens two hours before kickoff just outside of Millett Hall on the west lawn and offers a great place to grab a bite to eat before entering Yager Stadium. Head over and grab a few dogs or burgers and some baked beans to fuel yourself up for an exciting afternoon of RedHawks football.
Where to tailgate
Red ZoneThe Red Zone is the premier tailgating destination for RedHawks fans. Here you’ll find the most diehard tailgaters who prepare large spreads for every RedHawks football game. Secure a permit for the Red Zone to take part in Miami tailgating at its finest.
End ZoneThe End Zone provides the perfect place for students looking to gather together and form a raucous tailgate before heading to the game. On game days, the End Zone is packed with students throwing back some brews and playing all sorts of tailgate games like cornhole. You’ll even find a DJ here, so make sure to stop by and join in on the fun.
Tailgate TownDon’t worry if you didn’t bring a grill Tailgate Town has you covered. Tailgate Town opens two hours before kickoff just outside of Millett Hall on the west lawn and offers a great place to grab a bite to eat before entering Yager Stadium. Head over and grab a few dogs or burgers and some baked beans to fuel yourself up for an exciting afternoon of RedHawks football.
RedHawks Stadium Guide
In Game
During the game, you’ll find RedHawks fans are very loud and passionate in their support of the team. They also chant just about anything you can imagine, some of which can be quite vulgar at times, but that doesn’t stop them from being very welcoming to new and opposing fans unless of course, you support a major rival. The RedHawks have some fantastic rivalries with fellow Ohio-based MAC schools, so come prepared to cheer loud and often when one of these bitter rivals are in town.
You’ll be able to take part in a wide variety of chants and cheers when attending a Miami game, so come prepared to show off your RedHawks pride when attending a game in Oxford. One of the most fun chants to take part in at Miami is when the PA announcer tells everyone to “jump around.” At this point, everyone in attendance will begin to jump up and down while moving their arms above their head with their fists clenched. This chant takes place late in the game riles up the entire crowd to give the RedHawks an extra edge in the closing minutes.
It’s not just the fun and passionate atmosphere created by the fans that make attending a Miami football game a can’t miss experience, but Yager Stadium itself is a beautiful place to take in a game. You’ll be able to get a birdseye view of the action by heading up to the stands right next to the press box, while also having the opportunity of experience a close-knit, intimate atmosphere by sitting in the stands on the opposite side of the field. Regardless of where you sit to take in action a trip to Miami is a can’t miss for all you college football fanatics out there.
Over the program’s history Miami has been able to produce some of the greatest football coaches of all-time earning the title the Cradle of Coaches. To commemorate these greats including Woody Hayes and Bo Schembechler the Cradle of Coaches Plaza was created, so stop by and pay tribute to some of the greatest coaches of all-time when attending a RedHawks game.
Ben Roethlisberger is probably the biggest star in the history of Miami’s football program and as such his number has been retired by the program. During his outstanding career at Miami, Big Ben lead the RedHawks to a perfect record and the MAC Championship in 2003. Make sure to stop by and see his retired #7 jersey in the north end of the stadium to celebrate the career of one of the greatest RedHawks of all-time.
Swoop the RedHawk is the official mascot of Miami and can be seen all around the stadium on game days. He does an excellent job of riling up the fans and entertaining the crowd, so keep your eyes peeled for him when attending a RedHawks game.
The Miami University Marching Band keeps the crowd's energy high throughout the game through a variety of routines. The band features 260 members and usually performs along with baton twirlers and the color guard to put on an outstanding show.
The fight song is a very upbeat tune and separates itself from many others in the MAC with a very active drumline that makes you want to jump around.
Love and honor to Miami Our college old and grand, Proudly we shall ever hail thee, Over all the land Alma mater now we praise thee, Sing joyfully this lay, Love and honor to Miami, Forever and a day.
Alma Mater
Old Miami from thy hillcrest, Thou hast watched the decades roll; Generations questing from thee, Sturdy hearted, pure of soul. Old Miami! New Miami! Days of old and days to be; Weave the story of thy glory, Our Miami, here’s to thee! Our Miami, you were founded In our nation’s early days; Now we join with generations In this song of love and praise. Old Miami! New Miami! Days of old and days to be; Weave the story of thy glory, Our Miami, here’s to thee!
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