Hurricanes Overview

Fast facts

League: NCAA Football

Head Coach: Mario Cristobal

Team Mascot: Sebastian the Ibis

Year Opened: 1987

Capacity: 65326

City / State: Miami Gardens / Florida

Rivalries & Top Games to Attend

Miami vs Florida State

Rival Team: FSU Seminoles

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.

Miami vs Florida

Rival Team: Florida Gators

This rivalry dated back to 1938 and was played annually from 1944 to 1987. Miami won the initial meeting 19-7 and lead the all-time series 29-26. The rivalry is part of the Florida Cup, and formerly the winner would receive the Seminole War Canoe. However, this tradition was stopped in 1987 and is on permanent display in the University of Miami Sports Hall of Fame.

Miami vs Notre Dame

Rival Team: Notre Dame Fighting Irish

Catholics vs. Convicts was one of the most heated rivalries on the late 1980s, which included a 58-7 Hurricanes victory in 1985. Although it is not the most natural rivalry, the two schools are scheduled to meet in 2016.

Hurricanes Tailgate Guide

Atmosphere

A Miami Hurricanes tailgate is a great place to be if you’re looking to have a good time. The tailgate here is a great place to meet friends, grab a beer, and eat some delicious food. A Miami tailgate creates a great feeling of camaraderie as everyone here is dressed in orange, green, and white to cheer on the ‘Canes. If you’re looking for a good time, put on your Hurricanes gear and head on down to Hard Rock Stadium.  

The food at a Hurricanes tailgate takes on a Latin flavor as Miami has one of the largest Latino populations in the country. Here you’ll find a bevy of Latin foods such as arroz con pollo as well as more traditional fares such as burgers and sausages. If you’re looking for a unique mix of game day foods, then a Miami tailgate will make you more than satisfied.

Traditions

Hurricane Walk

The Hurricane Walk is an excellent way for fans to show their support for their team. During the Hurricane Walk fans greet the team bus and cheer on their ‘Canes until they enter the stadium.

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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.

Where to tailgate

Hurricanes Stadium Guide

In Game

The Hurricanes may have moved from the Orange Bowl to Sun Life Stadium in 2008, but that doesn’t mean the fans don’t still bring the same amount of noise they used to at their old stadium. Miami has a reputation for being a loud and rowdy team on the field and the fans in the stands match that intensity. The fans at Sun Life Stadium create an electric atmosphere that rivals that of any big-time college football program.

The Hurricanes’ entrance may be the most famous in all of the college football as the enters the field through a giant cloud of smoke. The entrance dates back to the 1950s when transportation director Bob Nalette got the idea of using fire extinguishers to create the famous smoke. Since then the entrance has been copied by many high school, college, and even NFL teams. It was even parodied in a 2001  ABC college football commercial. If attending a Hurricanes game make sure to get to your seat before kickoff to check out this iconic entrance.

The raucous crowd, intimidating crowd, and pageantry all go a long way in making a Hurricanes football game an unforgettable spectacle that every sports fan should take in at least once.

Things to check out

The Smoke

The Hurricanes’ entrance may be the most famous in all of college football as the team enters the field through a giant cloud of smoke. The entrance dates back to the 1950s when transportation director Bob Nalette got the idea of using fire extinguishers to create the famous smoke. Since then the entrance has been copied by many high school, college, and even NFL teams. It was even parodied in a 2001 ABC college football commercial. If attending a Hurricanes game make sure to get to your seat before kickoff to check out this iconic entrance.

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Ring of Honor

The Ring originated in 1997 with members being selected by an anonymous advisory board, the head coach, and director of athletics. Inductees include Jim Kelly, Jim Dooley, Vinny Testaverde, and Edgerrin James. If attending a Hurricanes game make sure to take some time to check out the Ring of Honor.

Touchdown Tommy

Touchdown Tommy is a giant cannon that is fired as the team enters the field and after every Canes’ score. The cannon is maintained by the Sigma Chi fraternity showing off the level of devotion the students and fans have to the team.

Four Fingers

Before the fourth quarter, Miami players and fans hold up four fingers to signal that the game is won in the final quarter. Hurricanes fans and players use this gesture to symbolize that they own the fourth quarter. Let everyone know the Canes own the fourth quarter with your four finger salute.

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.

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 field.

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Band of the Hour

The Band of the Hour performs before and during halftime of every Hurricanes game. The band has performed at many bowl games including the Cotton Bowl, Orange Bowl, Sugar Bowl, and Fiesta Bowl. They have also been featured on national TV and have hosted the American Bandmasters’ Association. The Band of the Hour put on a great show, so don’t leave your seat at halftime.

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Fight Songs

  1. Miami U How-Dee-Doo

    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!

  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 Great to be a Miami Hurricane

    It’s Great to be a Miami Hurriance (repeat)

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 - $$