People and Community Sports

Group hosts football-season opener to boost ’Cane spirits

Category 5, the University of Miami’s spirit programming board, leads its first-ever pregame kickoff event on the intramural fields.
Students walk past the U statue in a blur.
Students walk past the U statue on the Coral Gables Campus.

Football season at the University of Miami has arrived and thanks to Category 5, the University of Miami’s spirit programming board, Thursday’s pregame festivities will still be an enjoyable and entertaining experience for undergraduates. 

From 5 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at the University’s intramural fields, undergraduates are invited to join Category 5 for a pre-game celebration with free food from the Rathskeller; T-shirts; UM novelty items; and live performances by Sebastian the Ibis, Frost Band of the Hour, and the Miami Hurricanes Cheerleaders and Sunsations spirit squad. 

Mattingly Bartole, chair of the student-led board, said it is still the students’ responsibility to slow the spread of COVID-19, and everyone must continue to follow guidelines and safety precautions at this event. 

“This is the first time we have ever done an event like this,” said Bartole, a senior majoring in neuroscience from Cabot, Arkansas. “It was important to us that we be innovative and create a fun, safe space for students to still enjoy tailgating.” 

Nathan Dumont, a junior majoring in creative advertising and sports administration, is the organization’s creative director. He said he understands how significant football season is for new and transfer students to experience. 

“This event will offer a safe way for undergraduates, especially first-year students, to feel the ’Canes spirited energy during football season,” said Dumont. 

Interested in attending? The following is a list of  important reminders from Category 5 before heading to the event. 

  • Students must fill out the Daily Symptom Checker prior to attending.
  • Bring your ’Cane Card for entry.
  • Your mask must always be properly worn.

To watch the Miami Hurricanes versus University of Alabama Birmingham football game on television, the ACC Network is available on campus (and via Philo) on channel 70. Television information for resident students is available here. Kickoff is at 8 p.m.