Undeniably, the rivalry and game between the University of Miami Hurricanes and Florida State University Seminoles is one that most college football fans anticipate with relish. It is a rivalry that dates back decades. Once a year, the time comes when the game is near and a heightened sense of excitement leading up to the game can be felt across campus.
This year’s game, to be played at Hard Rock Stadium in a different climate than past years because of the pandemic, will still have the same ’Canes spirit that draws so many to the University of Miami.
To kick off the on-campus festivities, Hurricane Productions will host a ’Canes Night Live Miami Madness event from 6 to 9 p.m. Friday on the Foote University Green. Students can safely join their fellow ’Canes to get ready for Saturday’s game with custom airbrush T-shirts, a photo booth, tailgate snacks, and more.
Saturday, the Department of Student Activities and Student Organizations, Category 5, and numerous other campus departments will host a watch party for students on the Herbert Wellness Center’s intramural fields. Gates will open at 6:30 p.m. with the game’s kick-off slated for 7:30 p.m.
“We have never needed school spirit more than we do right now,” said Mattingly Bartole, an undergraduate senior majoring in neuroscience who is chair of Category 5. “Campus feels very different right now, especially for new students who are missing out on a lot of fundamental freshmen experiences. We are excited and grateful that students will be able to enjoy the game with their friends and be in an exciting environment where they are all together instead of watching the game alone in their rooms.”
A lot of thought and careful planning from many areas of campus have taken place to make the watch party a memorable and safe experience for students in attendance.
For Saturday’s watch party, large rings will be set up on the field with no more than four students allowed within each ring to maintain physical distancing. Facial coverings will be mandatory, unless actively eating or drinking. Pre-packaged boxed meals from Jimmy John’s, T-shirts, and other giveaways will be provided to attendees.
Bartole is confident that this year’s game will be a win for Miami.
“I don’t think there’s a question of if we’re going to win,” said Bartole. “We got the turnover chain; it’s gorgeous. We have the new touchdown rings. I think our team is going to run out of the tunnel and be ready for domination, and it’s going to be incredible.”
Prefer to watch at home? The Miami Hurricanes versus Florida State football game will be broadcast on ABC. Kickoff is at 7:30 p.m.
Television information for resident students is available here.
