MIAMI — FIU's football program officially announced its season-opening contest on Monday afternoon, taking on Bethune-Cookman at home on Friday, Aug. 29. 

The first contest of the Willie Simmons era is now confirmed to be a matchup with Bethune-Cookman on South Dade Kia Field at Pitbull Stadium, Friday, Aug. 29. The game time will be announced at a later date, pending TV partners, in conjunction with the full schedule of times for the 2025 season. 

This will be the Panthers' first season-opening home game since 2022. FIU and BCU have not faced off since 2014 and have had a total of four matchups overall. 

This announcement completes the release of FIU's full 2025 schedule. To find out more and take part in our 'Pack the Pit' initiative for the season opener, visit fiusports.com/SupportFootball. To purchase season tickets or for any ticketing assistance, please visit FIUTickets.com, call 305-348-4263 or visit the University Credit Union Box Office on the west side of South Dade KIA Field at Pitbull Stadium Monday-Friday between 9 a.m.-5 p.m. 

The Panthers will have their Spring Game on Saturday, Apr. 5 inside Pitbull Stadium at 3 p.m. ET. The fan-friendly, fast-paced event is free for all to attend. Free tickets can be claimed in advance by visiting FIUTickets.com; tickets can also be secured the day of the game by visiting Ticket Booth C next to Gate 7 on the North side of the stadium.

SUPPORT FIU FOOTBALL
Experience the highly anticipated first season of the Willie Simmons era first-hand with several season-ticket packages. To lock in your seats today and learn more about other ways you can support FIU football as college athletics enters into a new era on July 1, please visit FIUSports.com/SupportFootball.