MIAMI – A new era of FIU football officially kicks off this Friday, Aug. 29, as the first season of the
Willie Simmons regime begins with an in-state matchup at 7 p.m. against Bethune-Cookman from South Dade Kia Field at Pitbull Stadium.
Below is a comprehensive breakdown of everything students, alumni, donors and Panther supporters of any capacity need to know about the home gameday experience surrounding FIU football in 2025.
WHAT'S NEW IN 2025
Here are some of the notable enhancements and changes to the gameday experience fans can expect this season at Pitbull Stadium:
- New Concession Menu Items
- Portable Bars
- A pair of premium bars featuring liquor and draft beer will be available for all fans on both the North and South concourses.
- On the North Concourse, the bar will be located in the newly created Calle Ocho Corner underneath Section 134, which will also feature photo and selfie stations, high cocktail tables and domino tables in an ode to Little Havana.
- Food Truck & Tailgating Pop-Up Stand
- The Cube Head food truck will feature multiple chicken preparations, beef, picanha, pork, sausage, bison and even alligator.
- Beginning one (1) hour prior to gates opening, a snack and beverage stand will open outside of Gate 6, allowing those tailgating an opportunity to purchase an array of snacks and beverages; items purchased at that stand are permitted to be brought into the stadium.
- New-Look Suites
- All suites – which are sold out for the entire season – have received new, vinyl plank flooring and upgraded wall paint to match.
- Additionally, suite holders will also have several new food options available, including:
- Caramelized Mushroom & Mozzarella Flatbread
- Chicken, Bacon & Smoked Gouda Flatbread
- Hot Honey, Soppressata & Ricotta Flatbread
- Crispy Fried Chicken Wings
- BBQ Meatballs
- Mozzarella Sticks
- Fried Chicken Sandwiches
- Parking
- The grass 'Triangle Lot' in Tamiami Park located on the west side of Pitbull Stadium is now a $25/vehicle paid lot (complete parking map and information included later in this release).
- Pantherland
- In an effort to improve, and provide a safer, tailgating experience on campus, the Kids Zone (Pantherland) has been moved to a turf location in-between the Parkview Hall Parking Garage and Panther Hall, just a couple hundred feet from the former location in front of Parkview Hall. Inflatables and new games will be available at every home tailgate for kids to enjoy, all within eyesight of alumni tailgating locations.
- Enhanced Signage
- Throughout the stadium fans will see signage to improve their gameday experience ranging from digital programs to fan surveys to Roary's Playground.
PARKING & TAILGATING
For parking maps, tailgate information and any other gameday-related items, please visit the
FIU Gameday Hub by clicking here.
Tailgating is encouraged in Tamiami Park, which will be available all season in the Cuban Memorial Lot on the east side of Pitbull Stadium. The expansive grass area is the perfect setting for large or small gatherings of fans to enjoy pregame activities before kickoff.
General parking in the Cuban Memorial Lot is available to purchase online prior to gameday by visiting the
FIU Gameday Hub or in-person the day of for only $20. Additionally, Panther Club members at the $150 level and above receive free priority parking and tailgating spots closest to the stadium in the Cuban Memorial Lot. To learn more about, and to join the Panther Club, visit
FIUSports.com/PantherClub.
Student tailgating on campus features an expanded footprint to accommodate expected larger crowds for the upcoming season. Student tailgating will once again encompass the entirety of the Tamiami Hall Promenade next to Pitbull Stadium, which serves as prime real estate for pregame festivities and also the main artery of the Panther Walk. Additional tailgating locations in front of, and alongside, Parkview Hall will also be available as needed throughout the season.
For a turnkey experience, student groups and organizations are asked to reserve tailgating spaces in advance through the
FIU Gameday Hub, which also can include rentals of tents, tables, chairs and other tailgating accessories.
All tailgating in the Cuban Memorial Lot and on campus will open at the following times this season:
Aug. 29 vs. Bethune-Cookman: 2 PM (Kickoff: 7 PM)
Sept. 13 vs. Florida Atlantic: 12 PM (Kickoff: 6 PM)
Sept. 20 vs. Delaware: 12 PM (Kickoff: 6 PM)
Oct. 21 vs. Kennesaw State: 3 PM (Kickoff: 7 PM)
Nov. 15 vs. Liberty: TBA (Kickoff: 5 PM)
Nov. 22 vs. Jacksonville State: TBA (Kickoff: 3:30 PM)
* Please note that all tailgating for the Florida Atlantic game on Sept. 13 will take place in the Cuban Memorial Lot; no on-campus organized tailgating. More information will be distributed prior to the game.
Recommended Parking & Tailgating Areas
- Tamiami Park Cuban Memorial Lot: Best location for general-public parking and tailgating. Available for purchase in advance or in-person on game day for only $20 per car. Complimentary parking closest to the stadium for Panther Club members at the $150 level or above.
- FIU Campus Lot 7: Parking only; no tailgating. Available for the general public to purchase in advance or in-person the day of for $30. Complimentary for Panther Club members at the $150 level or above.
- Tamiami Park Triangle Lot: A grass lot located on the west side of the stadium; tailgating permitted. Available to purchase for $25.
- Tamiami Park South VIP Lot: Parking for Stadium Club, suite ticket holders and disabled permit. No general-public parking.
- FIU Campus Tamiami Hall Promenade & Parkview Hall: Student tailgating only; no parking.
- FIU Campus Lot 5: Free Parking
- FIU Campus Lot 4: Free Parking
- FIU Parking Garage 2: Free Covered Parking
- FIU Parking Garage 1: Free Covered Parking
- Rideshare: Pickup and dropoff at the Werthheim Performing Arts Center: 10910 SW 17th St.
PANTHERLAND
Presented by Nicklaus Children's Hospital, Pantherland will once again return to the tailgating scene for fans of all ages, but particularly children. As previously mentioned, Pantherland has moved slightly for 2025 to a turf area in-between Parkview and Panther halls instead of a turf area in front of Parkview Hall. Each game there will be a combination of inflatables or other activities to keep kids engaged leading up to kickoff.
PANTHER WALK
When the Panthers arrive at the stadium, approximately 2 hours and 15 minutes prior to kickoff, fans are encouraged to leave their tailgate and welcome the team. The team will be dropped off on the east side of Tamiami Hall and walk through the promenade and into the stadium at Gate 6. The band, cheerleaders and Dazzlers all create a memorable entryway into the stadium for the team, and fans' presence at the Panther Walk adds an element of support for the final time before pregame preparations commence.
STADIUM GUIDELINES & POLICIES
For all
Pitbull Stadium policies and guidelines, please click here.
TICKETS
FIU football season tickets are still on sale, starting at just $50 for six home games. Single-game tickets are also available and begin at only $17, in addition to combo packs for multiple games. For more information and to purchase tickets, visit
FIUTickets.com or call 305-348-4263.
All tickets for FIU football contests can be printed at home or transferred to your Apple/Android wallet. Your digital tickets will be in your account and available immediately after purchase.
FIU students receive complimentary admission to all FIU Athletics games by simply swiping their Onecard, which for football games is at Gate 6 or Gate 6A. Additionally, FIU students can secure student guest tickets for their friends and family.
Each FIU student can claim one guest ticket for free and can also purchase up to an additional four guest tickets for $10 each. Student guest tickets can be purchased Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., and also on gamedays, at the University Credit Union Box Office at the northwest corner of Pitbull Stadium.
* Students can also expect to be able to secure their tickets and guest passes digitally this season, and information will be distributed when ready.
MERCHANDISE
Be sure to visit the official team store of the Panthers inside Gate 4 on the South Concourse and inside Gate 9 on the North Concourse as Barnes & Noble will be stocked with the freshest FIU gear, with additional product lines launching throughout the season.
ALUMNI EVENTS
This year, the FIU Alumni Association is excited to host at least two official pre-game parties for FIU football home games.
On Aug. 29 for the home opener, there will be a Chill Zone from 5-6:30 p.m. in the Parkview Hall Multipurpose Room featuring free food and refreshments for the first 100 attendees, in addition to surprise giveaways and a cash bar.
RSVPs are free and can be submitted by clicking here.
Then for Homecoming on Nov. 15, FIU Alumni will host its signature Roar Lounge event from 1:30-4:30 p.m. There will be food, drinks, fun and of course Panther spirit swag all originating from the Parkview Hall Plaza and Multipurpose Room. Bring your family and friends – everyone is welcome, but tickets are required.
To purchase tickets for the event, please visit this site.
For more information on that event and alumni-related activities all season long, be sure to bookmark the
FIU Alumni 2025 Football Gameday page.
GAME THEMES & FAN FITS
All six home games will feature their own theme, giving fans the opportunity to show their Panther Pride by coordinating with each other to wear their best FIU Fan Fit to the game.
Aug. 29 @ 7 PM vs. Bethune-Cookman
- Welcome To The 305
- Wear Navy
- Presented By Pini Insurance
Sept. 13 @ 6 PM vs. Florida Atlantic
- Shula Bowl XXIII
- Wear Gold
- Presented By Baptist Health
Sept. 20 @ 6 PM vs. Delaware
- Hispanic Heritage
- Parent & Family Weekend
- Wear Biscayne Blue
- Presented By Nicklaus Children's Hospital
Oct. 21 @ 7 PM vs. Kennesaw State
- VICE Night
- Roary's No Scream Halloween
- Wear VICE
Nov. 15 @ 5 PM vs. Liberty
- Homecoming
- Sunblazers Throwback
- Wear Gold
Nov. 22 @ 3:30 PM vs. Jacksonville State
- Senior Day
- Salute To Service: FIU America 250
- Wear: Fan Choice (Navy, Gold, White)
FOLLOW THE PANTHERS
For those unable to make it to Pitbull Stadium or to road games in 2025, FIUSports.com has you covered with the latest news, stats and coverage information. FIU will play on national TV at least six times during the regular season, with the other six games set to stream on ESPN+ or an ESPN network, meaning they could still be picked up for TV coverage.
Additionally, the Panther Online Network is the audio home for FIU football. The free service can be accessed by phone, laptop, tablet or any device with internet access by visiting
FIUSports.com/Listen. All audio streams will begin 15 minutes prior to kickoff off with a pregame show and conclude with a 15-minute postgame wrap-up. All broadcasts will also be available for replay on demand shortly after they conclude.
SUPPORT FIU ATHLETICS
Financial support has never been more imperative in intercollegiate athletics than it is now. Please enhance our student-athlete experience by giving them the resources needed to succeed by purchasing tickets and becoming a Panther Club member.
FOLLOW US
Get all the latest news, statistics and updates on FIU Athletics by visiting FIUSports.com, and engage with the Panthers on social media at X/Twitter (@FIUFootball), Instagram (@FIU.Football) and Facebook (@FIUFootball).
