MIAMI – FIU football officially kicks off its home slate this Saturday, Sept. 12, as Year Two at Pitbull Stadium under
Willie Simmons begins with a matchup at 6 p.m. against Buffalo.
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 2026.
What's New In 2026
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 and Sunblazer Beer
- A pair of premium bars featuring liquor and draft beer will be available one again 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.
- On the South Concourse, the bar will be set up inside Gate 4, directly next to the Barnes & Noble merchandise trailer.
- FIU Sunblazer beer will available for the FIRST TIME in draft at ALL portable bar locations. Beers will be available to be served in a commemorative souvenir cup featuring the 25th Anniversary logo, in celebration of FIU's 25th football season.
- Students, with a Valid 21+ ID, will be able to enjoy a $1 Sunblazer Beer promotion for ALL HOME GAMES, of which will start at kick-off and go until beer sales are cut off at the end of the third quarter.
- Miami Vice Margaritas will also be an option at all portable bar locations.
- Food Trucks
- Street Twist will be set up on the North Concourse, featuring specialty fries, chicken wings and a variety of non-alcoholic drinks.
- Half Moon Cart will have its location on the South Concourse, offering fresh-baked Miami empanadas and refreshing drinks including mango, hibiscus and dragon fruit.
- Everglades Themed Beer Garden
- There will be a beer garden on the North concourse, directly between Gates 8 and 9, for fans to enjoy beverages and take in the atmosphere of the Everglades with a special activation area.
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25th Season of Football at FIU
- Fans will find plenty of activations throughout Pitbull Stadium related to the celebration of the 25th Season of Football, presented by Miccosukee Casino & Resort, at FIU. To kick-off the celebration, FIU Football has been honoring its top-25 moments in program history throughout this summer, of which can be found here.
- Those moments will be on display for fans throughout Pitbull Stadium during the 2026 season. All moments will be displayed on the walls inside Gate 4 on the South concourse and Gate 6A of the North concourse.
- The team from 2002, of which was FIU's first season of football, will be honored at halftime of the season opener on Sept. 12. Additionally, key individuals who were instrumental in the first season, and with the founding of the football program, will also receive recognition throughout the year at each home game.
- As part of the partnership with Miccosukee, fans will see the new jersey patch displayed on all of FIU's uniforms along with the on-field logo signage painted between the 20-30 yard lines for all home contests.
- FIU's Student Government Association will be selecting a random 25 students each game to receive $5 concession vouchers.
- Throwback nachos will be a concession item for all home games, priced at only $4, an ode to the original price of nachos during the first season in 2002.
- Parking
- ALL PAID PARKING (Lot 7, Triangle Lot, Cuban Memorial Lots) for fans is now $20 (complete parking map and information included later in this release).
- 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.
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.
All parking is available to purchase online prior to gameday by visiting the
FIU Gameday Hub or in-person the day of for only $20. Additionally, select Panther Club members 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.
Pitbull Stadium visitors are encouraged to use our
NEW Interactive Map, which provides visitors with a user-friendly and detailed directions for parking, tailgate locations and gate entrances.
Please note that due to ongoing construction on campus, SW 17th St. (the road in-between Tamiami Hall and the Cuban Memorial Lot) will be closed all season to all vehicular and pedestrian traffic. The interactive map indicates where the road is closed and alternative routes.
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:
Sept. 12 vs. Buffalo: Noon (Kickoff: 6 p.m.)
Sept. 26 vs. LIU: Noon (Kickoff: 6 p.m.)
Oct. 7 vs. NM State: 3:30 PM (Kickoff: 7:30 PM)
Oct. 20 vs. Middle Tennessee: 3:30 PM (Kickoff: 7 PM)
Nov. 7 vs. Missouri State: TBD
Nov. 28 vs. Sam Houston: TBD
* Please note that all tailgating for the LIU game on Sept. 26 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 $50 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 $20. Complimentary for Panther Club members at the $50 level or above.
- Tamiami Park Triangle Lot: A grass lot located on the west side of the stadium; tailgating permitted. Available to purchase for $20.
- 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 (subject to change based on tailgating space). 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
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 $21, 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. For fans who wish to purchase exclusive Adidas FIU merchandise, visit our BRAND NEW
FIU Adidas Team Store, which features 1,000s of options for officially-licensed Adidas FIU apparel.
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 3:30-5:30 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. 7, FIU Alumni will host its signature Roar Lounge event from 1:00-3:30 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 2026 Football Gameday page.
Game Themes and 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.
Sept. 12 @ 6 PM vs. Buffalo
- Home Opener | 25th Season Celebration
- Wear Navy
- Presented By Pini Insurance
Sept. 26 @ 6 PM vs. LIU
- Family Weekend | Pig Roast
- Wear White
- Presented By Baptist Health
Oct. 7 @ 7:30 PM vs. New Mexico State
- Vice Night
- Faculty Appreciation
- Wear Pink
Oct. 20 @ 7 PM vs. Middle Tennessee
- Paws at the Pit
- Wear Biscayne Blue
Nov. 7 @ 4 PM vs. Missouri State
- Homecoming
- Military Appreciation
- Wear Gold
Nov. 28 @ 2 PM vs. Sam Houston
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).
