Biggest football game in FIU history set for Saturday

FIU football will play in a historic home game Saturday, Nov. 27, which, with a win, could clinch the Sun Belt Conference Championship and earn the team its first bowl bid.

Kick-off is set for 3:30 p.m. at FIU Stadium against Arkansas State University. With a 5-1 SBC record, FIU is one game away from taking home its first Sun Belt title. As conference champions, FIU would be in line for a bid to a bowl game.

To show his Panther Pride on game day, FIU President Mark Rosenberg has agreed to paint his face blue and gold if students fill the student section of the stadium. FIU students can attend the game free with a student ID.

“This is a game FIU fans and the entire community won’t want to miss,” FIU Athletic Director Pete Garcia said.  “FIU football is having its best season ever, and Saturday is going to be an exciting game.”

In his weekly press conference Wednesday, Head Football Coach Mario Cristobal acknowledged the excitement surrounding Saturday’s game, but said the team is remaining focused.

“Words like clinch and conference championship are all a big part of the goals. It really creates a buzz and excitement,” Cristobal said. “Our job every single day is to make sure we bring it back to doing what has put us in this situation — focus on our opponent, Arkansas State. We have to be real, real good about everything we do to take that next step.

“We all know how big this is,” Cristobal added. “It’s huge.”

The Alumni Association Panther Pit Tailgate will begin at 1:30 p.m. in Lot 6 next to FIU Stadium. Everyone is welcome to enjoy free face painting, play video games by Games on Wheels, and take photos under the giant inflatable Panther arch. Catering by Les will be selling hamburgers and hotdogs, one side, desert and a drink all for $8.

The university is offering health care professionals and their families complimentary tickets to the game. To pick up the free tickets, health care professionals should visit the University Credit Union Box Office located in the R. Kirk Landon Fieldhouse at the west end of the stadium. Tickets will be available starting at 11:30 a.m. on Saturday.  A valid health care professional work ID is needed to pick up the tickets. Parking is free.

Also, FIU, in conjunction with the NCAA is participating in “Take a Kid to the Game” program where kids, ages 14 and younger, will receive a free ticket with the purchase of a full-priced adult ticket.

To purchase tickets for the Arkansas State game, call 305.FIU.GAME.