5 things to know about Thursday’s FIU vs. FAU football game

By Joel Delgado ’12, MS ’17

Coming off a big upset win on the road this past weekend against the University of Alabama-Birmingham, the Panthers now set their sights on long-time nemesis Florida Atlantic.

The Panthers will host the Owls on Thursday, Oct. 2, at Ocean Bank Field at FIU Stadium in the thirteenth installment of the annual Shula Bowl. It’s shaping up to be  critical game for both teams as they fight for prime position in the Conference USA standings.

Students can get into the game for free with a valid student I.D. and can purchase guest tickets on gameday for just $5.

From a postgame concert to a halftime hamster ball race, there are plenty of reasons to make sure you make it out to the cage on Thursday night:

1. It’s ‘Recent Grads Night’

Recent FIU graduates (Dec. 2013 – Aug. 2014) are invited to purchase club seats for just $9 each, which includes one meal voucher per ticket purchased.

Tickets can be purchased by logging on to FIUSports.com and entering the coupon code “YOUNGALUM” in the special offers box. The deadline to purchase this offer is Thursday, Oct. 2, at 3 p.m. There is limit of four tickets per order.

2. There will be a postgame concert featuring DJ Zog

A free postgame concert will take place immediately following the alma mater being played at the conclusion of the game. The concert will feature DJ Zog and will take place in the lower north concourse near the student gate (6/NE) for approximately an hour.

And during all of FIU football’s home games this season, you can join DJ M Dot — who is also a DJ for the Miami Heat — for great music throughout the entire game at the Panther Beach Party Deck located in the upper northeast concourse.

3. It’s FIU Football’s ‘Breast Cancer Awareness Game’

Breast cancer survivors and their families, as well as awareness-related organizations, are invited to purchase club seats for just $9 each, which includes one meal voucher per ticket purchased.

Tickets can be purchased by logging on to FIUSports.com and entering the coupon code “SURVIVOR” in the special offers box.

FIU College of Medicine’s Mammo Van will be on-site as a showpiece in the middle of the north concourse, survivors will form the team tunnel as the Panthers run onto the field and the team will be wearing an FIU logo with breast cancer ribbon decals on their helmets.

You can also enter a raffle to win a game-worn helmet & donations table at the Roar4More table, located near Gate 5. All proceeds will benefit the Susan G. Komen Foundation.

4. It’s ‘Greek Philanthropy Night’

The fraternity and sorority that shows the most participation (based on percentage & size of the organization) will receive a $1,000 philanthropic donation from Athletics.

Interested competing organizations will RSVP and members will sign in on their organization’s sign-in sheet at the game. The sign-in will take place in the upper northeast concourse near the Panther Beach Party Deck.

5. There will be an SGA vs. SGA Hamster Ball Race

The FIU SGA president will take on FAU’s SGA president in a Hamster Ball Race at halftime in a battle for bragging rights that you don’t want to miss!