Fall sports teams kick off at home against big-name opponents

By Joel Delgado ’12 MS ’17 

With the fall semester right around the corner, there is plenty to be excited about when it comes to FIU Athletics.

The football team will be on the hunt to become bowl eligible for the first time since 2011; the men’s soccer team is nationally ranked and will look to repeat as conference champions; and women’s soccer and volleyball are also on the up-and-up.

Below are the home openers for each of FIU Athletics’ fall programs, along with some of the fun promotions taking place for each event.

FIU students can attend all FIU Athletics events for free with a valid student ID and ticket information for all events can be found at FIUSports.com.

Senior midfielder Alyssa Robinson scored four goals, tied for the most on the team, last season.

FIU Women’s Soccer vs. Wake Forest
Thursday, Aug. 25, 7 p.m.
FIU Soccer Stadium

FIU women’s soccer will officially kick off the fall sports season on campus with a home match against Atlantic Coastal Conference foe Wake Forest. The Demon Deacons have had some success in recent years, including a trip to the Women’s College Cup, the national semifinals of the NCAA Tournament, just two years ago.

The Panthers, entering Head Coach Thomas Chestnutt’s 10^th season with the program, hope to improve upon their 8-11 record with a strong start to the season.

Fans in attendance will receive the 2016 season’s schedule poster for free.

FIU Women’s Volleyball vs. Coastal Carolina (FIU Invite)
Friday, Aug. 26, 7 p.m.
FIU Arena 

After experiencing a turnaround season and finishing with a winning record, the Panthers’ volleyball squad will open the season with the two-day FIU Invite starting Aug. 26 against Coastal Carolina. The next day, FIU will take on the cross-town rival Miami Hurricanes in the morning.

The Panthers return a number of key contributors from last season, including outside hitter Katie Hogan and middle blocker Jennifer Ene.

QB Alex McGough returns for his junior season at FIU, hoping to lead the Panthers to a bowl game.

FIU Football vs. Indiana
Thursday, Sept. 1, 7:30 p.m.
FIU Stadium 

The football team will open the new season at home with a rematch against Big Ten opponent Indiana. The Hoosiers defeated the Panthers in Bloomington, Ind., last year and FIU will look to return the favor with a statement win to kick off the 2016 season.

All employees can purchase up to four tickets for the game at $1 apiece as part of Faculty, Staff & Retirees Appreciation Day and each ticket purchased comes with a free FIU camouflage hat. And for all football home games this season, the first 500 students to enter the stadium will be treated to “all-you-can-eat” concessions.

There will also be a special fireworks show at halftime and a Freshman Frenzy Tunnel Run. All freshmen who RSVP on FIUSports.com will be able to form a tunnel to lead the team onto the field at the start of the game.

BONUS: Any student with a valid FIU One card attending all 7 football home games will receive a free Android tablet. Students will be instructed to visit the promotional check-in table beginning at halftime. In order to be counted towards the seven-game attendance requirement, you must swipe your valid FIU One card at the promotional check-in table each game.

Marvin Hezel was named the preseason defender of the year by Conference USA.

FIU Men’s Soccer vs. Wisconsin
Friday, Sept. 2, 7 p.m.
FIU Soccer Stadium

The No. 23-ranked men’s soccer team, hoping to defend their Conference USA championship and return to the NCAA Tournament this season, open up their home schedule against the Wisconsin Badgers.

FIU finished last season with its best record in more than a decade with 12 wins and returns many of its key players from last season – including leading scorer Luis Betancur and Conference USA Preseason Defender of the Year Marvin Hezel.

Fans in attendance will receive the 2016 season’s schedule poster for free.