Going to game-day events for the first time can be a little intimidating as a freshman. The constant stressors are what to wear, how and where to tailgate and deciding whether or not to actually go to the game.
Here are a few things to know that will ease your stress and upgrade your game day experience.
Outfits
Whether you’re a girl who ordered your outfits on Shein, or a guy who threw on a polo and khaki shorts, this is the game day guide for you.
Wearing a mini skirt, jean shorts, striped shorts or knitted shorts is always a good option on the bottom. Tops can range from your favorite orange and green bikini to a UM baseball jersey. Hype and Vice tops are also great pieces to add to your closet and are sold in the gift shop.
If you aren’t confident in your outfit, you can always compensate with a cool hairstyle. Rocking braids or a slick-back with orange and green ribbon is always a look to be appreciated. If you want to be bold, a green or orange wig is a classic.
You can’t go wrong with the iconic green and orange striped overalls from the campus book store.
“My favorite game day outfit to see is the overalls,” said JT Moriarty, a UM freshman studying data science with artificial intelligence.
No matter what outfit and hairstyle you decide to go with, make sure to throw on a pair of shoes you are prepared to get dirty.
A few good options are any Adidas or Nike shoes in green and orange like the Gazelle Indoor Shoes in orange or the Dunk Low Retro Miami Hurricanes. The New Balance 550s in orange or green are also a great pick.
On-Campus Tailgates
On-campus tailgates at the fraternity houses are arguably the most fun part of game day. The tailgates start early on game day since they’re required to shut down two hours before the game starts.
After getting ready with your friends, head over to San Amaro Drive to join the party.
To go or not to go
Everyone’s favorite question: “Are you going to the game?”
The vast majority of freshmen will be at tailgates wearing orange and green, but traveling to Hard Rock Stadium to see the game is always up in the air.
Most freshmen don’t have a car, so the options for transportation include taking the UBus or splurging on an uber.
While the UBus is free, you can find yourself waiting in line for up to an hour, either getting to Hard Rock or coming back to campus.Ubering with a group of friends is definitely a good option, but be prepared to spend $10 or more even with a group.
If you’re a football fan looking to watch the game, but you don’t want to deal with the hassle of commuting to Hard Rock, there are plenty of sports bars nearby.
Yard House, located in the Shops at Merrick Park, can be a little pricey, but the food is good and the typical “sports bar” atmosphere is unbeatable. Monty’s Raw Bar in Coconut Grove is another cool place to watch the game. It is located right on the water and provides a tropical, beachy feel. It is equipped with endless TVs for sports fans.
“My favorite part of gameday is seeing everyone come together and supporting the team; seeing that sense of comradery,” said Anna Clark, freshman studying political science.
Whether you decide to show up for the Hurricanes at Hard Rock or support from afar, there are so many places to get your football fix in.