If you have never been to Sun Life Stadium for a University of Miami football game then you simply do not know what you are missing. In spite of some fans having an issue with the seats in the stadium not being close enough to the field, Sun Life is, at least in my humble opinion, an absolutely great place to watch a football game and to tailgate both before and after the games.
We have been going to the stadium since the Hurricanes moved out of the world-famous Orange Bowl and into their newer, fancier digs across town. Sure "The Old Lady" as the OB was known as was also a great place to watch some football and was host to many rocking good times for 'Canes fans.
But truth be told, in its later years it became old and run down and was literally on the verge of collapse so it was eventually torn down to make way for the new Miami Marlins Park.
Sun Life Stadium has its own unique qualities, characteristics and feel. And as many wise old bloggers would tell you, the stadium is really just some concrete, steel and plastic all put together. In the end it is just a building.
It is only the team that plays there that makes it special.
After all back in the 60's and 70's when Miami was losing the majority of its home games at the Orange Bowl it didn't seem so special now did it? The magic didn't begin until around 1983 and the 58 straight games won didn't happen until later than that.
The "magic" of the OB was really the dominance of the team on the field, not the old, smelly urinals that were found throughout the stadium, or the keg beer raining down the ramps and onto your head as you walked into or out of the stadium, or the rusty pillars that tried to hold The Old Girl up.
But I digress...back to Sun Life Stadium and the Georgia Tech game last Saturday. As all Hurricane fans know, Miami won the game by the score of 45-30. UM struggled against GT for the first half before making some serious and effective halftime adjustments on both offense and defense that got the team back on track and enabled the Hurricanes to win the game going away.
But what fans in Texas, Tennessee, Ohio, Illinois, Alaska, Virginia, California and even tiny little Rhode Island did not know was what was happening in and around the stadium on game day in the 305.
This long-time tailgating friend of ours in the E5 parking lot showed off his masterful grilling skills and some exciting new headgear after returning from his triumphant trip to Tampa where UM easily beat USF two weeks ago.
Next our good buddy "CaneFreak" showed up to show Canespace some love as he stopped by the tailgate for some quick photos before making his way over the the now famous "Canes Walk" that happens as the players get off of the buses and walk into to stadium two hours before each home game at Sun Life.
Then after consuming a dosage of "liquid courage" we got the crazy idea to go over to the West Side of the Stadium parking lot. If you're not familiar with how the tailgating at Sun Life works then let me explain it to you.
The East Side is sort of like the "family section" of tailgating whereas the West Side is where they really get down and dirty and things get more than a little wild and crazy.
You see the West Side is where the infamous Cutler Ridge Laz and his crew known as the #CanesFam hang out, hold court and do their very best to ensure a serious home field advantage for Miami. These people, guys and girls, are simply put some serious tailgating masters and mistresses.
They do things like roast whole pigs in a specially designed box called a "caja china" that are well known in Miami among the Latin crowd. They have people doing the Ibis' C-A-N-E-S chant around the clock. They where the gear, the act the part and can talk the talk and walk the walk.
They burn things, they hang things and they do some things that probably shouldn't even be mentioned here lets just leave it at that. In the end they are a just a really good group of crazed 'Canes fans that do the best they can to let everyone know that Miami means business.
The bottom line is that if you have not been to Sun Life Stadium for a UM game, you should. Ask anybody here on the blog about the time they had and they will tell you: "U just gotta do it!"
We may not be the biggest crowd on game day (yet) but we can still drink some beer, chug down a few shots and then continue to eat and drink ourselves into a game day frenzy that is unmatched anywhere, anytime by any fan base.
And if you have never been to Sun Life Stadium then you will just have to trust me on this one!
Soup I could have not said it any better. Go Canes! Beat UNC! I love Sun Life Stadium!
Posted by: Terrance Sullivan | October 10, 2013 at 05:51 PM
TSully...got your emails will respond later tonight.
Posted by: SOUP | October 10, 2013 at 05:54 PM
Cool Soup!
Posted by: Terrance Sullivan | October 10, 2013 at 05:55 PM
We may not be the biggest crowd on game day (yet) but we can still drink some beer, chug down a few shots and then continue to eat and drink ourselves into a game day frenzy that is unmatched anywhere, anytime by any fan base.
Well said SOUP!
Posted by: roachcane77 | October 10, 2013 at 06:19 PM
Roach...U know, that I know, what U know!
#GOCANES
Posted by: SOUP | October 10, 2013 at 06:25 PM
Great article Soup! Canespace is not only a blog - Canespace is a culture, a way of life, a mindset! And Soup is the artist that captures the essence of Canespace!
Posted by: BigWindyCane1 | October 10, 2013 at 07:45 PM
Thanks Soup.
Posted by: Canesteeler | October 10, 2013 at 08:07 PM
And Soup is the artist that captures the essence of Canespace!
Posted by: BigWindyCane1 | October 10, 2013 at 07:45 PM
Thank U sir. I do what I can!
Posted by: SOUP | October 10, 2013 at 08:35 PM
Steeler...I will check tomorrow what I can do for U for the FSU game.
Posted by: SOUP | October 10, 2013 at 08:36 PM
WISHED NEXT THURSDAY GAME WAS AT THE CRIB
Posted by: canezilla | October 10, 2013 at 08:56 PM
BigWindy..you are so right. Never was into the blog world till last year about national signing day. Used to get most of my info from the MH but it had just gotten to be a boring venom spewing waste of time
Posted by: KYcane | October 10, 2013 at 09:07 PM
We need to continue to win games at home, Maybe like 58 straight! I do enjoy game day at Sunlife.
I typically sit in the end zone. It seems to be the rowdiest sections. I do not like to sit at all during the game! Stand up!!
Posted by: Surfercane | October 10, 2013 at 09:45 PM
If Rutgers qb was worth a squat they would have this game easily. They're giving it a shot though
Posted by: Ftmcane | October 10, 2013 at 10:12 PM
Bridge water throws a very Chris rix like ball
Posted by: Ftmcane | October 10, 2013 at 10:13 PM
Great read Soup. Maybe the media should do some gameday tailgating segments with fans during the season...might entice some new fans and future season ticket holders.
Dont know if you missed my last comment on another blog.... is this Operation Sellout for Wake only because UM has sold majority of their tickets to the employees at a real cheap price?
All fans like freebies... they should entice fans to games by offering tees or rally towels, clackers to the first 40,000 fans....something different each game.
Posted by: LJ | October 10, 2013 at 10:26 PM
If Rutgers qb was worth a squat they would have this game easily. They're giving it a shot though
Posted by: Ftmcane | October 10, 2013 at 10:12 PM
There IT is right there.
Posted by: SOUP | October 10, 2013 at 10:36 PM
LJ..I saw your comment but U must have missed my reply.
1. It must be because all of the winning?
2. It must be Employee Family Day?
3. It must be the Homecoming game?
4. It may be because all of the above?
Posted by: SOUP | October 10, 2013 at 10:38 PM
Louisville showing why they DO NOT deserve to even be talked about in the Nat'l Championship conversation. At all. Teddy B is no Heisman either.
Posted by: Ohio_Cane | October 10, 2013 at 10:44 PM
Da Coupe Da Ville looks like it has lost a tire or blown a transmission?
Posted by: SOUP | October 10, 2013 at 11:06 PM
Why is it that the trolls are all UF fans? Do they teach trolling as a degree up there?
Posted by: The Dude | October 11, 2013 at 03:38 AM
Four things I said before the season started. 1. I don't get the Bridgewater hype. He's smallish and doesn't have a plus arm or plus speed. 2. I don't get the Clowney hype. He takes plays off, kid gets lazy in games, has a bad motor. 3. No way Louisville gets in BCS NC Game. 4. Get on that bus! Canes undefeated.
Posted by: The Dude | October 11, 2013 at 03:42 AM
I don't like Taj Boyd as a NFL QB either.
Johnny Football I do like as a NFL QB.
Posted by: The Dude | October 11, 2013 at 03:45 AM
Anyone making the UNC game? They are a mess right now. We should stomp them. Id like to see us start playing complete games now meaning Stephen takes control with his brain. I think this defense is taking this season very seriously. They know what they are playing for.
Posted by: The Dude | October 11, 2013 at 03:48 AM
I know this is a few days old but...
Transfer defensive end Naim Mustafaa leaves Miami Hurricanes
by Matt Porter
The brief and nomadic football career of Naim Mustafaa has taken another turn.
Mustafaa, who left Oklahoma State and transferred to Miami last summer before playing a college snap, has left the Hurricanes, a team spokesman said.
The spokesman would not elaborate, other than to say “he’s no longer on the team.”
Mustafaa, a 6-foot-3, 235-pound freshman defensive end from Alpharetta, Ga., was to sit out this season due to NCAA transfer rules. He enrolled early at Oklahoma State and participated in spring practice, but did not return over the summer. OSU coach Mike Gundy said during July’s Big 12 media days Mustafaa had left the team.
Mustafaa, the son of former NFL safety Najee Mustafaa (formerly Reggie Rutland) was a long time Georgia commitment before flipping to the Cowboys. He was rated a four-star recruit.
http://blogs.palmbeachpost.com/caneswatch/2013/10/09/transfer-defensive-end-naim-mustafaa-leaves-miami-hurricanes/
Posted by: UMike | October 11, 2013 at 06:17 AM
Rashawn Scott close to returning, Stephen Morris resting
by Matt Porter
A few quick updates from Miami coach Al Golden, who spoke during Wednesday’s ACC teleconference:
* Injured receiver Rashawn Scott is close to returning, Golden said. The junior, sidelined since injuring his shoulder/collarbone Aug. 30 against Florida Atlantic, is running routes at full speed but has not participated in contact drills. “I don’t know if he can take a hit yet,” Golden said.
* Golden was serious about getting Stephen Morris (ankle) rehabbed and rested. He has held the quarterback out of practice this week. “I’m not taking Stephen’s word for it anymore,” Golden said. Morris, as you likely know, bruised his right ankle Sept. 21 against Savannah State.
* Like Miami, UNC has a senior quarterback with a “lower extremity” injury. Starter Bryn Renner missed last week’s 27-17 loss to Virginia Tech after suffering a foot injury in the Tar Heels’ Sept. 28 loss to East Carolina. Renner, a fifth-year senior, had made 29 consecutive starts before that. He was limited in practice last week, but was reportedly back with the first team on Tuesday. Against the Hokies, third-year sophomore Marquise Williams threw for 277 yards with two touchdowns and two interceptions, and had a team-high 56 rushing yards. Renner told reporters in Chapel Hill he plans to play against Miami. Golden said UM would prepare to face either QB.
* Senior right tackle Seantrel Henderson, who was suspended for last week’s win over Georgia Tech for a violation of team rules, has participated in the last two practices. Asked if Henderson had productive sessions, Golden said, “He has.”
http://blogs.palmbeachpost.com/caneswatch/2013/10/09/rashawn-scott-close-to-returning-stephen-morris-resting/
Posted by: UMike | October 11, 2013 at 06:18 AM
Demetrius Jackson grateful to be a 4-star
by Peter Ariz
Six months ago, Demetrius Jackson had not played a snap of football at the high school level. Now, he is a four-star recruit. 247sports released their new rankings today where Jackson was dubbed as a four-star recruit after he was initially not rated at all until June 28th.
“Man, it’s just a blessing. I thank God and I thank the program that I’m at. I thank the U fans for helping me out too,” said Jackson.
Did the two-sport star expect to blow up this quickly?
“Honestly, I can humbly say no. I just wanted to go out there and be there for my team so I didn’t see this coming at all.”
The Booker T. Washington Tornadoes traveled to Las Vegas last week to ear a hard-fought 28-12 victory over Bishop Gorman.
“I knew it would be a tough game. We can’t just blow out everybody. We’ll win every game, but we knew it would be tough. It was at their house in a different environment and atmosphere, but I knew we would pull away at the end.”
Some ‘Canes fans who watched the game have asked about an injury Jackson sustained late in the game.
“It’s a high-ankle sprain, but I’m not too worried about it. I’m just going to rehab every day and the coaches just want me to get right for the playoffs. This is really the only game I’ll miss and it’s an ankle I’ve twisted in basketball before so the coaches just want me to play at 100% and that’s how I feel.”
The Tornadoes will face Miami Northwestern this Saturday night.
“We’re excited since it’s a neighborhood rivalry, but we can’t get caught in the hype and handle business.”
The Miami commit is excited with the season his future school is having, and was especially impressed by the team’s victory last weekend.
“They’re having a wonderful season and I see them as a national title contender. I don’t think anybody can beat them and that Georgia Tech game was a really tough game that they needed. People say the Florida game got them over the hump, but I think the Georgia Tech game got them over the hump and those tough games are the ones you need in order to compete for the national title.”
http://www.canesinsight.com/content/2080-Demetrius-Jackson-grateful-to-be-a-4-star
Posted by: UMike | October 11, 2013 at 06:19 AM
247 released its latest Top 247 recruits and also upgraded D. Jackson and Mike Smith to 4-Stars. Golden's eye for talent keeps showing up...
#54 - Kc McDermott
#58 - Travonte Valentine
#79 - Brad Kaaya
#105 - Trevor Darling
#116 - Joseph Yearby (WAY TO LOW!!)
#127 - Chad Thomas
#188 - Darrion Owens
Looks we had a few guys fall out, but we will have a few more next round lol
http://247sports.com/Season/2014-Football/RecruitRankings?InstitutionGroup=HighSchool
Posted by: UMike | October 11, 2013 at 06:36 AM
You guys are killing me with the gazing.
Posted by: LB | October 11, 2013 at 06:46 AM
lol LB..I just pass the info along
Posted by: UMike | October 11, 2013 at 06:47 AM
I have watched some high school games and seen some of the Hurricanes recruits, and I think Golden has gotten most of the best recruits in south Florida. I think they have most of who they want and the rest is gravy. These current Canes coaches are some of the best talent evalutors around and they seem to have a great ability to project a recruits value at the next level. They also obviously do a great job developing them once they join the team.
Posted by: BigWindyCane1 | October 11, 2013 at 07:12 AM
I have watched some high school games and seen some of the Hurricanes recruits, and I think Golden has gotten most of the best recruits in south Florida. I think they have most of who they want and the rest is gravy. These current Canes coaches are some of the best talent evalutors around and they seem to have a great ability to project a recruits value at the next level. They also obviously do a great job developing them once they join the team.
Posted by: BigWindyCane1 | October 11, 2013 at 07:12 AM
You took the words right out of my typing fingers, BWC1. Those kids getting that 4th * is a testament to how AG and staff bring together,motivate, and develop these kids.
Posted by: CaneRock | October 11, 2013 at 07:15 AM
You guys are killing me with the gazing.
Posted by: LB | October 11, 2013 at 06:46 AM
I agree 100%.
I actually HATE the recruiting game and even talking about recruiting DURING the season instead of just focusing on this UM team, this year. I was at one time going to ask UMike to stop posting info about it here. But unfortunately LB, U and I are in the MINORITY and most college football fans just eat that stuff up all day, every day.
I just scan through it quickly and LOL.
Posted by: SOUP | October 11, 2013 at 07:58 AM
I just pass the info along
Posted by: UMike | October 11, 2013 at 06:47 AM
U lie, U love it!
Admitting to it is the first step to getting help. IJS
Posted by: SOUP | October 11, 2013 at 08:00 AM
lol..I dont "love" stars and recruiting etc..BUT..it is the life blood of a football program. I think it is fun to talk about future Canes and potential future Canes. Its all part of being a fan imo
Posted by: UMike | October 11, 2013 at 08:16 AM
I bet if Golden recruited like Coker and we started falling off all over again people would want to talk about recruiting lol
Posted by: UMike | October 11, 2013 at 08:19 AM
I think when the team is doing bad, I can't help getting sucked into the recruiting world... But now that we're sittin pretty at 5-0, in the words of KWIII, I don't give "a flying you know what."
GO CANES!!!
Posted by: CanesGuest | October 11, 2013 at 08:21 AM
Coker's problem was that he could not close and had recruits flip at the last moment, or putting all his eggs in one basket at a key position like quarterback. Losing Preston Parker to FSU. Having his sole WR commit the year before flip to Syracuse(!) on signing day. He failed at the WR position, leaving us having to convert punters and corners to play the position. The result was an anemic offense.
Posted by: TonyCane | October 11, 2013 at 08:28 AM
1. I dont "love" stars and recruiting etc..
2. BUT..it is the life blood of a football program.
3. I think it is fun to talk about future Canes and potential future Canes. Its all part of being a fan imo
Posted by: UMike | October 11, 2013 at 08:16 AM
1. LIAR!
2. Tru dat.
3. Cheering for your team, watching or going to games and appreciating the CURRENT players is part of being a fan. Fans of NFL football do NOT spend the entire season all day every day talking about the NFL draft for NEXT year now do they? No, of course not they talk about their team and how they are doing THIS year. They may talk about it after the season or towards the END of the season as they try to predict drafting order but that is it.
This 24/7/365 talk about college football recruiting in the MIDDLE of the heart of the current football season is simply ridiculous and nauseating. But it is simply a sad reflection of the under 30 "ME" generation where everyone lives in the future and not the present moment.
Makes me feel sad for them. But I get it and the reindeer games that people play. This is not about U UMike just about the whole college football environment right now. Recruiting is the worst part of the big corrupt and polluted NCAA system.
But for now it is the only system we have so GO CANES!
Posted by: SOUP | October 11, 2013 at 08:33 AM
SOUP, college football and recruiting is NOTHING like the NFL and the draft. Just because people follow recruiting doesn't meant they do not cheer for their during during the season lol...high school football is played at the same time as college ball so t is natural to talk about it as more and more recruits gain recognition and set announcement dates etc. I do think recruiting can get crazy, especially the "sky is falling" crowd when we miss out on a single recruit, but recruiting is just as much of college football as the games themselves imo. But I agree the recruiting and corruption is sad in college ball, but as long as coaches and universities are making millions..their will be corruption lol
Posted by: UMike | October 11, 2013 at 09:20 AM
1. LIAR!
Posted by: SOUP | October 11, 2013 at 08:33 AM
Hey hey now lol.. I was rooting for 3-Star WR Brady and still am, was happy and wanted then 3-star RB Powell and I have always applauded the 2-3 star commits we get from camp...so hush yo mouth fool! lol
Posted by: UMike | October 11, 2013 at 09:22 AM
And for the record I post just as much information on the current team as recruits lol
Posted by: UMike | October 11, 2013 at 09:29 AM
Speaking of recruiting...and since we have a bye week..look out for 4-Star WR Braxton Berrios accounting Saturday at noon. SOUP, I know you will be on your toes waiting lol..
SOUP..how do you feel about those names on the playoff selection committee? I think there should NEVER be a current AD on there.
Posted by: UMike | October 11, 2013 at 09:33 AM
"LB U know Saban makes 6 million a year right lol. So Golden has been underpaid and U still want to underpay him LOL. WOW thats the spirit U bust your ass stay loyal to us help bring more fans back and money back but hey i am still going to underpay ya and basically tell U to suck eggs. Thats the spirit lol."
Not what I'm saying at all. At all. I know Saban's salary, but competing on that scale with UM's resources is illogical. But it absolutely can get that high. My point is to substantially raise the salary to get it that high. However...
"After the season Golden will be offered a contract between $2.25 and $2.5 million over 5 years."
That's really good. At worst it's somewhere around Bill Snyder (42nd). At best it's Frank Beamer/David Shaw (25th). I hope so.
Posted by: LB | October 11, 2013 at 09:43 AM
Continuing:
UM is historically known to UNDERPAY coaches, and I'm not sure the record (adjusted for inflation). This is historical terrority, and I'm also trying to be realistic to keep perspective of what they will pay.
If it were me? I've give him at least as much as Dumbo ($2.8 million).
Posted by: LB | October 11, 2013 at 09:45 AM
So hush yo mouth fool! lol
Posted by: UMike | October 11, 2013 at 09:22 AM
OK, U got me. LOL
Posted by: SOUP | October 11, 2013 at 09:47 AM
"I agree 100%.
I actually HATE the recruiting game and even talking about recruiting DURING the season instead of just focusing on this UM team, this year. I was at one time going to ask UMike to stop posting info about it here. But unfortunately LB, U and I are in the MINORITY and most college football fans just eat that stuff up all day, every day."
I went into it once. No mas.
Posted by: LB | October 11, 2013 at 09:48 AM
know thy enemy:
http://collegefootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2013/10/11/bye-week-layoff-going-to-be-good-for-bryn-renner/?ocid=Yahoo&partner=ya5nbcs
Posted by: TJL | October 11, 2013 at 09:52 AM
Although I thought TN and Oregon were the threats to get Berrios, it now appears South Carolina is the biggest threat. Some "experts" are now picking South Carolina. Either way we still have Dixson, Brady and others in the mix.
Posted by: UMike | October 11, 2013 at 10:24 AM
SOUP, whether you follow recruiting or not, it means NOW more under AG, than it did under Shannon. Reason being, when you look at guys like Armbrister,Perryman,Scott,Waters,Pierre,Jenkins,etc....you know AG's gonna get a return on His investment...we're gonna field better teams, which means the FANS will get a return on their investment...and more importantly, those aforementioned kids are buying in, so they're getting a return on their investment.
EVERYBODY can win here, NONE! of it is exclusive.
Posted by: CaneRock | October 11, 2013 at 10:28 AM
And yes, I follow recruiting, but I follow the kids who are CURRENT commits for the most part. And most of these kids have one thing in common...MOTORS!
Posted by: CaneRock | October 11, 2013 at 10:31 AM