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!
Great....GREAT read Soup! SunLife has its own "charm". And I do not think there is a bad seat in the house. If we could pack it week to week like the Gator game, that home win streak would start clicking! Doubt anyone will break the Orange Bowl record.
Posted by: LA3 | October 11, 2013 at 10:35 AM
Soup,
Great read...
Posted by: Cane88 | October 11, 2013 at 11:02 AM
I am no fan of the college football recruiting talk 24/7 especially during the season is basically saying to the current team to go and pound sand. I am all for the recruiting talk after the season and be at a fever pitch for months but when the season starts I am all about the current team and Soup U nailed it man. UMike u do a damn good job posting stuff my man. Go Canes!
Posted by: Terrance Sullivan | October 11, 2013 at 11:05 AM
Let's be realistic. No trip to Charlotte, no bowl appearance, slightly over 50% wins before this year -- that's middle of the pack HC performance. We all see the potential, and we're excited, but let's see the results! A bowl game every year for 15+ years pays for Beamer's salary. AG will get there, and he'll be rewarded for it.
Posted by: OFNC | October 11, 2013 at 10:35 AM
AGREE WITH ALL OF YOUR POINTS BUT LOOK WHAT HE ALSO DID HERE.. TOOK OVER A PROGRAM WITH THE NCAA ON OUR BACK,TOOK OVER A PROGRAM WITH NOT SO GREAT TALENT(NO DEPTH).#4 RECRUITING CLASS COMING UP NEXT YEAR.HAD A CHANCE TO LEAVE FOR PENN STATE COACHING JOB BUT STAYED.BROUGHT BACK KEHOE,BROUGHT IN TOP RECRUITERS ONE FROM OUR BIGGEST RIVAL.NOW WE ARE 5-0 AND #13 IN NATION
Posted by: canezilla | October 11, 2013 at 11:12 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
--------------------------------------------
Alot of myths are out there, liek Miami underpays coaches....
Coker was making more 8 years ago when he was fired then Golden makes now
http://sports.espn.go.com/ncf/news/story?id=2674282
we paid close to 3 million just to make him go away.
Posted by: Hassan | October 11, 2013 at 11:27 AM
Greetings from San Diego, friends! Had two people throw the U up when they saw me yesterday (of course I'm decked out in Canes gear whenever I'm on vacation), and one other Gator student tell me she would have gone to UM if she had the grades. Life is good for us these days!
Posted by: j.w. | October 11, 2013 at 12:13 PM
Rock...U got it twisted brotha. I follow recruiting but AFTER the season, not DURING the season. I agree with TSully, in many ways it is disrespectful to the current players on the team. My theory is based on the belief that U should appreciate what you have, not spend time lusting for or worrying about what you don't have.
Recruiting has its own "season" (January-March), let it play out then, not now.
"There is a season,
Turn, turn, turn..."
Posted by: SOUP | October 11, 2013 at 12:19 PM
Great read...
Posted by: Cane88 | October 11, 2013 at 11:02 AM
Thank U sir!
Posted by: SOUP | October 11, 2013 at 12:20 PM
Look I understand I am in the minority on the recruiting thing and UMike does do a GREAT job bringing U the news U can use so I am cool with that. I am NOT asking people here to stop talking about recruiting because I know for some people that IS the most important thing to them.
Gary Ferman from Canesport once told me that they get 10 hits on a recruitng article for every one hit they get on a current or former player so yeah, I get it.
So it is cool...BLOG ON!
Posted by: SOUP | October 11, 2013 at 12:32 PM
Berrios is not a "make or break" recruit, BUT I would LOVE for him to be on this team. His quickness is rarely matched, and would be a nightmare in the slot inside Herb, Coley, etc.
Posted by: Ohio_Cane | October 11, 2013 at 12:38 PM
SOUP, I ain't got nothin' twisted. Like I said, recruiting means more now under Golden, than it did under Shannon...hell, more than the 2 previous regimes. And besides, WHO THE HELL! said you can't follow recruiting, and your current team...
Maybe it's a sad reflection of the over 30, can't multi-task generation. LMAO!
Posted by: CaneRock | October 11, 2013 at 12:44 PM
Adrian Peterson's son in critical condition after assault by a 27 year old man.
If true, that f#*&er needs tortured for life... Makes me sick beyond belief.
Posted by: Ohio_Cane | October 11, 2013 at 01:04 PM
Soup U are spot on my man. Hassan that fact that Coker was making less than 2 million in 2006 when He had a National Title should have had 2 was jobbed outta the 2nd one, Played in another BCS Bowl Game and won it and played in two other really good bowls any other coach and program in a similar position with similar support that coach would have been making 2,500,000 or more so he was underpaid. Yes the team flamed out in 2006 but the dude was 60-16 at Miami 1 National Title 3 Big East Titles, 2 BCS Bowl Wins, 4-2 overall bowl record.
Posted by: Terrance Sullivan | October 11, 2013 at 01:06 PM
Rock...U still have it twisted but I don't have time today to set U straight so I am just gonna have to let U go on with that delusional thinking my man.
Let me just say that there is a big difference between "can't multi-task" and choosing not to in this particular situation out of personal preference.
That is all. Enjoy!
Posted by: SOUP | October 11, 2013 at 01:18 PM
SOUP, "delusional thinking"?...LMAO!
What part of "Recruiting means more now under Golden" don't you understand...
That comment wasn't meant to encourage you to follow recruiting 24/7, just that Golden is getting MORE! out of the CURRENT! talent in CGs...MORE!than the previous 2 regimes.
Posted by: CaneRock | October 11, 2013 at 01:33 PM
And SOUP, again...being a fan of the current team,recruiting, and Ms.Feliciano...IS NOT! EXCLUSIVE!
Posted by: CaneRock | October 11, 2013 at 01:36 PM
Technically recruiting doesn't have a season as kids commit all year round and after the season are in camps and all-star games etc lol, I do not think it is disrespectful in any way to the current players, they know how it works. So a kid that once had a press conference at his school to announce his commitment to fans will now find is disrespectful for fans to follow recruits? lol
I love the team we have now, but every year we lose guys and have to replenish. Recruiting is the future of every team. Now I agree it shouldnt be discussed 24/7 unless its signing day or right before it...but it is definitely not disrespectful lol
Me and you saying PD4 shouldnt return punts..now that is disrespectful lol
Posted by: UMike | October 11, 2013 at 01:47 PM
Me and you saying PD4 shouldnt return punts..now that is disrespectful lol
Posted by: UMike | October 11, 2013 at 01:47 PM
----------------------------------------
THIS. This right here.
Posted by: Ohio_Cane | October 11, 2013 at 01:48 PM
Got to love Da Space...full of opinions lol
Posted by: UMike | October 11, 2013 at 01:53 PM
AMEN! DOUBLE that!!!!
Adrian Peterson's son in critical condition after assault by a 27 year old man.
If true, that f#*&er needs tortured for life... Makes me sick beyond belief.
Posted by: Ohio_Cane | October 11, 2013 at 01:04 PM
Posted by: LA3 | October 11, 2013 at 02:14 PM
Adrian Peterson's son in critical condition after assault by a 27 year old man.
If true, that f#*&er needs tortured for life... Makes me sick beyond belief.
Posted by: Ohio_Cane | October 11, 2013 at 01:04 PM
---------------------------------------
Oh, I left out that his son is 2 (TWO!) YEAR OLD...
Posted by: Ohio_Cane | October 11, 2013 at 02:19 PM
Chris Yandle @ChrisYandle 20s
Off day for @MiamiHurricanes today. New depth chart will be released tonight at 9 p.m. Media availability Saturday, press conference Sunday.
Posted by: Ohio_Cane | October 11, 2013 at 03:07 PM
Don't worry, I didn't expect U guys to "get it". I get where U all are coming from but I would never expect U to get me, that just doesn't happen, or something like that.
Rock...we are arguing two different things. I agree with U that recruiting under Golden IS different and DOES matter. His talent eval appears superior and approaching the Butch Davis level. My ONLY point was that there is a time to talk recruiting AFTER the season and a time to talk football DURING the season.
UMike...same thing with U I see? How can U compare evaluating a current player honestly about their skill set (PD4) that is based on evidence and fact to the lusting after a player who is not even on the team? There is no "disrespect" implied or intended in player evaluation just open, honest conversation.
It like telling your wife: "Honey this meatloaf is burnt" versus telling her "Honey, I'd really like to tag that cheerleader over there." If the meat loaf is burnt it is burnt, that is a fact that she has to accept, but you have no right telling your wife that you wanna tag the cheerleader if you are married and expect her to accept that, right.
Which is MORE disrespectful?
Posted by: SOUP | October 11, 2013 at 03:12 PM
Shout out to whoever told me to get my rosters from volstopfan14 for ncaa 14, I forgot who it was that told me. Thanks
Posted by: WWIN | October 11, 2013 at 03:17 PM
Umike, did you try to call me?
Posted by: WWIN | October 11, 2013 at 03:18 PM
SOUP..you're WAY of base on that..but Im just going to let this particular topic go lol..
WWIN, No, I did e-mail you back asking when is usually a good time to call
Posted by: UMike | October 11, 2013 at 03:25 PM
SOUP,
That analogy is a little off, but I get what you're saying. In recruiting you could look at it as bringing in talent to join the greater U family, to increase competition levels and make the team better, or at least continue, not as we are bringing in guys to replace you and I really want Johnny 5* because he'll replace such and such player that isn't as good as I'd like him to be. But I think that's what you're getting at. It can be disrespectful, but I couldn't name anyone here that looks at it that way. But I don't know the blog or bloggers like you either.
Posted by: The Dude | October 11, 2013 at 03:28 PM
People keep talking about PD4 on punt returns, please tell me when he's had a chance to do something and he hasn't???? I seen ONE time this year when he had a opportunity for a return be he got tackled, besides that coverage has been good on him every time.
Posted by: WWIN | October 11, 2013 at 03:29 PM
I cant believe Peterson is going to play Sunday..how are you not by your child's side in a time like this?
Posted by: UMike | October 11, 2013 at 03:30 PM
WWIN,..my opinion was not so much PD4 is horrible, but that I think Coley give us a better chance at a big play.
Posted by: UMike | October 11, 2013 at 03:31 PM
Posted by: SOUP | October 11, 2013 at 03:12 PM
SOUP, love the analogy!
Posted by: CalgaryCane | October 11, 2013 at 03:32 PM
LOL Soup I was thinking the same thing. I call it the wandering eyes syndrome lol. I will put it in a similar way Soup did. If U are either dating a woman or married to her and she keeps always bragging about another guy constantly in your face are U going to like it. U gonna be like i am busting my arse being the best boyfriend/husband I can be and all she can do is lust after someone else. Not Cool. But thats what makes this blog so great we all got different opinions. Go Canes!
Posted by: Terrance Sullivan | October 11, 2013 at 03:36 PM
In recruiting you could look at it as bringing in talent to join the greater U family, to increase competition levels and make the team better, or at least continue, not as we are bringing in guys to replace you and I really want Johnny 5* because he'll replace such and such player that isn't as good as I'd like him to be.
Posted by: The Dude | October 11, 2013 at 03:28 PM
Huh, the last coaching staff was guilty of the latter. I remember when they brought the 08' class in the locker-room after the UVA game...and Hurtt I think it was, was telling the current players on the team at that time..."These are the guys that are going to replace you!" I was like damn, these kids just finished gettin' drubbed 47-0, and THAT'S! your post-game locker-room speech. Yeah, KARMA IS A BIAAAATCH! LMAO!
Posted by: CaneRock | October 11, 2013 at 03:43 PM
WWIN,..my opinion was not so much PD4 is horrible, but that I think Coley give us a better chance at a big play.
Posted by: UMike | October 11, 2013 at 03:31 PM
Watch closely how this is done UMike:
I AGREE 100%.
It is really NOT that hard, U should try it sometime. It's all good! LOL
Posted by: SOUP | October 11, 2013 at 03:45 PM
In other news ...
Deion Sanders has been fired by Prime Prep Academy, a charter school he co-founded, after being accused of assault by an employee. Sanders was apparently upset about the poor class performance by some of the school's athletes.
Deion helped create the Deion rule because he didn't attend classes or take exams yet still was allowed to play a full season and in a bowl game. As a result, state officials rewrote the academic requirements, banning players at state universities in Florida from playing in bowl games if they did not successfully complete their fall semester.
And so now Deions founded a school and gets upset about the class performance of athletes.
You got to love it ...
Posted by: Old Skool | October 11, 2013 at 03:47 PM
Umike, afternoon time is usually good for me.
Punt coverage has been different for Coley vs PD4. Games have been pretty much ova when Coley gets in on his.
Posted by: WWIN | October 11, 2013 at 03:48 PM
SOUP, love the analogy!
Posted by: CalgaryCane | October 11, 2013 at 03:32 PM
I try, God knows I try, but I don't EVER expect them to "get it". It just doesn't happen anymore. In our current culture the need to be right clearly outweighs the ability to objectively weigh the facts.
That is why nobody ever agrees anymore. Look at Washington DC right about now?
Posted by: SOUP | October 11, 2013 at 03:48 PM
Terrance, "wandering eyes" were A LOT! worse than this years ago. I don't know if you were here at the time, but we actually had a blogger that called out Jason Fox!
Posted by: CaneRock | October 11, 2013 at 03:49 PM
So I have 85 wives..but cant look at a few new chicks? hahahaha
Posted by: UMike | October 11, 2013 at 03:50 PM
The blogger called out Fox because of a comment Fox made if I remember correctly.
Posted by: UMike | October 11, 2013 at 03:51 PM
The blogger called out Fox because of a comment Fox made if I remember correctly.
Posted by: UMike | October 11, 2013 at 03:51 PM
Yeah, because Fox said He only gave up 1 sack at UM. I thought Fox was a HECKUVA! LT at UM, I thought that call-out was uncalled for.
Posted by: CaneRock | October 11, 2013 at 03:52 PM
I am looking forward to the day all of our LB's are 6'2-6'3 and 235lbs plus. I think we have some of the best wr's in the country, however we are still missing that elite, special QB. I want to see nothing but execution and attitude next Thursday! GO CANES
Posted by: canesteeler | October 11, 2013 at 03:53 PM
CR..I thought the comment had to do with Fox saying he had no weakness or something like that..he was a great LT for us imo. It might of been OGV lol
Posted by: UMike | October 11, 2013 at 04:10 PM
CR..I thought the comment had to do with Fox saying he had no weakness or something like that..
Posted by: UMike | October 11, 2013 at 04:10 PM
UMike, YEEEEAH!, that's EXACTLY! what it was LMAO! Can't remember which one, but I think it was either Calvin, or Cav that called em' out. MAN!, those were the days LMAO!
Posted by: CaneRock | October 11, 2013 at 04:13 PM
I think there was a comment on Berrios announcing.
There's another guy on a different site that's really on top of the recruiting with the inside info. His name is bg1906 and he's got Berrios picking the canes, so that's great news.
Posted by: AtlCane | October 11, 2013 at 04:29 PM
Most people have Berrios picking Canes, but USCe has really become a player for whatever reason.
He's one of those recruits where I'd really be shocked if he didn't pick UM.
Early enrollee too, so he'd be here in January.
Posted by: Ohio_Cane | October 11, 2013 at 04:32 PM
Atl..bg1906 used to blog here and we know him well. He is a good dude and always had great info with recruiting. Glad to head he has Berrios coming to Miami.
Posted by: UMike | October 11, 2013 at 04:33 PM
Ohio, I think I saw on Twitter that the reason some people have him picking South Carolina is because he visited there 4 times..IDK if that is true.
Posted by: UMike | October 11, 2013 at 04:34 PM
Yes Umike I was glad to see that. He will be like the college version of Wes Welker. I hope so anyway.
Posted by: AtlCane | October 11, 2013 at 04:41 PM
Berrios talk on ESPN - http://espn.go.com/video/clip?id=9806725&categoryid=8536673
Posted by: Ohio_Cane | October 11, 2013 at 04:58 PM