MIAMI BEACH, FLA. (WSVN) – With preparations for the big game in full swing, fans have a wide variety of exciting events to show their team pride in the days leading up to the national championship matchup between the Miami Hurricanes and Indiana Hoosiers.
As everyone in South Florida counts down the days until the College Football Playoff national title game kicks off, crews have been hard at work to turn the entire city into a college football hub.
“Let’s go! Let’s go win this,” said a Canes fan.
Eagle-eyed fans spotted banners placed throughout Miami promoting the game, with most featuring the Canes logo and just one featuring the Hoosiers logo.
“Walking around, you got the 2026 national championship banner on every flag, then you got Indiana’s banner; they just got one. They just got one,” said Canes fan Canyan Linderman.
While fans wait for both teams to take to the gridiron, crews are putting together a Canes-filled Playoff Fan Central at the Miami Beach Convention Center.
When it opens on Friday, 300,000 square feet will be transformed into the perfect fan experience to build the playoff hype.
The free, three-day interactive experience will offer family-friendly activities, including games, pep rallies, autograph signings and more.
The excitement doesn’t end there. Just a mile away from Playoff Fan Central, crews are constructing a stage on the sands near Lummus Park, where singer Calvin Harris is scheduled to perform in a free concert on Saturday.
“Just to be able to be in your backyard and potentially accomplish some things, it makes it all the more sweeter,” said Canes fan Thomas Kay.
“Miami needed this. Like, it’s been a long time since Miami sports have this kind of vibe,” said Linderman.
The electric vibes continue a few miles north at the Fontainebleau Hotel, where the Canes will be staying as they prepare to keep the trophy in South Florida.
The opposing Hoosiers are expected to touch down in the Magic City, Friday night. Players and coaches for Indiana will be staying at the InterContinental Hotel in downtown Miami.
The fanfare will also be happening at the Seafair Mega Yacht just next door. The luxury yacht is set to host a watch party for the game on the waters of Biscayne Bay.
Not to be outdone in building hype for the game, a group of students at Florida Memorial University have spent countless hours practicing for their big moment when they take the field to perform “America the Beautiful” before the national anthem and kickoff, Monday night.
Playoff Fan Central will be free for all fans and will run from Friday through Sunday.
Fans who haven’t bought tickets will be allowed to tailgate prior to the start of Monday’s game. However, organizers said, local law enforcement officers will ask those without game tickets who remain in the parking lots to leave after kickoff.
All stadium parking, including at the HRS Express lots, is now sold out.
However, ticketholders are encouraged to be dropped off or take rideshare to either of the following HRS Express locations and ride the shuttle to the stadium free of charge.
Lot 70 (North): Across the street from Seminole Hard Rock Hotel, 5700 S. State Road 7, Fort Lauderdale, 33314
Lot 95 (South): Golden Glades Parking Garage, 16000 NW 7th Ave, Miami, 33169
Fans will be required to scan their game ticket before boarding any HRS Express buses.
For ticketholders who choose to use rideshare services, organizers strongly recommend to leave the stadium via the HRS Express shuttles and then have their rideshare get them to their final destination from those lots.
It is also recommended to arrive early to allow time for security screening.
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