Introduction to College Football Watch Parties
College football is back this weekend in South Florida, home to a volatile concentration of alumni and fans of the three most decorated programs in this football-dominating state. Things could get spicy at the water cooler. If you’re new to the area and looking for a Florida college team to adopt, consider giving each fan base a test drive at a watch party.
Understanding the Rivalries
Followers of the Florida Gators have nothing good to say about fans of the Florida State Seminoles and the Miami Hurricanes. Noles and Canes fans tolerate each other, but both hate the Gators. It’s just how it is. Honestly, all of this good-natured divisiveness (yes, it’s possible) is mostly performative fun, tradition, part of the culture.
The Entertainment Value of FAU
But if you are looking for pure entertainment, the Florida Atlantic University Owls may be your team. Their new coach, Zach Kittley, is the youngest head coach in Division 1 football and an aggressive offensive innovator. During his college career, Kittley has coached three-time Super Bowl champion Patrick Mahomes, had future-NFL quarterback Bailey Zappe throw for 500 yards in one game and seven touchdowns in another. FAU Owls football will be anything but boring this season, beginning with their first game of the season against the Big Ten’s University of Maryland at noon Saturday.
FAU Watch Party
You can watch with a group when Florida Atlantic Alumni host a party at The Standard Cuisine & Cocktails in Boca Raton (187 SE Mizner Blvd.; StandardFlorida.com) from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Those 21 and older in FAU gear will receive a free drink, and there will be 50% off wings while they last. Response to the party has been “very strong,” says Wells Dusenbury, assistant director of FAU Alumni Communications.
Watch Parties for FSU, UF, and UM
Here are some of the watch-party options for Florida State University and the University of Florida on Saturday, and for the University of Miami on Sunday.
FSU vs. Alabama
The Seminoles open the season at Doak Campbell Stadium in Tallahassee against perennial superpower Alabama, a game that was scheduled back when FSU was good. It could be a quiet night on Tennessee Street.
Palm Beach County:
The Palm Beach County Seminole Club will gather in familiar surroundings at Grease Burger Bar in West Palm Beach (213 Clematis St.; GreaseWPB.com), as well as Jumby Bay Island Grill in Jupiter (1203 Town Center Drive, Suite 101; JumbyBayIslandGrill.com). Noles who register for a wristband will have access to discounts on food and drink. Visit PBNoles.com.
Broward County:
The officially sanctioned watch party with the Seminole Club of Broward County will be at FSU’s longtime home at Slackers Bar & Grill in Fort Lauderdale (995 Marina Mile Blvd.; SlackersBarAndGrill.com). Visit Facebook.com/BrowardNoles.
Florida Gators vs. Long Island University
UF fans arriving on Clematis Street on Saturday night can’t get too fired up if Noles fans are licking their wounds up the street after a loss to Alabama. The Gators open their season with a home game against a school that may or may not have a football team — we’ll have to see when they get off the bus.
Palm Beach County:
There will be four official Palm Beach County Gator Club events conveniently distributed across the county: Stormhouse Brewing in North Palm Beach (1201 US Highway 1, No. 15; Facebook.com/StormhouseBrewing), Roxy’s Pub in downtown West Palm Beach (309 Clematis St.; RoxysPub.com), Old Key Lime House in Lantana (300 E. Ocean Ave.; OldKeyLimeHouse1.com) and Bounce Delray Beach (33 SE Third Ave.; BounceSportingClub.com/delray). Visit Instagram.com/pbcgatorclub.
Broward County:
You’ll find the Broward County Gator Club hosting its events at the Carolina Ale House in Weston (2618 Weston Road; CarolinaAleHouse.com) all season. Visit BrowardGators.com.
Miami Hurricanes vs. Notre Dame
Are the Canes guaranteed victory over the Fighting Irish? Notre Dame’s leprechaun mascot, according to legend, finds its reward at the end of a rainbow. Luckily, the state ban on rainbows in Florida ensures the Irish will leave Hard Rock Stadium empty-handed.
Palm Beach County:
Palm Beach County Canes will host two official watch parties at Duffy’s Sports Grill locations in Boynton Beach (6545 Boynton Beach Blvd.) and North Palm Beach (11588 US Highway 1); Duffysmvp.com. Visit Facebook.com/pbccanes.
Broward County:
Because it’s a home game at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens, Broward Canes do not have an official watch party scheduled. But there are plenty of Canes-friendly spots to watch the game in an orange-and-green crowd, among them Shenanigans Sports Pub in Dania Beach (1300 S. Federal Highway; ShenanigansSportsPub.com), Bokamper’s on the Intracoastal in Fort Lauderdale (3115 NE 32nd Ave.; Bokampers.com) and Carolina Ale House in Weston (2618 Weston Road; CarolinaAleHouse.com).
Conclusion
College football watch parties are a great way to experience the excitement of the game with fellow fans. Whether you’re a fan of FSU, UF, UM, or FAU, there are plenty of watch parties to choose from in South Florida. So grab your gear and get ready to cheer on your team with other fans.
FAQs
Q: What is the best way to find a watch party for my favorite team?
A: Check the team’s website or social media pages for a list of official watch parties in your area.
Q: Can I attend a watch party if I’m not a fan of the team?
A: Yes, most watch parties are open to anyone who wants to attend. However, be respectful of the team’s fans and their traditions.
Q: What should I wear to a watch party?
A: Wear your team’s gear to show your spirit and fit in with the crowd.
Q: Can I bring my kids to a watch party?
A: It depends on the venue and the team’s policies. Some watch parties may be family-friendly, while others may be geared towards adults only. Check with the venue or team before bringing your kids.
Q: How can I stay up-to-date on the latest watch party information?
A: Follow your team’s social media pages or website for the latest information on watch parties and other events.
