Sports

Despite Desperate Ticket Promo, Miami’s Stadium Was Empty For Senior Day Game Against Top 10 Foe

#University of Miami
by
Miami cheerleaders lead the team onto the field.

Getty Image


The attendance at Hard Rock Stadium for Miami’s final home game was disappointing. It’s a theme that’s followed the program around for some time.

The Hurricanes play their games away from campus, and with the plethora of other entertainment options the city offers on Saturdays, it’s often difficult to attract college football fans.

For that reason, the university has unveiled a variety of ticket promotions this season. There was a buy-one-get-one option for the Texas A&M game, which also gave attendees entry to the Georgia Tech matchup later in the year.

Another special was run for the Hurricanes’ final home game.

A buy-one-get-two tickets free promo was offered for the contest against Louisville, but it still wasn’t enough. Nor was the fact that it was a Senior Day game against a Top 10 opponent.

“Truly don’t understand why high school recruits would want to come play in this empty stadium.”

“This is just sad.”

“Can’t wait to hear what Miami reports as their attendance number today…”

The official attendance number was just under 45,000, about 69% of the Hard Rock Stadium capacity. Many said that total seemed inflated.

Those that were on hand got to witness a fantastic game, though the home team fell 38-31. The matchup was both high scoring and highly competitive with the squads going blow for blow up until the final whistle.

The Cardinals trailed 28-23 entering the fourth quarter but landed a pair of touchdowns in the final 15 minutes to regain the lead. Miami had its chances to tie but turned the ball over on downs at the Louisville three-yard line with 1:30 to go.

The Hurricanes would get the ball back, giving one last Hail Mary attempt. While the pass was completed, wide receiver Xavier Restrepo was unable to get across the goal line for the tying score.