In Greater Miami & Miami Beach, it’s all about the U, at least if you’re a Miami Hurricanes fan. School spirit soars high on the 239-acre main campus of the University of Miami, a private research university in Coral Gables where more than 19,000 students pursue their academic dreams.

Sports At The University of Miami

The University of Miami’s athletic department dates back to 1926, when the Hurricanes’ freshman football team played its first game in Coral Gables. While the Hurricanes are best known for their football and baseball prowess, the school fields 16 varsity athletic teams.

The Miami Hurricanes — Catch the action and school spirit at a University of Miami football game

UM’s Football Fantasies

It’s not uncommon to see a sea of green, orange and white – the school’s colors – when the University of Miami football team plays its home games at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens. The school’s mascot, Sebastian the Ibis, works hard to keep fans on their feet, cheering and forming the “U” sign with their hands.

The Hurricanes first gained national attention in the 1980s, when they won four national titles between 1983 and 1991. The team continued its success in 2001, when it snagged its fifth national title at the BCS National Championship game, beating Nebraska in the Rose Bowl.

The numbers say it all: The Hurricanes have produced two Heisman Trophy winners, 74 All-Americans, 13 College Football Hall of Famers, nine Pro Football Hall of Famers and 62 first-round NFL draft picks. The Hurricanes have produced exceptional NFL players throughout the years, including Ray Lewis, Michael Irvin, Warren Sapp, Sean Taylor and Ed Reed. Vinny Testaverde (1986) and Gino Torretta (1992) won the Heisman trophy.

There are two popular documentaries about the UM football program. “The U” takes a look at the rise of the team in the 1980s, and the sequel – “The U Part 2” – picks up where the original film left off. Both documentaries were part of ESPN's “30 for 30” film series.

Batter Up With Baseball Greats

While UM’s football team garners much of the sports attention, the baseball team has also made a notable mark. The team has won four national championships since 1982 and has advanced to the NCAA tournament 46 times, including a record 44 consecutive years in an NCAA Regional.

Similar to the football team, the Canes have turned out many pro players, including Gaby Sánchez, Pat Burrell, Cesar Carrillo and Ryan Braun.

The team plays its home games at the on-campus Alex Rodriguez Park at Mark Light Field. While famed pro baseball player “A-Rod” never played at UM, the park was named after him when the Miami native contributed $3.9 million toward the stadium's renovation from 2007-2009.

Slam Dunks With The University of Miami Basketball Teams

The University of Miami men’s basketball team is also garnering attention. The Hurricanes have made six NCAA Tournament appearances, won an ACC Tournament title in 2013 and won ACC regular-season titles in 2013 and 2023. In 2023, the team also celebrated its first Final Four appearance.

The women’s basketball team achieved historic success in 2023, reaching the Elite Eight for the first time in program history. The team is poised to continue its success. Both the men’s and women’s teams play on campus at the 8,000-seat Watsco Center.

University of Miami’s Winning Titles and Faces

The University of Miami’s athletic teams have much to boast about, with 21 national championships and 85 individual national titles. The most recent championships were in football and baseball, but over the last decade, individuals have excelled in men’s and women’s swimming and diving, track and field, and tennis.

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