Alumni Association Gearing Up for
Golden Panther Football in 2004

Contests against three I-A opponents and four I-AA programs that finished among the top 25 in the nation last year highlight the 2004 FIU football schedule.

The Golden Panthers will play six of their 11 games at home, starting with the season opener on Thurs., Sept. 2, against Jacksonville in a matchup that will be broadcast live around the state of Florida and across the nation via satellite by Sunshine Network.

“We’re playing a bunch of I-AA opponents good enough to be competing in I-A if they wanted to, along with three teams from the Sun Belt Conference,” said head coach Don Strock. “But we think it’s time to take the next step in the degree of difficulty as we transition ourselves toward I-A.

“We’ll be playing full-fledged I-A football by 2006 and felt it’s important to build our schedule toward that. What we’re playing for now is to build a program, build some pride in the players and try to get back on the winning track,” he continued.

Of course, the Panther Pit is the coolest place to be on game day, with fun activities for all ages. The air-conditioned alumni tent is home to the Golden Panther DJ, karaoke, dancing, games and giveaways, plus visits from La Banda Del Sol, the cheerleaders and the FIU mascot, Roary. Other activities, such as a touchdown bungee, a velcro wall and a bull ride, vary at each tailgate party.

Panther Pit tailgate parties begin two hours prior to kick-off at the following home games: