So you couldn’t score a wildly expensive ticket to Monday’s College Football Playoff National Championship game between the Miami Hurricanes and Indiana Hoosiers.
Well, you’re not alone, and so what? There are still plenty of ways to cheer on the home team, which last won a national title in 2002, at official CFP events and watch parties popping up at bars, clubs and restaurants throughout South Florida.
While you may not be at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens, a watch party has its benefits — large-screen TVs and food and drink specials without the logistical headaches of capacity-crowd traffic and parking issues.
So grab your orange-and-green gear and surround yourself with fellow fans who are ready to celebrate every touchdown by flashing “The U” hand sign.
Here’s a sampling of watch parties and other things to see and do as Hurricanes fever takes over South Florida this weekend. Event details may be subject to change; confirm before attending.
PALM BEACH COUNTY
The Palm Beach County ‘Canes watch parties take place at 7:30 p.m. Monday at three Duffy’s Sports Grill locations. Visit Facebook.com/pbccanes.
- 11588 U.S. Highway 1, North Palm Beach
- 6545 Boynton Beach Blvd., Boynton Beach
- 225 Clematis St., West Palm Beach
Biergarten Boca Raton, 309 Via De Palmas, No. 90, is bringing in Tarpon River Brewing & The Tank Brewing Co. for its Monday watch party. A Happy Hour will take place from 4 to 7 p.m. before kickoff. Get free green-tea shots when Miami scores a touchdown. Visit Facebook.com/biergartenboca.
THRōW Social Delray Beach, 29 SE Second Ave., is offering fans the chance to watch the game on a 22-foot TV wall with sound. The event starts at 7 p.m. Monday; free entry. Visit eventbrite.com.
BROWARD COUNTY
The Broward County ‘Canes Community is planning watch parties starting at 7:30 p.m. Monday at two locations:
- Carolina Ale House, 2618 Weston Road, Weston
- Dave & Buster’s, 3000 Oakwood Blvd., Hollywood
Proceeds (15% at Carolina Ale House and 20% at Dave & Buster’s) benefit the Broward County ‘Canes scholarship fund. Visit events.miami.edu.
DAER, the nightclub/dayclub at the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel, 1 Seminole Way, in Hollywood, boasts what it calls “the biggest LED screen in South Florida.” This party, which kicks off at noon Monday, include game-time bites and drink discounts. Tickets are $12.17 for women and $36.51 for men. Visit hardrocknightlife.com.
Before Game Day, DAER Dayclub will host A Welcome to Miami pre-party at noon Sunday, featuring former NFL players Damon Watts, Adewale Ogunleye and Damian Gregory, DJ Genesis and TV anchor Jawan Strader. Tickets are $36.51. Visit hardrocknightlife.com.
CanesWear, 2655 S. University Drive, Davie, will host a National Championship Game Celebration from 6 to 8 p.m. Friday, with the Frost Band of the Hour, DJ Kwick, food samples and trivia. Free. Visit Facebook.com/caneswearpage.
Bokamper’s Sports Bar & Grill, 3115 NE 32nd Ave., Fort Lauderdale, starts the party at 7:30 p.m. Monday with big screens and wall-to-wall game coverage. Visit Facebook.com/bokampersfortlauderdale.
Lucky Lou’s Raw Bar, 123 NE 20th Ave., Deerfield Beach, has created the Cat 5 Canes Shot ($6) in honor of the game, which you can watch on 19 TV screens starting at 7:30 p.m. Monday. Visit luckylousrawbar.com.
Watch the game indoors and outdoors at Galuppi’s, 1103 N. Federal Highway, Pompano Beach. Admission is free, with seating available on a first-come, first-served basis. RSVP at galuppis.com/ncaa for a free shot upon arrival.
MIAMI-DADE COUNTY
Playoff Fan Central, a family friendly interactive experience, includes games, clinics, pep rallies, guest appearances, autograph signings and exhibits celebrating college football and its history, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Friday through Sunday at the Miami Beach Convention Center, 1901 Convention Center Drive. Free admission. Visit collegefootballplayoff.com.
AT&T Playoff Playlist Live!, a traveling music festival, takes over Lummus Park, 1130 Ocean Drive, Miami Beach, starting at 6 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. Performers include Calvin Harris, John Summit, Xandra, Peso Pluma, Latin Mafia and Alvaro Diaz. Free admission. Visit collegefootballplayoff.com.
The National Championship Viewing Party and Official After Party at E11EVEN, 29 NE 11th St., Miami, starts at 6 p.m. Monday and continues until 10 a.m. Tuesday. The game will be shown on a 30-foot screen and televisions throughout the club. Visit 11miami.com.
Hurricanes fans take note: Batch Gastropub: Miami, 30 SW 12th St., will be hosting the official Indiana University alumni watch party starting at 5 p.m. Monday. “Miami fans and friends — we hope you’ll forgive us and understand that this Indiana boy needs to support his alma mater,” owner Kevin Danilo wrote on the restaurant’s Facebook page. “All are welcome to join in the fun at our events — it’s a welcoming crew — and know that if there was any team we were rooting for besides us, it was #UMNation! Let’s rumble and may the best team win!” Visit Facebook.com/batchmiami.
MULTIPLE COUNTIES
Flanigan’s Seafood Bar & Grill is flying the hurricane warning flags and selling “305 Flan Fan” UM-themed T-shirts to celebrate the national title game. Watch parties start at 7:30 p.m. Monday. Visit Facebook.com/flanigansfl.
At select Benihana restaurants, get a free appetizer (with the purchase of a full-priced entree) when you dine in wearing Hurricanes merchandise, through Monday. South Florida locations include Boca Raton, Coral Springs, Fort Lauderdale, Miramar, Miami Beach and Coral Gables. Visit Facebook.com/benihana.