School Spirit Soars at Pitbull Stadium – Homecoming Game 2024

Emilie Gonzalez | Contributing Writer

Do you remember this 21st night of September?

Students, faculty, and alumni were able to cheer on their very own Panther football team on Saturday, Sept. 21. 

The FIU Panthers faced off against the Monmouth Hawks this Homecoming Game and brought an end to the action packed Homecoming Week. 

Members of the Panther community were celebrating as early as 12 p.m. for the 6 p.m. kickoff.

Students and alumni could be found tailgating in front of and inside the stadium. The student tailgate area was in Tamiami Promenade and the alumni tailgate was inside the ROAR Lounge. 

Hosting tailgates is how members of Greek Life on campus show their school spirit and support at the Homecoming Game.  

“One of our sororities values is college loyalty, and so it’s important for all of us to show out in support of FIU. Having a supportive group of girls to attend these games with has been so memorable and an experience I’ll cherish forever,” said Mia Puente, a proud member of Alpha Omicron Pi.

Students tailgating before the game | Emilie Gonzalez, PantherNow

The game was also an opportunity for students to meet new people and celebrate their staff. Homecoming Court and FIU Athletics were key to the success of the event. 

“It has been a great experience being able to help guests with their questions and guide them to the correct areas. It feels very fulfilling when I get to help people and see them have a great Homecoming Game experience,” said Catalina Astaiza, guest experience staff for the athletics department. 

Carlos Faure, a fourth year communications student and student assistant for media technology services, finds the game to be a time for all those affiliated with FIU to come together.

“After a long week of school and work, I find the game to be a very relaxing time to meet up with friends and cheer on our team. I have been coming to the games for the past couple of years and think it is great to be able to do something that I love like watch football and be able to support my school and job.”

FIU students showing their panther pride | Emilie Gonzalez, PantherNow

The Homecoming Game is a long standing tradition where not only a football game takes place, but the Passing of the Torch ceremony and Homecoming King and Queen are crowned. This anticipated event took place during halftime. 

Our very own Homecoming King, Shreemuth Pericherla, gave PantherNow a look into his Homecoming experience. 

“I want to thank everybody for supporting me and putting their all into these events. You guys were all worth it and this was such an amazing opportunity getting to work with everyone. I love Homecoming Court and I am really glad I got to experience all of this with them. It was great to see everyone out here at the game celebrating panther pride. I am so glad to represent this vibrant and diverse community,” Pericherla said.

Crowned Homecoming King and Queen, Shreemuth Pericherla and Valerie Castaneda | Emilie Gonzalez, PantherNow

This wraps up this year’s Homecoming Week events, but there will be many more FIU football games, events, and information to come from our 2024 Homecoming King and Queen, Shreemuth Pericherla and Valerie Castaneda.