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College Football Is So Many Things, Including FIU's 'Vice Night' at Pitbull Stadium
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- College Football Is So Many Things, Including FIU's 'Vice Night' at Pitbull Stadium
MIAMI — The Florida International Panthers have found their tradition.
"Vice Night" is a nod to the popular 1980s television hit "Miami Vice," starring Don Johnson and Philip Michael Thomas as vice detectives who investigated the underbelly of the South Florida crime world. The show was known for trendy music, flashy colors, expensive cars and famous guest stars.
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Leave it to FIU to reprise a classic. The Panthers played host to their third annual "Vice Night" on Tuesday. Although they lost 45-26 to Conference USA rival Kennesaw State, they showcased their program on national television in a circle-the-calendar game in front of an announced crowd of 12,133.
FIU fans enjoy the revelry at "Vice Night" during the Panthers' game against the Kennesaw State Owls in Pitbull Stadium on Oct. 21, 2025.FIU athletics photo
Purists be warned. This is a new flavor of college football.
"Vice Night" is held on a Tuesday in order to fetch a national television audience, this year on ESPN2. FIU's "ViceU" uniforms are black, with neon teal and magenta numbers and trim. The venue is named for musician Pitbull, who bought the stadium naming rights and serves as the presenting sponsor for "Vice Night." (Alas, Mr. Worldwide is currently on tour in Australia and wasn't able to attend. Instead, 2025 Latin Grammy nominee Lenny Tavárez accepted a game ball in his place.) Rapper Young Thug also made an appearance and was spotlighted on the video board. He did not, however, take part in the Pitbull race or the Vice pie-eating challenge.
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"The uniforms were great. I thought the atmosphere was awesome," said former Missouri star and longtime NFL quarterback Chase Daniel , who provided color commentary for the ESPN2 broadcast. "I like the Lamborghini on the field. You know, FIU wears a different uniform every week. I think that's pretty cool. But yeah, Pitbull Stadium, right? Too bad Pitbull is in Australia."
FIU Panthers wide receiver Maguire Anderson dives for a pass against the Kennesaw State Owls on Oct. 21, 2025.FIU athletics photo
FIU is still a relatively young university and football program. The school was founded in 1972, and it debuted its football team in 2002 as a Division I-AA member. The Panthers moved up to Division I-A, now known as the Football Bowl Subdivision, in 2004. Their coaches have included former Miami Dolphins quarterback Don Strock, current University of Miami coach Mario Cristobal and former NFL head coach Butch Davis. They've been to five postseason bowl games in school history, winning two.
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This is the third year FIU has held "Vice Night." Unfortunately, the Panthers have yet to win one.
"Great atmosphere … everybody had the 'Vice' colors on," said FIU coach Willie Simmons. "You try to create the atmosphere. So I tip my hat to Scott [Carr], our AD, for having a vision and bringing some excitement here in different uniforms and all the things that we're able to do to sell our program and push our brand on national television."
"Vice Night" might not carry the same gravitas as a White Out at Penn State. But that's OK. These Panthers have created a niche for themselves in the wild, wacky world of college football.
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This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Oct 22, 2025, where it first appeared in the College Football section. Add Athlon Sports as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
