MIAMI — Excitement surrounding the Miami Hurricanes is translating into booming business at the team’s official store, where fans are rushing to buy anything featuring the iconic “U” as the program’s postseason run continues.
“The customers have been going crazy. Online sales are crazy,” said Harry Rothwell, the store manager. “Everyone’s fired up. The city is fired up for the Miami Hurricanes.”
Shoppers crowded the Miami Hurricanes Team Store this week looking for matchup-specific gear and College Football Playoff merchandise.
According to the store, items featuring the CFP logo have been especially popular, with more inventory on the way.
“Anything with the CFP on it has gone well,” Rothwell said. “We expect new stuff starting tomorrow ( Saturday ) — championship stuff and Fiesta Bowl stuff — and then more early next week."
Fans say they are eager to add to their collections as Miami prepares to face Ole Miss in the Fiesta Bowl in Arizona.
“I tried to get the authentic jersey and hats just to add to the collection,” said Damon, a Hurricanes fan.
For some families, the game carries extra meaning.
Leigh Cooper said she was shopping for her son, whose sixth birthday falls on the day of the championship game.
“We’re super excited, and we’d like to get him some merch because the championship is on his sixth birthday,” she said. “It would be so great for him to see them win it all.”
Others are preparing to travel. Noel Cooperstein recently returned from Dallas after attending the Cotton Bowl and has already booked another trip to Arizona.
“We booked our flight the day of the game in Dallas, so it was cheap,” Cooperstein said. “That’s it — we’re off.”
Not all fans will be making the trip, though. Some said flights to Phoenix are limited and expensive, with few direct options remaining.
Despite travel challenges, fans and store employees alike say enthusiasm around the Hurricanes has reached a level not seen in years.
“Our goal is to have new merch every time we win a game,” Rothwell said. “To get to the national championship, win it, and have merch for everyone for the next six months.”
“They’re bringing back enthusiasm to the city that we need,” Damon said.
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