While I am a traditionalist when it comes to sport...

...the idea of bikini-clad U of M coeds frolicking in a Jacuzzi during each boring 'Canes blowout loss has a certain appeal.

The Miami Hurricane: The Beach gets a makeover

The University of Miami has always trailed its Atlantic Coast Conference counterparts in home attendance. Now the school is doing something about it.

The student section at the BankUnited Center, often called "The Beach," is getting a makeover befitting of its name. A Jacuzzi, a bed of sand and a lifeguard tower will welcome students back to the BUC this season."

Anyone can go print out and give out foam fingers," said Max Lorber, marketing coordinator for UM athletics. "We're trying to step it up."

The move comes as the athletic department is seeking to increase attendance all around the arena. There will be no ticket price increases, and some prices will actually decrease.

"The intention of our season ticket pricing is to allow even more fans to be exposed to ACC basketball," UM Athletic Director Paul Dee was quoted as saying on http://www.hurricanesports.com/.
"The ACC offers the best of college basketball and our goal is to enhance awareness of the men's basketball program and introduce our product to more people."

Wait a minute...what about the chicks' team?

The home basketball schedule opens up on Nov. 9, when the women play Florida Atlantic at noon, and the men play Florida Southern at 7:30 p.m.

Whew!