See which celebs showed up at Hard Rock to watch the ‘natty’
While you were watching the national championship game Monday night from the warmth of your home, or a rowdy sports bar, others paid a hefty price to be at Hard Rock Stadium.
A few VIPs were among those 67,000-plus people who attended the thrilling matchup between the University of Miami Hurricanes and the Indiana University Hoosiers.
Entering the Miami Gardens stadium together were local rap stars Fat Joe, who co-hosted an after-party at E11EVEN later, and DJ Khaled, who was seen before the game throwing a football around (he actually has a decent arm!).
The “All I Do is Win” hitmaker, decked out in green and orange, told Local 10 reporter Will Manso he fully expected a Canes victory.
“You’re gonna witness greatness at its finest,” said Khaled, adding his signature phrase. “We da best! The U!”
Showing up for the other side were “Shark Tank” panelist Mark Cuban, one of UI’s most famous alumni. While the former Dallas Mavericks owner didn’t go all out and wear a jersey, he was seen rocking a red Indiana T-shirt.
Also rooting for the opponents on the IU sidelines was Lil Uzi Vert, who happens to be Hoosiers QB Fernando Mendoza’s favorite rapper.
Before helping get his team to the natty game, the Columbus High alum extended an invite to the “Money Longer” singer, telling him over social media that if they advanced, he’d find him a ticket “some way, some how.”
Other notables in the mix: Pitbull, who presided over tailgate duties on a stage set up for fans outside Hard Rock. Dressed in all black, he belted out some of greatest hits like “Fireball,” “International Love” and “Hotel Room Service.”
On his InstaStories, the diehard Canes fan wrote how proud he was to be a part of Monday night’s action. Mr. Worldwide also recalled how back in 1987 he witnessed Coach Jimmy Johnson and Hall of Famer Michael Irvin (who was also in attendance, cheering on the guys) lead the “underdogs” to victory vs. the University of Oklahoma Sooners. Pit told his followers that he watched the big game — played at the Orange Bowl back then — on a black and white TV set at home.
“To be able to be that little kid from Little Havana and to be opening this historical game ... it means everything to me,” said the text over screen. “305 we coming hard! I feel good. Daleee!”
Alas, the final score was 27-21 Indiana. So close.
This story was originally published January 20, 2026 at 12:01 PM.
