What Happened to the Cat at the Miami Game? Football Fans Saved a Stray That Fell From Upper Deck
Fans headed out to a football game expect to see some exciting plays and bone-crushing hits. But those attending the University of Miami’s matchup against Appalachian State on Sept. 11, 2021, got more than they bargained for when a stray cat decided to test out his nine lives. After the harrowing escapade, many are wondering what happened to the feline and if it made it out alive.
There was a near cat-tastrophe at a University of Miami football game
While the Hurricanes and Mountaineers played furiously on the field at Hard Rock Stadium, not too many eyes were on the game. With the first quarter ticking away, fans noticed a black and white cat perilously dangling from the upper deck of the stadium. The cat was certainly poised to fall below and sustain major injuries, even death.
Spectators throughout that portion of the stadium were on pins and needles, figuring out ways to help. Many recorded the incident and posted it to their social media accounts, making it go viral. Luckily, a group of quick-thinking fans came up with a spur-of-the-moment idea to help the feline out.
What happened to the cat at the Miami game?
As the cat fought to keep from falling, onlookers gasped but two fans below quickly jumped to action. During each game, season ticket holders Craig and Kimberly Cromer hang an American flag on the railing in front of them. As they watched the cat dangle, holding tight with both paws, then one, the Cromers grabbed their flag and made a makeshift net to help break its fall.
Craig told the Miami Herald that “it seemed like it took forever.” After a few minutes, the cat lost his grip and plunged to the lower deck. The flag helped break its fall and allowed students in the section nearby to grab it and lift it up to show fans it was alive. As for Cromer, he referred to his heroic action with humor. “This is my first catch.”
After the incident, many wondered what happened to the cat. The Hard Rock Stadium took to Twitter to confirm that the cat did indeed survive the fall. “We are happy that due to the heads up nature of fans in sections 107, 110 & 208 the cat landed safely after a harrowing fall. We wish the cat the best in his remaining eight lives.” They went on to encourage everyone to donate to the Humane Society of Miami.
As for the cat, his whereabouts after the fall was unknown. The feline reportedly scratched the student that held it up and then ran away.
There have other animal interruptions through the years
While a cat hanging from the rafters is certainly newsworthy, it isn’t the only time an animal has stolen the show at a sporting event. In 2020, a grey cat got loose at a Dodgers-Rockies game in Denver. The feline prowled around the field and hissed at players trying to help it.
Cats aren’t the only animal nuisance though. Back in 2009, a bat made its way into the arena where the San Antonio Spurs were facing off against the Sacramento Kings. The bat flew around the players until Manu Ginobili swatted at the creature and caught it. What’s even spookier is that the loose bat attack happened on Halloween night.
Back in 2014, a black dog wanted to join in on the action during a soccer match against two Argentinian clubs. The confused dog ran out onto the field and eventually halted play. One of the players on the pitch tried to comfort the frightened dog by giving him a nice belly rub. Another picked him up and took him over to the sidelines for safekeeping. The dog didn’t help either side — the match eventually ended in a 1-1 draw.
