Filed under: college football, miami, sports, top-feature
Orange Bowl 2011: Virginia Tech vs. Stanford
While some people can’t imagine the holiday season without the cold weather, snow on the ground and holiday parties; others can’t imagine it without a full line-up of watching their favorite college football teams. From the Rose Bowl to the Sugar Bowl, sports fans await the announcement on who will participate in this year’s challenge — and it is a perfect time for a road trip.
Since the 1930′s in South Florida, the focus has been on the Orange Bowl. Taking place on January 3, 2011, the Orange Bowl will bring together two fierce competitors — Tyrod Taylor and Virginia Tech will take on quarterback Andrew Luck and Stanford. Kick-off will take place at 8 pm at Sun Life Stadium.
Tyrod Taylor of Virginia Tech
TICKETS
The key to enjoying any sporting event, is scoring yourself some tickets and right now, tickets are widely available to this year’s Orange Bowl.
- The most obvious place to get tickets would be to go right through Ticketmaster. As of 12/11/10, tickets on this site start at $95 and go up for there.
- If you’re looking for a better deal (or you waited too long), there are hundreds of tickets available on craigslist at all price levels, and ticket resellers like Stubhub, Ticket Broker and Front Row Tickets are all trying to win your business.
- If you’re a student or alumnus of Virginia Tech or Stanford, you can try obtaining tickets through the university or alumni association.
While you are buying your tickets, be sure to buy your parking pass as well. It will cost you $20 in advance or $30 on the day of the event.
GETTING THERE
Once you have secured your tickets, it’s time to plan your trip. The game will take place at Sun Life Stadium located at 2269 Dan Marino Boulevard in Miami Gardens (map), conveniently located between Fort Lauderdale (map) and Miami (map). When you are booking your flight, you can fly into Fort Lauderdale International Airport (FLL) or Miami International Airport (MIA). The game will be closer to Fort Lauderdale, but the pre-game festivities will take place on Miami Beach (map).
As far as getting to the actual game, driving is your best option. There is a large parking lot and the stadium is easily accessible from both I-95 and the turnpike.
Andrew Luck of Stanford
TAILGATING
Plan to be at the game early in the day to provide plenty of time for tailgating — one of the most essential parts of the game. Parking Lots 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 8 (RV), 9, 10, and 13 open at 11 am; all remaining parking gates open at 2 pm.
If you decide to tailgate, there are a few rules you need to abide by. These include:
- Only occupy one parking space
- No home speakers
- No kegs
- BBQ grills are allowed, but no open flames
- No alcohol can be brought into or out of the stadium
PRE-GAME ACTIVITIES
While the actual football game is a huge part of the festivities, there is much more involved – including a total transformation of Ocean Drive into Orange Drive and a countdown in Fort Lauderdale on December 31, 2010.
Orange Drive
Ocean Drive will be officially transformed into Orange Drive in the days leading up to the Orange Bowl (Dec. 31 – Jan. 2), and for an exciting New Year’s Eve celebration. Ocean Drive will be closed down (between 6th and 9th Street) to vehicle traffic, and it will be one big party featuring a Noon Year’s Eve Kid’s Countdown; Jam on the Sand New Year’s Eve party hosted by DJ Irie with live music by Natasha Bedingfield, Leona Lewis and others; a Latin Festival hosted by DJ Nino; a Gridiron Bash Pep Rally; and more exciting fan activities. Tickets are available for individual events, and range from $12-$350. (more info)
City of Fort Lauderdale, Downtown Countdown
Celebrate New Year’s Eve with a 12-hour street festival in downtown Fort Lauderdale. From 3 pm on New Year’s Eve until 3 am on New Year’s Day, between SW 2nd Street and SW 5th Avenue, Fort Lauderdale will be the ultimate Broward County destination for counting down to the 2011 New Year. There will be family activities, two entertainment stages and a lighted ball drop at midnight. (more info)
Orange Bowl Game Day Fan Zone
Before the big game, head out to the Bud Light Orange Bowl Game Day Fan Zone. Gates open at 11:30 am and get ready for a day packed full of entertainment – including live concerts, interactive games, memorabilia to buy and more. This takes place right on the stadium grounds and tickets are $20.
WATCHING THE GAME
Sometimes, you’re not able to get tickets to the game, but still want to get in on the action. Why not grab a seat at one of the local sports bars? You can be guaranteed a good time at any one of these favorite establishments:
- Burger and Beer Joint – 900 S. Miami Ave., Miami (map)
- The Sports Exchange – 45 Miracle Mile, Coral Gables (map)
- Vinyl & Kai – 1131 Washington Ave, Miami Beach (map)
Photo Credit: (Taylor) Techsports @ flickr, (Luck) Virtual Sugar @ flickr
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