Guide to the Orange Bowl

Warm sunny weather, tailgating and college football all fall into the playbook for your Orange Bowl plans. If you're a pigskin fan, don't wait to book your Miami car rental and begin planning your trip to Miami, Florida. The Orange Bowl typically lands on January 1, making it one of the best ways to ring in the new year. Whether you are coming with family or friends, this premier bowl game offers college competition at its finest.

Getting Here

To arrive in Miami, many travelers fly into Miami International Airport, which is situated about 16 miles away. If you want to save some money on parking, purchase $20 tickets in advance or get them on game day for $30.

History of the Orange Bowl

Established in 1935, the Orange Bowl is tied for the second-oldest bowl game in the country (along with the Sun Bowl and Sugar Bowl) behind the Rose Bowl, which the game was modeled after. After all, California and Florida are the top escapes for those caught in the thick of winter. But before oranges were involved, leaders in Miami sought to show off their paradise in what they called the Fiesta of the American Tropics. Although there was only one held, the idea was resurrected in the Palm Festival, which took place twice before being renamed the Orange Bowl.

The Orange Bowl hosts the Atlantic Coast Conference champion unless the athlete is involved in the BCS National Championship Game.

Tailgating before kickoff

Half the fun of going to a game in person is the tailgate - and the Orange Bowl is no expectation. Visitors can take advantage of a range of fun-filled game-day activities on the stadium grounds, such as hands-on activities and contests, stage competitions and plenty of food and beverages. Grab a chili hotdog or sink your teeth into a barbecue hamburger while watching some of Miami's biggest local talent and performances from marching bands and cheerleaders. In past years, national artists have even graced the stage. Past headliners ranged from Smash Mouth to Lil Wayne to Jessica Simpson.

Sun Life Stadium

As the minutes before game time tick down, fans begin to pour into Sun Life Stadium. This 75,000-seat complex features an open-air design, so you can enjoy the Florida sun even in winter. During the rest of the year, the stadium is home to the Miami Dolphins and the University of Miami Hurricanes. Without a doubt, Sun Life is one of the biggest stages in college football - any team, student and alumni who made it this far are sure to have a hoot inside its legendary walls. In fact, Sun Life has hosted five Super Bowls and two World Series and it was the first stadium to bring in the NFL Pro Bowl after 30 years of the game being held in Hawaii.

Game time

The energy inside a football championship game is unparalleled in college sports. Starting from kickoff, teams compete at the highest level all year. Witness last seconds touchdowns, game-changing interceptions and comeback kids unfold in Sun Life. Dressed in your team's colors, visitors try to cheer their squad to victory.