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The Orange Bowl was one of the most historical sports complexes in both college and professional football history.  It opened its doors to the college world in 1935 to host the first ever Orange Bowl (played by Bucknell and Miami).  After 74 years of some of the most spectacular and memorable games in college football history, it was torn down and Sun Life Stadium (originally named Landshark Stadium) became the new home for the Miami Hurricanes.  With such rich tradition and history backing the Orange Bowl, one had to wonder if the players really felt like they were “home” when playing in Miami.  The only way this question could be answered is to ask a Hurricane player that has played in both the Orange Bowl and Sun Life Stadium, so we asked offensive lineman Jason Fox and this is what he said:

“It’s definitely different.  It doesn’t have the history yet of what the Orange Bowl had, but that being said I’m sure the fans like the new stadium better because it’s in much better condition.  Maybe not so much the die-hard fans who have been going to ‘Canes games all their lives and love the tradition of the Orange Bowl, but just the facility and everything is incredible, the locker rooms are nice.  I went to the Pro Bowl and sat in the stands I think for the first time there and the facilities there are incredible.”

Tradition comes with the program more than the stadium the games are played in, so new digs seems to be what the players covet these days.  Fancy and upscale locker rooms, training facilities, etc. are what attracts the attention of the new generation of players.  Tradition will always be at Miami, just no longer in the Orange Bowl.

The Orange Bowl will be forever embedded in college football history and own its own place in the hearts of many Hurricane fans.  Sun Life Stadium has already hosted an Orange Bowl, Pro Bowl, and Super Bowl.  Memories have begun just as fast as the Orange Bowl came crashing to the ground.  Now, the University of Miami hopes to regain its winning tradition that once graced the Orange Bowl field.

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