August 21, 2007
Hurricanes turning out the lights at the Orange Bowl
After calling the Orange Bowl home since 1937, the Miami Hurricanes will play their final football games in the historic stadium this year and then move all home games across town to Dolphin Stadium, starting in 2008.
Several factors led to the decision, including increased revenues and the cost of renovating the Orange Bowl.
According to The Miami Herald, Miami -- who's athletic program has struggled to break even financially -- could earn an extra $1.5 million to $4 million per year at Dolphin Stadium, given the upgraded seating and suites. The 'Canes did not receive any money from suites at the Orange Bowl.
The new agreement, signed for an initial 25 years, gives Miami some "home field" touches during games, including the Ring of Honor (which will be displayed on the ribbon scoreboards) and the "Touchdown Tommy" cannon that fires after scores.
"The Orange Bowl never cheered. As long as we continue to attract to the University of Miami the finest college football players,... coaching personnel and staff... we can transfer the history into a new building.''Dee vowed the UM program is ''going to take every tradition we can put in a truck and bring it with us.'' Players will continue to enter the field through a smoke tunnel. The UM and ACC logos will be displayed throughout the stadium.
UM's Ring of Honor will be displayed at Dolphin Stadium during Hurricanes games, and the stadium ''ribbon board'' will bear Hurricanes identities. And the ''Touchdown Tommy'' cannon will fire when UM scores.
Season ticket holders can expect ''reasonable'' increases in ticket prices, according to AD Paul Dee. (Read as: It's a nicer stadium, so we're going to charge more.)
The 'Canes final opponent in the Orange Bowl will be Virginia on November 10th. Miami intends to celebrate the Orange Bowl history throughout the 2007 season, although no specific plans have been announced.
No word yet on who will open Dolphin Stadium with the Canes in the 2008 season-opener.
Although I *hate* off-campus stadiums, The U made the right decision. The difference in the two facilities is night and day. The Hurricanes go from having the worst stadium in the ACC to having what some would argue to be the best facilities in the conference. I would prefer the stadium to be on the UM campus -- which might actually give the Canes some sense of atmosphere on gameday -- but I definitely think Miami made the right move.
Comments:
Cane Mutiny said:
posted on August 21, 2007 8:58 PM — 65.12.247.141 — link — abuse?
Despicable. The Canes give up one of the most storied venues in sports for a concrete monolith in the middle of nowhere (oh, no, wait, I think there's a WalMart near Dolphin Stadium now) to increase revenue by what comes out to chump change in the world of major college sports. Want to tell me that the OB was falling apart? Okay, it was pretty crappy. And the fans don't fill it up for anything besides the big names, yeah yeah. Like they'll travel further and pay more to fill up the impersonal, bore-fest that is Dolphin Stadium. In many ways the Orange Bowl represented the Miami Hurricanes and the City of Miami better than anyone else. I know, the tailgating isn't all that great and the stadium is half-full for the crappier games, but there are honestly few experiences more unique (didn't say necessarily better than the rest, but definitely unique) than sipping on a cuban coffee, buying an arepa, making your way through the sketchy-at-best neighborhoods around the stadium and meeting the characters that live there.
Well, looks like I'll be feeding the evil Wayne Heizengua more money while sitting in a seat 50 feet further from the field than at the OB. There won't be any unique atmosphere, and the tailgating will be even worse. I'll park in a big gray parking lot, instead of on the side of the street a block from Juanita's Supermarket on 14th St.
It's still all about the Canes, but taking away the Orange Bowl is like taking a piece out of the Canes' success. They won three national championships and 58 straight there. It just won't be the same.
..It's great to be a Miami Hurricane, even in another stadium..
CUTotalTiger said:
posted on August 21, 2007 10:02 PM — 68.59.7.45 — link — abuse?
Cane Mutiny, Well said... I got the feeling the city of Miami did not want the Canes there. I think the city wanted the space and the OB became a liabitiy to that means.
Miami ranked 51st in the country in attendance last year. they were only ahead of Boston College, Duke and Wake Forest in the ACC. The question now becomes will the students travel 35 minutes or more for a 12:00 or 1:00 kick. I am assuming the attendance will drop in 2008. But then again FSU plays there along with Va. Tech so i could be wrong.
Lennie Collins said:
posted on August 22, 2007 12:27 AM — 68.93.134.47 — link — abuse?
My fellow college football fans its all about money! The OU & ut will be moving their annual game from the Cotton Bowl after this contract is over...WATCH & SEE. Georgia & Florida's game at Jacksonville will soon follow as well!
Gator Boys said:
posted on August 22, 2007 2:56 AM — 66.231.138.222 — link — abuse?
Yea i agree completely with cane mutiny. I used to be a Miami fan (I now go to UF and am a gator fan because the atmosphere at games is so much better than miami's) and really liked the orange bowl. It seemed special and tailgating in people's front yards was the best. I've still had my only arepa at the OB and it was wonderful. I dont like moves like this.
TrojanHorse said:
posted on August 22, 2007 5:54 AM — 75.75.86.11 — link — abuse?
IIRC the only time I have been to Dolphins stadium was for the 2004 MNC game. Isn't this quite a ways outside of Miami.. won't this make for even less number of students just due to the hassle factor? all I remember is the pain in the arse it was getting in and out of there
posted on August 22, 2007 7:57 AM — link — abuse?Kevin Donahue said:
@Lennie - Care to wager on the UT-OU move? If the City of Dallas can't satisfy the schools, I think Jerry Jones is more than ready to step in.
gatorstud said:
posted on August 22, 2007 8:07 AM — 69.95.111.248 — link — abuse?
this is a sad day for all hurricanes...the orange bowl is one of the most historic venues in college football.....not just for miami and the hurricanes, but also for all the great bowl games that were played there.....hell, i saw pink floyd there...it is truly a sad day for college football....the city of miami ought to be ashamed of itself....the stadium should be completely renovated.....whatever the cost.....we have seen universities and the cities where they reside step up and spend the money to renovate their stadiums....(notre dame, michigan, tenn.)....why not miami.....
plain and simple...playing the hurricanes in dolphin stadium isn't the same as playing them in the orange bowl....
jmho....
go gators....and hokies
c-dogg said:
posted on August 22, 2007 8:39 AM — 76.188.148.145 — link — abuse?
All of you Cane Haters can now shut your mouths.
Months ago you were ripping THE U for playing in the OB which gave us 3 of 5 national titles. Sorry Florida/FSU recruiters....you will have to come up with something else bad to tell your highschool recruits.
Lenny Collins....do you think the real reason that Texas won't schedule Miami is because of the OB? No.....do your research on the last time Miami played Texas. It was a massacre! I would compare it to the massacre that LSU put on us a couple of years ago. :O)
Tampa Hurricane said:
posted on August 22, 2007 9:09 AM — 24.96.199.254 — link — abuse?
The Orange Bowl was a historic venue in college football, but other ways to state historic venue would be old, outdated, decaying... With the present state of the Orange Bowl, UM made the correct decision. The City of Miami was promising $200 million of renovations with money they didn't have (were planning on hoping to receive grants), plus the majority of this money if the city receives it was already earmarked to go towards a potential new stadium for the Marlins. I am looking forward to 2008 so when I go to see my Hurricanes play, I won't need to travel to that shit hole part of town that the Orange Bowl is located in.
c-dogg said:
posted on August 22, 2007 9:27 AM — 76.188.148.145 — link — abuse?
IrishJT....I thought I told you a few weeks ago to WIN A BOWLGAME before you open your mouth. Is it bowlseason yet? ;o)
Now what is Notre Dame's excuse going to be for not playing Miami. You Irish fans claimed that Notre Dame wanted to travel to Jacksonville because of the OB. That excuse is now GONE. What excuse will Charlie Weis come up with now?
c-dogg said:
posted on August 22, 2007 9:45 AM — 76.188.148.145 — link — abuse?
(#8) Gator Boys,
You were never a Miami fan because we don't EVER change our loyalty to THE U. If anything...you were a 'fairweather' fan after the 01' Rose Bowl. The real Miami fans stick around after pell grant scandals, brawls, Sports Illustrated Covers, 7-6seasons and all of the jealous haters taking shots at us.
It's better that you defect to UF. Not a bad option because at least it's still a state of Florida school. If you can't take the heat (you know the rest).
c-dogg said:
posted on August 22, 2007 9:49 AM — 76.188.148.145 — link — abuse?
(#3) Cock-N-A$$ for the 101st time,
I really have a hard time responding to the fan of a program with no tradition of winning in the last 50 years. I feel like I'm picking on a 3rd grader. Good luck to your little Gamecocks this year. Too bad your special teams wasn't special against Florida last year. Want a popsicle son?
Rich Lee said:
posted on August 22, 2007 10:34 AM — 158.106.48.10 — link — abuse?
On a sad note, this does eliminate any possibility that the ACC title game will be played in Miami. Not that it had much of a shot (with the winner guaranteed the Orange Bowl), but a Miami trip is better than Jacksonville, Charlotte or DC (especially in December).
Zac said:
posted on August 22, 2007 12:33 PM — 209.36.193.14 — link — abuse?
Let's see, we have a huge stadium, which is home to one of the more successful teams in all of college football, which has realized considerable revenue for the city of Miami over the years of its existence, not to mention bowl games, traveling fans, motel & restaurant usage, cab & bus fare, and other positive economic fall-out, AND it hasn't been properly maintained. I'd say that's your FL Tax dollars at work, or not, as the case may be. Canes, you're right; the city of Miami doesn't want you. So, I guess you'll just have to take that revenue making team of yours else-where. I'm sure somebody will be glad to take the money. If that's the owners of Dolphin's stadium, so be it.
Lennie Collins said:
posted on August 22, 2007 7:59 PM — 68.93.134.47 — link — abuse?
C-Dogg, the reason texas did not want to play Miami...They were a good team at that time. Yes I remember and ut do too the 46-3 beatdown. I dislike ut. Hey Kevin...the game will be moved...I don't know what the city of Dallas can offer as far as upgrading the Cotton Bowl.
gatorstud said:
posted on August 22, 2007 10:25 PM — 72.69.14.26 — link — abuse?
joe #23..see...this is a blog about the miami hurricanes and you had to find some way to drag the gators into it.....does every blog have to have an argument about the fla-miami rivalry.....get over it....and....please find something new to talk about...
on your other related comment..it is true that it is a good move for those who collect checks.....but too much nowadays we see financial gain get in the way of tradition.....but, unfortunately..that is how the world is these days....
goo gators...and hokies
Regan said:
posted on August 22, 2007 10:26 PM — 64.12.116.136 — link — abuse?
BOOOOO!
The City was offering a $206 million renovation of the Orange Bowl if the 'Canes stayed there.
They could have had their cake AND eaten it too, but money trumped tradition.
Fix up the Orange Bowl and everything works out just fine! I absolutely despise it when money wins over tradition in this sport.
You can't buy tradition - and tradition is what makes College Football great.
Gator Boys said:
posted on August 23, 2007 3:31 AM — 66.231.138.222 — link — abuse?
C-Dogg, of course I was a Miami fan. My dad went to Miami and my mom went to Michigan, so I've always been fans of those schools/teams. At first I kind of felt like a traitor, but you cant blame me for being a fan of the school I go to can you? I'll be a Gator for life no doubt. Anyway, it just seems completely wrong that miami would be playing in dolphins stadium. It seems like they have no home field now and theyre just playing on a neutral sight that happens to be in Miami
gatorhippy said:
posted on August 23, 2007 7:31 AM — 70.121.185.56 — link — abuse?
Joe (#13):
Nice try...
But this has nothing to do with Florida...
However...
I will say again "This is a BAD" move"...
Miami dropped the ball years ago by not building their own on-campus facility...
And when it became apparent a few years back that the city was not going to upgrade the OB, they should have initiated a private fund raising drive and implemented a plan similiar to what was done at Louisville to build a moderate sized stadium on campus...
That would have been the most logical and fiscally sound plan...
Not moving their home games an additional 30 miles away from campus...
Cane Mutiny said:
posted on August 23, 2007 10:45 PM — 65.12.247.141 — link — abuse?
An on-campus stadium at Miami could never have happened. Nobody wanted to move out of the Orange Bowl until it started showing its age around the mid-90s. By that time, the campus and area around it were far too developed. Even if the university could come up with the money like at Louisville, it just wouldn't fit. Plus, the area isn't really fit for a stadium, it's in the middle of some high-end residential neighborhoods, and the traffic situation wouldn't make the stadium an option - a sell-out crowd would bring US1 to a standstill. Hell, the traffic gets bad for the Canes basketball games, which draw, what, 5 - 10,000? Most of all, the city of Coral Gables would NEVER let the college build a stadium in their city. I happen to live in the Gables, and they're the most fascist city on earth, "The City Beautiful" hardly lets you clean your bathtub without a permit. It just could not happen at Miami. (Don't get me wrong, I live a half-block from the campus, and having the games right there would be freakin' incredible. I'd tailgate in my front yard every Saturday, it'd be great, but I know it just can't happen.)
Tampa Hurricane said:
posted on August 24, 2007 9:01 AM — 24.96.199.254 — link — abuse?
Regan, don't believe everything that the City of Miami says. They were offering $206 million in renovations with money that they don't have, haven't asked for, and we not told yet they would receive. They also had told the Marlins that this money (as soon as they ask for and receive it) was going to go towards building them a new stadium in town. Call me a little cynical, but why should the University of Miami base the future of their program on a promise of money that doesn't exist and has already been promised to someone else?
Tampa Hurricane said:
posted on August 24, 2007 9:02 AM — 24.96.199.254 — link — abuse?
Regan, don't believe everything that the City of Miami says. They were offering $206 million in renovations with money that they don't have, haven't asked for, and we not told yet they would receive. They also had told the Marlins that this money (as soon as they ask for and receive it) was going to go towards building them a new stadium in town. Call me a little cynical, but why should the University of Miami base the future of their program on a promise of money that doesn't exist and has already been promised to someone else?
Tampa Hurricane said:
posted on August 24, 2007 10:51 AM — 24.96.199.254 — link — abuse?
Regan, don't believe everything that the City of Miami says. They were offering $206 million in renovations with money that they don't have, haven't asked for, and we not told yet they would receive. They also had told the Marlins that this money (as soon as they ask for and receive it) was going to go towards building them a new stadium in town. Call me a little cynical, but why should the University of Miami base the future of their program on a promise of money that doesn't exist and has already been promised to someone else?
FSU fan said:
posted on August 24, 2007 5:38 PM — 76.3.15.20 — link — abuse?
It is a good move, I do like that stadium! The orange bowl is a filthy hell hole by all accounts. My only issue is this: South Florida games look stupid and if Miami looks like this it will hurt the prestige of the program. South Florida games are all ghetto looking with obviously changed sod, banners covering Bucs logos etc. It comes off looking very poor. Dolphins stadium would be easier to adjust for Miami and hopefully the do a better job making it look like the home team is really the HOME TEAM.
011 Hawkeye said:
posted on August 26, 2007 1:12 AM — 71.220.131.91 — link — abuse?
This is pretty much the end of any chance that Miami has, at becoming a dominant program, again.
There's no way you can tell me that the Orange Bowl couldn't be refurbished at an affordable price, for the U. of M.
Think about it. If the revenues are down now, what's ging to happen whe they play 30-35 min. away from campus ? This is going to boost attendance and revenue ?
Atmosphere is made by the students. It invigorates some of those "fat cat boosters" that you're looking to get money from. Your atmoshere is going to be dead. Then those big money people are going to say, "This sucks, for a college gameday atmosphere."
No excitement, more of the "business" of football,
a much more sterile environment. Remember, recruits may want to play in a pro stadium, but they also see "the game day atmosphere" on recruiting visits.I've always thought of Miami as the team that I love to hate. (Everyone garners a little spite when they win too much.)
I'm going to miss that as you slip into mediocrity.
VaNilla Garilla said:
posted on August 26, 2007 10:21 AM — 66.210.33.200 — link — abuse?
011 Hawkeye#36
I wouldn't spend too many sleepless nights over Miami slip into mediocrity. The U will be back to our winning ways regardless of where the games are played. Yes losing the OB sucks but lets face facts Miami never won because of the facilities,boosters,student body or hell even the coach for that matter. Miami won 5 nat. titles because of the mass amount of talent in south Florida. What has changed in recent years was Cokers lack of ability to keep the majority of talent from leaving,something Shannon has made a priority. Expect Miami to be back to winning and winning big soon.Hopefully by the end of 07 you will be back to hating us more than ever.
Canes Alum said:
posted on August 26, 2007 10:35 AM — 71.101.31.211 — link — abuse?
The only people that truly believe that this is a bad move for the University of Miami are the stupid Cubans that live in that shit hole neighborhood and will loose their only source of revenue. Looks like it is back to begging for money for all the Cubans that own the dumps around the Orange Bowl!
1st_and_NOLE said:
posted on August 26, 2007 12:38 PM — 71.14.108.232 — link — abuse?
This is my question to Cane fans...
How do you feel this will effect your attendance???
Miami is notorious for low attendance, I believe they were 2nd lowest in attendance in the ACC (only Duke was lower). UM only fills up big games.
The new stadium is further from campus. The new stadium is also nicer. Will those factors cancel each other out?
Will the greater distance hurt attendance even more?
What are your thoughts Cane fans?
VaNilla Garilla said:
posted on August 26, 2007 1:09 PM — 66.210.33.200 — link — abuse?
Speaking for myself I will more than likely go to more games. I live on the opposite side of the state so to go to a UM game can be costly. Add to the fact that the games are played in a side of town that you don't really want to bring your kids(this is only speculation based on what I've been told my first trip to the OB will be miami last home game this year). So in my case it will be easier for me to spend the 600-800 knowing that its a nicer stadium in a better area
Cane Mutiny said:
posted on August 26, 2007 5:44 PM — 65.12.247.141 — link — abuse?
#38 - Hey asshole, seriously, don't post that kind of crap on here. You just can't talk sh*t about a whole group of people, and it's not just cuz I'm Cuban. You're a disgrace to the University of Miami. No doubt you're some stuck up prick from up north that came here for four years and spent all your time on South Beach. Fanblogs should have higher standards than to allow that kinda stuff to be posted.
Cane Mutiny said:
posted on August 26, 2007 5:46 PM — 65.12.247.141 — link — abuse?
VaNilla Garilla, are you serious? You've never been to the Orange Bowl? I don't have a problem with Canes fans who were never students at the University of Miami, but you kinda have to go to a game to get what Hurricane football is, buddy.
VaNilla Garilla said:
posted on August 26, 2007 6:32 PM — 66.210.33.200 — link — abuse?
#42 Unfortunately Cane my current job is the first one that has ever afforded me the time off where I could go. I have already purchased my tickets for the Virginia game. It sucks that its the last game that will be played there, but at least I will get to experience it once. I live close to Tallahassee so I have seen the Canes play but I'm sure its nothing compared to the OB
Regan said:
posted on August 26, 2007 7:34 PM — 75.176.145.199 — link — abuse?
Cane Mutiny (#42):
I fit into the category. Money was all that kept me from going to Coral Gables; but I finally got to go to see Miami play in person at the Peach Bowl in 2004 when they beat Florida.
I am very disappointed with the decision to leave the OB; and not just because it is the Hurricanes' home. It is arguably the most historic venue in football. NFL fans remember the countless great games over the years. Even Clemson fans hold the place dearly, as being the site where the Tigers won their NC in 1981. Many Clemson fans were gleeful to come down there a few years ago to that stadium again - they didn't care that it hadn't changed in 23 years. It is a special place and will be missed by more people than anyone realizes.
I've never been there though - but somehow, I will freakin be there this year to see that place - both the history and the pits. I'll MacGyver together the money for an unexpected road trip - places like the Orange Bowl are what this game are all about.
I'm not letting this place slip by without seeing what that atmosphere is like.
So right on....
ksuwild said:
posted on August 26, 2007 8:00 PM — 71.237.67.235 — link — abuse?
Hey Regan, Zac and I are waiting for you on the "Pre-Season: Ranking the BCS Conferences" Topic. You threw some ideas out against a playoff that have been destroyed......and then some. Your boy Higgs is getting worked right now. Where you at man?
Cane Mutiny said:
posted on August 26, 2007 8:52 PM — 65.12.247.141 — link — abuse?
Regan - You're absolutely right that it's one of the most historic venues in football, and I definitely hope you can make it down to see a Canes game at the ol' OB. I can understand it if you live a long ways away and never manage to make it to a Canes game, it's just that I think it's kinda off that Vanilla does the whole "all you haters, the U will be back" thing and has never been to a game at the OB despite being within pretty easy driving distance, compared to what yours seems to be. But maybe I'm wrong, and, hey, at least he'll be there this year. Anyway, best of luck to you, hope you can make it to a game.
..It's great to be a Miami Hurricane..
Bobby said:
posted on August 26, 2007 10:25 PM — 70.112.114.73 — link — abuse?
Canes alum, man you can't just go droppin' racial bombs like that. To me there are places you just don't go regardless if they are based on fact or not. It just makes you sound like a racist. I think UM will be losing something by moving the games. Separates the school from the team makes it a city of Miami thing not a UM thing.
Joe said:
posted on August 26, 2007 10:38 PM — 65.32.170.228 — link — abuse?
I believe the attendance will actually increase in at Dolphin stadium. Actually, the only reason I bring up UF is many stated they didn't play Miami every year because of the intolerable conditions of the Old Orange bowl.
This is a good move financially for Miami, the city of Miami, and the overall fan base of the team.Putting 100's of millions of dollars for a facility that should have been condemned makes no sense financially. Those millions could be put to much better use than providing an arena to a small Private University.
As to the distance? Since the Old Orange bowl wasn't on campus either is this really a big deal?
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Lennie Collins said:
posted on August 21, 2007 8:15 PM — 68.93.134.47 — link — abuse?Now texas can schedule Miami.