UPDATE: Hard Rock Stadium is gearing up for a thrilling month of college football, with three major College Football Playoff games potentially taking place within weeks. If the Miami Hurricanes secure a playoff berth, the stadium will host a first-round game, followed by the prestigious Orange Bowl on December 30, 2023, and the national championship game on January 19, 2024.
The excitement is palpable as officials prepare for what could be a historic run of events at this state-of-the-art venue in Miami Gardens, Florida. “We’re just fortunate to have Hard Rock Stadium as an entertainment destination,” said Eric Poms, CEO of the Orange Bowl Committee. The stadium is expected to be buzzing not just with playoff games but also with two upcoming late December home games from the Miami Dolphins.
Poms emphasized the comprehensive planning that has gone into ensuring the stadium is ready for this unprecedented schedule. “All these contingencies have been discussed, and they’ll continue to be discussed until January,” he stated. The last time the national title game was held at Hard Rock Stadium, in 2021, attendance was limited due to the COVID-19 pandemic, with only 14,926 fans present. This year, a full-capacity crowd is anticipated, adding to the excitement.
The Orange Bowl has long been a staple in college football, and this year’s game marks its 92nd edition. Hosting a quarterfinal game in the new 12-team playoff format, it remains vital for maintaining the bowl’s historical significance. Poms noted, “That’s a big undertaking in itself,” highlighting the collaborative effort required to manage these significant events.
As the Orange Bowl prepares to welcome fans, the committee is also deepening its commitment to the community. Plans are underway for the development of two new legacy parks, raising the total to eight across South Florida, while also partnering with the College Football Playoff Foundation on educational initiatives.
Poms reflected on the Orange Bowl Committee’s enduring mission since its inception in 1935: to foster economic development and give back to the community. “For close to a century, we’ve stayed the course on bringing tourism to the area and giving back,” he said, underscoring the importance of the upcoming events not just for sports fans, but for the entire South Florida community.
With the college football season approaching its climax, all eyes will be on Hard Rock Stadium. Fans, players, and stakeholders alike are poised for what promises to be an unforgettable showcase of talent and teamwork. Stay tuned for updates as these pivotal games unfold this winter, solidifying Hard Rock Stadium’s status as a premier destination for college football.
