EventChaser

This is for all of you football fans out there planning a warm, sunny vacation to Miami for the bowl games. Nothing can compete with beautiful, Miami weather, beaches and of course FOOTBALL! This year’s BCS National Championship game is being played at Dolphin Stadium following the annual FedEx Orange Bowl. The BCS Championship returns to one of the hottest cities in the country. A little break from winter weather and some good ol’ football between the Nation’s two top college teams is definitely a trip worth taking. So, being a football/travel fan here’s an insider’s view of the venue, good eats, nightlife and some great tips to help you get the most out of your trip to the 2009 BCS Championship football game in the Sunshine State!

 

The Fun Stuff!

Now, before we cover parking and stadium etiquette, let’s talk PAR-TAY!

Festivities (Woo Hoo!!!)
If you’re lazy and don’t want to have your own tailgate fun then have no fear… the Orange Bowl will be throwing the Budweiser Orange Bowl Tailgate party, in the Miami Gardens at the NW Bus parking lot of Dolphin Stadium on game day (January 1, 2009). You can get your official party on as early as 11:30 AM. The BCS National Championship will also be holding a Budweiser Tailgate party presented by Allstate. Same time, same place, different day; January 8, 2009. You do need a ticket to get into these shindigs so make sure to arrange that beforehand.

Hunger, Thirst and Socialize

So I have to admit, besides being a rabid football fan I am also a self-proclaimed foodie who loves to have a little fun when it comes to cuisine. I’ve found some of the best places to eat and party around Miami, so for your tasting pleasure try some of these hot restaurants and lounges:

For the Foodie - Sushi Samba Dromo

Specialties are the lounge, martinis and the outdoor bar. On the main drag in South Beach you can’t beat the trendy atmosphere and people at this joint. Along with killer sushi and great fusion food they also boast dozens of wines and over 25 different sakes.

For the Chameleon – The Vagabond
Living up to its “come as you are” mantra, this embracing nightspot isn’t going to give you a hard time at the entrance if you’re not a celebutante. The Vagabond has something for everyone, with three different areas to visit for your listening pleasure. You can dance in the club in the main room, pound beer to classic rock in the bar lounge or get your funk on to the grooves in the patio garden. If you are looking for a good time in the melting pot of culture that is Miami then the place you are looking for is the Vagabond on North Miami Avenue.

For a Guys Night Out – Sports Rock Lounge

This is a great place to hang with the guys shoot some pool, drink some brew and eat some no-frills man-food. Or maybe your chicks can hang with the boys; just don’t try taking this Travel Gal there. With mellow surroundings and a plethora of stuff to do you can have a good time without all of the hustle and bustle of “The Club” but as for me, I’ll take the club beats and celebutantes. Watch ESPN on one of their sixteen TV’s shoot darts or amuse yourself with some shuffle board.

 

Where to Stay

I am sure there are a million places you could stay in Miami; here are some of my recommendations. Remember to book your room ASAP because they sure do go fast when an event like the Orange Bowl or BCS National Championship comes to town.

JW Marriott Hotel Miami

With 22 floors, 274 rooms, 22 suites, a spa and a fitness center this hotel has all of the fixins’ for a relaxing stay in Miami.

South Beach Marriott
What this hotel lacks for in size it makes up for with the view and the atmosphere. With 11 floors, 228 rooms and 8 suites this hotel sits amid the South Beach attractions and nightlife. It has all the amenities of a relaxing retreat and provides a perfect location for Miami adventurers to explore from.

So, there you have it bowl game fans… a smorgasbord of information to pick and choose from. Seriously though, I hope this really helps you guys out on your trip to see the FedEx Orange Bowl or the BCS National Championship. Don’t forget to have fun and be safe!

If you’re looking for some of the ins and outs regarding venue regulations, parking and tailgating at Dolphin Stadium, you’ll wan to continue reading. After all…

 

Getting There is Half the Fun… Right?

Whether you’re going to the FedEx Orange Bowl or the BCS National Championship here are some helpful tips on how to get to the game, park and stay in one piece.

If you’re going to the FedEx Orange Bowl you might have less of an adventure getting there and parking but just to be safe you should always give yourself an ample amount of time to get to Dolphin Stadium because it’s always easier to have fun when you aren’t stressed out about traffic, parking and time.

 

Parking

If you’re looking to get to the game super-early for tailgating and other festivities, you’ll want to park in the following lots:
Lot numbers 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 8, 9, 10 and 13 all open at 11:00 AM.
Parking lot 8 is the RV lot and all of the remaining gates will open at 2:00 PM.

Don’t forget to bring cash for parking either folks, the FedEx Orange Bowl is running $30 per car and $100 if you plan on doing the RV thing. RV parking will be available in advance and may be limited on game day.

If you plan on going to the BCS National Championship game, you’ll pay more for parking. The lot numbers and times remain the same but the cost jumps up to $40 per car and $150 per RV. RV parking is available in advance for the BCS National Championship.

If you’re looking for advanced parking passes for your car, you’re out of luck. Advanced parking passes for either game are not available to the general public. Overnight parking is also not an option.

For more information on advanced parking you can contact the FedEx Orange Bowl or the BCS National Championship directly.

 

Tailgating 101

You are not allowed to take additional parking spaces or hinder traffic in anyway, shape or form, so don’t park crooked or setup a tent next to your car or leave your grill out in the middle of the causeway. If you want to tailgate each parking spot sports a designated 8’x10’ area to have a nice little set up if you want to cook, drink, sit or play some cards.

Here is a small list of tailgating no no’s for the FedEx Orange Bowl and the BCS National Championship:

• As stated above, only take one parking space, no savesies for your buddy and his family.
• Tailgate to the rear of your vehicle in the snazzy 8’x10’ space outlined on the ground.
• No box trucks, trailers or grills in-tow are allowed on the premises, so forget your great idea about renting a u-haul and bringing in your sisters catering company.
• This one is for all college party animals… no kegs are allowed on the property and if you try it you will be asked to leave minus your keg. How do you think they sell all that beer inside the venue?
• Stick with your car or truck, no scooters or golf carts are allowed on the property. Generators, home speakers, banners and/or DJ’s are also prohibited.
• And last but not least… the BBQ rule. You can bring your trusty traveling BBQ but please dispose of the charcoal in a proper manner. Put out hot coals with water. After they’ve cooled dump them in a bag and toss in a nearby dumpster… NOT on the ground.

 

Stadium Behavior 101

Even though you plan on watching some very skilled athletes play a hardcore game of throwing, hitting, running and smack talking… let’s not forget that we are not playing these games, and as loyal and respectful fans we should remember to bring our manners.

Here is a list of Dolphin Stadium no no’s:

• No animals unless assisting disabled guests.
• No alcohol – Just yell at the beer guy when you get to your seat.
• I know gigantor bags are super-trendy this season but we are not here for trends we are here for football. FYI no bags, purses or camera cases larger than 11” x 8 and 1/2” in size.
• No backpacks, plastic bags, glass bottles, jugs, thermoses, cans, coolers, whistles, horns, noise makers, weapons, strollers, baseball bats, poles or brooms, (I find these items mildly humorous) laser pointers, beach balls, umbrellas, hard fruit or any Dr. Seuss items like zambooklers, snazzle-drops and/or hookis patukes.
• No verbal or physical harassment of any person. Remember Whos are people too no matter how small.
• No sitting in seats that don’t match your ticket. Or sneasing in cleats that wont fit a cricket.
• No interfering with the progress of the game including throwing stuff on the field. You’ll have to find something better to do with Grandma’s holiday loaf-thingy
• No foul, abusive language or obscene gestures.
• No ignoring of the stadium peeps, they are there to help and keep you safe, so pay attention.

 

Will Call

If you plan on picking up your FedEx Orange Bowl tickets or BCS National Championship tickets on the day of the game here’s the skinny on will call. Will call pick ups are at gates G, B and F. Gate G opens at noon for box office pick ups. Gate B is the visiting team will call. Gate F is the home team will call. Anytime you pick up from a will call window make sure you have a valid picture I.D. to show the representative.