Orange Bowl

The Orange Bowl, one of the most prestigious and historic events in college football, is more than just a game—it’s a celebration of athletic excellence, tradition, and community. As part of the College Football Playoff (CFP) rotation and a staple in the New Year’s Six bowl games, the Orange Bowl continues to captivate fans with thrilling matchups and unforgettable moments.

The Orange Bowl was founded in 1935, making it one of the oldest bowl games in college football. Originally conceived as a way to promote tourism to South Florida, the game quickly gained national prominence. The inaugural Orange Bowl was played on New Year’s Day in 1935, with Bucknell defeating Miami 26-0. Over the decades, it has grown into one of the sport’s most iconic postseason events.

Since 1996, the Orange Bowl has been held at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens, Florida, after previously being played at the historic Miami Orange Bowl stadium. Hard Rock Stadium offers a modern and fan-friendly environment with state-of-the-art amenities, a capacity of 65,000, and a stunning South Florida backdrop. The venue is also home to the NFL’s Miami Dolphins and has hosted major events, including Super Bowls and college football championships.

The Orange Bowl has long-standing affiliations with the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC), typically featuring the ACC champion or a top-ranked ACC team against a strong opponent from the Big Ten, SEC, or at-large pool. During years when the Orange Bowl serves as a CFP semifinal game, these tie-ins are replaced by the top four teams vying for a national championship.

When it’s not part of the playoff, the game often pits highly ranked teams in intriguing matchups, ensuring national interest and competitive balance.

Notable Moments in Orange Bowl History

Over its nearly 90-year history, the Orange Bowl has been the stage for countless memorable games and performances:

  • 1984 (Miami vs. Nebraska): The “Miracle in Miami” saw Miami upset heavily favored Nebraska in a 31-30 thriller. Nebraska’s failed two-point conversion in the final moments remains one of the most dramatic finishes in college football history.
  • 2001 BCS National Championship (Oklahoma vs. Florida State): Oklahoma’s dominant defense led to a 13-2 victory over Florida State, securing the Sooners’ first national title in over a decade.
  • 2014 CFP Semifinal (Clemson vs. Oklahoma): Clemson dominated Oklahoma 37-17, setting the stage for their first national championship run under head coach Dabo Swinney.

Economic and Cultural Impact

The Orange Bowl plays a significant role in South Florida’s economy and culture. The game attracts tens of thousands of fans to the Miami area, generating substantial revenue for local businesses. Additionally, the Orange Bowl Committee organizes events throughout the year, including the Orange Bowl Youth Football Alliance, college scholarships, and community service projects, solidifying its role as a community cornerstone.

Fan Experience and Festivities

The Orange Bowl offers fans a one-of-a-kind experience, combining world-class football with vibrant entertainment. Pre-game festivities include fan zones, tailgates, and the Orange Bowl Parade, which showcases South Florida’s cultural diversity. The event is a celebration of football and the local community, making it a bucket-list item for sports enthusiasts.

The Orange Bowl in the Modern Era

As part of the College Football Playoff rotation, the Orange Bowl continues to host some of the most meaningful games in college football. The 2021 Orange Bowl, for example, served as a CFP semifinal and featured Georgia defeating Michigan on their way to a national championship.

In years when the Orange Bowl is not a playoff game, it remains a key matchup in the New Year’s Six lineup, ensuring that top-tier teams and elite players take the field under the bright lights of Hard Rock Stadium.

Looking Ahead

The Orange Bowl’s future looks as bright as its storied past. Its combination of rich history, high-stakes matchups, and a vibrant South Florida atmosphere makes it a jewel in college football’s crown. Whether it’s hosting CFP semifinal games, providing unforgettable moments in non-playoff years, or continuing its legacy of community engagement, the Orange Bowl remains a premier destination for college football fans worldwide.

For anyone seeking the ultimate college football experience, the Orange Bowl offers tradition, excitement, and a spectacle unlike any other.

 

Historic Orange Bowl teams & scores:

  • 2024 Orange Bowl – Notre Dame vs. Penn State – January 9, 2025
  • 2023 Orange Bowl – Georgia 63 – Florida State 3 – December 30, 2023
  • 2022 Orange Bowl – Tennessee 31 – Clemson 14 – December 30, 2022
  • 2021 Orange Bowl – Georgia 34 – Michigan 11 – December 31, 2021
  • 2020 Orange Bowl – Texas A&M 41 – North Carolina 27 – January 2, 2021
  • 2019 Orange Bowl – Florida 36 – Virginia 28 – – December 30, 2019
  • 2018 Orange Bowl – Alabama 45 – Oklahoma 34 – December 29, 2018
  • 2017 Orange Bowl – Wisconsin 34 – Miami (FL) 24 – December 30, 2017
  • 2016 Orange Bowl – Florida State 33 – Michigan 32 – December 30, 2016
  • 2015 Orange Bowl – Clemson 37 – Oklahoma 17 – December 31, 2015
  • 2014 Orange Bowl – Georgia Tech 49 – Mississippi State 34 – December 31, 2014
  • 2013 Orange Bowl – Clemson 40 – Ohio State 35 – January 4, 2014
  • 2012 Orange Bowl – Florida State 31 – Northern Illinois 10 – January 4, 2013
  • 2011 Orange Bowl – West Virginia 70 – Clemson 33 – January 4, 2012
  • 2010 Orange Bowl – Stanford 40 – Virginia Tech 12 – January 3, 2011
  • 2009 Orange Bowl – Iowa 24 – Georgia Tech 14 – Jan. 5, 2010
  • 2008 Orange Bowl – Virginia Tech 20 – Cincinnati 7 Jan. 1, 2009
  • 2007 Orange Bowl – Kansas 24 – Virginia Tech 21 Jan. 3, 2008
  • 2006 Orange Bowl – Louisville 24 – Wake Forest 13 Jan. 2, 2007
  • 2005 Orange Bowl – Penn State 26 – Florida State 23 Jan. 3, 2006
  • 2004 Orange Bowl – USC 55 – Oklahoma 19 Jan. 4, 2005
  • 2003 Orange Bowl* – Miami 16 – Florida State 14 Jan. 1, 2004
  • 2002 Orange Bowl – USC 38 – Iowa 17 Jan. 2, 2003
  • 2001 Orange Bowl – Florida 56 – Maryland 23 Jan. 2 , 2002
  • 2000 Orange Bowl – Oklahoma 13 – Florida State 2 Jan. 3, 2001
  • 1999 Orange Bowl* – Michigan 35 – Alabama 34 (OT) Jan. 1, 2000
  • 1998 Orange Bowl – Florida 31 – Syracuse 10 Jan. 2, 1999
  • 1997 Orange Bowl – Nebraska 42 – Tennessee 17 Jan. 2, 1998
  • 1996 Orange Bowl – Nebraska 41 – Virginia Tech 21 Dec. 31, 1996
  • 1995 Orange Bowl – Florida State 31 – Notre Dame 26 Jan. 1, 1996
  • 1994 Orange Bowl – Nebraska 24 – Miami (Fla.) 17 Jan. 1, 1995
  • 1993 Orange Bowl – Florida State 18 – Nebraska 16 Jan. 1, 1994
  • 1992 Orange Bowl – Florida State 27 – Nebraska 14 Jan. 1, 1993
  • 1991 Orange Bowl – Miami (Fla.) 22 – Nebraska 0 Jan. 1, 1992
  • 1990 Orange Bowl – Colorado 10 – Notre Dame 9 Jan. 1, 1991
  • 1989 Orange Bowl – Notre Dame 21 – Colorado 6 Jan. 1, 1990
  • 1988 Orange Bowl – Miami (Fla.) 23 – Nebraska 3 Jan. 2, 1989
  • 1987 Orange Bowl – Miami (Fla.) 20 – Oklahoma 14 Jan. 1, 1988
  • 1986 Orange Bowl – Oklahoma 42 – Arkansas 8 Jan. 1, 1987
  • 1985 Orange Bowl – Oklahoma 25 – Penn State 10 Jan. 1, 1986
  • 1985 Orange Bowl Washington 28 – Oklahoma 17 Jan. 1, 1985
  • 1984 Orange Bowl Miami (Fla.) 31 – Nebraska 30 Jan. 2, 1984
  • 1983 Orange Bowl Nebraska 21 – LSU 20 Jan. 1, 1983
  • 1982 Orange Bowl Clemson 22 – Nebraska 15 Jan. 1, 1982
  • 1981 Orange Bowl Oklahoma 18 – Florida State 17 Jan. 1, 1981
  • 1980 Orange Bowl Oklahoma 24 – Florida State 7 Jan. 1, 1980
  • 1979 Orange Bowl Oklahoma 31 – Nebraska 24 Jan. 1, 1979
  • 1978 Orange Bowl Arkansas 31 – Oklahoma 6 Jan. 2, 1978
  • 1977 Orange Bowl Ohio State 27 – Colorado 10 Jan. 1, 1977
  • 1976 Orange Bowl Oklahoma 14 – Michigan 6 Jan. 1, 1976
  • 1975 Orange Bowl Notre Dame 13 – Alabama 11 Jan. 1, 1975
  • 1974 Orange Bowl Penn State 16 – LSU 9 Jan. 1, 1974
  • 1973 Orange Bowl Nebraska 40 – Notre Dame 6 Jan. 1, 1973
  • 1972 Orange Bowl Nebraska 38 – Alabama 6 Jan. 1, 1972
  • 1971 Orange Bowl Nebraska 17 – LSU 12 Jan. 1, 1971
  • 1970 Orange Bowl Penn State 10 – Missouri 3 Jan. 1, 1970
  • 1969 Orange Bowl Penn State 15 – Kansas 14 Jan. 1, 1969
  • 1968 Orange Bowl Oklahoma 26 – Tennessee 24 Jan. 1, 1968
  • 1967 Orange Bowl Florida 27 – Georgia Tech 12 Jan. 2, 1967
  • 1966 Orange Bowl Alabama 39 – Nebraska 28 Jan. 1, 1966
  • 1965 Orange Bowl Texas 21 – Alabama 17 Jan. 1, 1965
  • 1964 Orange Bowl Nebraska 13 – Auburn 7 Jan. 1, 1964
  • 1963 Orange Bowl Alabama 17 – Oklahoma 0 Jan. 1, 1963
  • 1962 Orange Bowl LSU 25 – Colorado 7 Jan. 1, 1962
  • 1961 Orange Bowl Missouri 21 – Navy 14 Jan. 2, 1961
  • 1960 Orange Bowl Georgia 14 – Missouri 0 Jan. 1, 1960
  • 1959 Orange Bowl Oklahoma 21 – Syracuse 6 Jan. 1, 1959
  • 1958 Orange Bowl Oklahoma 48 – Duke 21 Jan. 1, 1958
  • 1957 Orange Bowl Colorado 27 – Clemson 21 Jan. 1, 1957
  • 1956 Orange Bowl Oklahoma 20 – Maryland 6 Jan. 2, 1956
  • 1955 Orange Bowl Duke 34 – Nebraska 7 Jan. 1, 1955
  • 1954 Orange Bowl Oklahoma 7 – Maryland 0 Jan. 1, 1954
  • 1953 Orange Bowl Alabama 61 – Syracuse 6 Jan. 1, 1953
  • 1952 Orange Bowl Georgia Tech 17 – Baylor 14 Jan. 1, 1952
  • 1951 Orange Bowl Clemson 15 – Miami (Fla.) 14 Jan. 1, 1951
  • 1950 Orange Bowl Santa Clara 21 – Kentucky 13 Jan. 2, 1950
  • 1949 Orange Bowl Texas 41 – Georgia 28 Jan. 1, 1949
  • 1948 Orange Bowl Georgia Tech 20 – Kansas 14 Jan. 1, 1948
  • 1947 Orange Bowl Rice 8 – Tennessee 0 Jan. 1, 1947
  • 1946 Orange Bowl Miami (Fla.) 13 – Holy Cross 6 Jan. 1, 1946
  • 1945 Orange Bowl Tulsa 26 – Georgia Tech 12 Jan. 1, 1945
  • 1944 Orange Bowl LSU 19 – Texas A&M 14 Jan. 1, 1944
  • the 1943 Orange Bowl Alabama 37 – Boston College 21 Jan. 1, 1943
  • 1942 Orange Bowl Georgia 40 – TCU 26 Jan. 1, 1942
  • 1941 Orange Bowl Mississippi State 14 – Georgetown 7 Jan. 1, 1941
  • 1940 Orange Bowl Georgia Tech 21 – Missouri 7 Jan. 1, 1940
  • 1939 Orange Bowl Tennessee 17 – Oklahoma 0 Jan. 2, 1939
  • 1938 Orange Bowl Auburn 6 – Michigan State 0 Jan. 1, 1938
  • 1937 Orange Bowl Duquesne 13 – Mississippi State 12 Jan. 1, 1937
  • 1936 Orange Bowl Catholic 20 – Mississippi 19 Jan. 1, 1936
  • 1935 Orange Bowl Bucknell 26 – Miami (Fla.) 0 Jan. 1, 1935