MIAMI, Fla. – While many fans traveling to Florida to watch the Orange Bowl are focused on the game, there are a few things you should know before getting to the gates.
Beginning at 11 a.m. on Dec. 31, fans are encouraged to attend the Capital One Orange Bowl Fan Fest.
Fan fest tickets are available for $20 in advance or $25 the day of the game.
Organizers say the event will help fans get in the gameday spirit with local talent, interactive games, sports memorabilia, stage contests, food and drinks and performances from the marching bands and cheerleaders.
Past headliners for the event include Little Big Town, Smash Mouth, Kevin Rudolph, All American Rejects, Jake Owen, Lil Wayne and Jessica Simpson.
If you plan on driving to the game, you will need a parking pass. Those passes will be sold for $40 cash the day of the game.
Parking gates 2, 4, 5, 7 and 8 will open at 10:30 a.m. All other parking gates will open at 12 p.m.
If you simply plan on tailgating near the stadium, you may see an unusual crew going around the parking lot.
The Goodyear Pit crew will be canvassing the parking lot to check fans’ tire tread during the game. They will leave handouts on the windshield of each vehicle checked.
If you purchased your tickets and plan to pick them up at will call, you’ll need to head to the southwest gate. General will call will open at 9 a.m. and closes at the beginning of the third quarter the day of the game.
Clemson will call is located at the southeast gate, while Oklahoma will call is located at the northwest gate.
Clemson is considered the home team and will be occupying the south bench, while Oklahoma will be on the north bench.
Before you make it to your seats, security officers will be checking bags of everyone entering the stadium.
The NFL has instituted a new policy for all stadiums, including Sun Life Stadium, affecting the type and size of bags allowed into the arena.
Fans can continue to carry pocket items like car keys, makeup, phones, wallets and credit cards.
NFL approved bags are as follows:
- One clear plastic bag that does not exceed 12″ x 6″ and 12″ or a one-gallon clear plastic freezer bag.
- Fans may also carry a small clutch bag or purse the size of a hand without a strap or handle.
- Diapers and wipes can be carried into the stadium in a clear plastic bag. Each member of the family may carry an approved clear bag and clutch,
However, fans will be able to tailgate with their normal items in the parking lot. Items like binoculars, smart phones and cameras will still be allowed into the stadium.
Kickoff for the Capital One Orange Bowl is 4 p.m. (ET) at Sun Life Stadium.