Last Canes game at the Orange Bowl

Normally, I get my assignments from Sports Illustrated only a few days in advance. Last month, however, I put in a request to cover the Miami Hurricanes game against the Virginia Cavaliers about a month ahead of time.

This game was very special because it was the last time the Hurricanes would ever play in the Miami Orange Bowl. They’re moving to a newer facility — Dolphins Stadium — next season after playing 468 games in the OB over the last 70 years.

Since I was born in Miami, attended UM, and worked for the Miami Herald, I practically grew up shooting football at the OB.

As the sun was setting before the game, I walked around and made photos to show the environment. Other than the sheer number of fans taking photos of the stadium with their cell phones, it looked just like every other pregame — tailgaters drinking and kids playing catch.

This young Canes fan (and her socks!) caught my eye and I was able to frame her in golden light with the aging stadium in the back.

 

Just like the Orange Bowl, the Miami football team isn’t what it used to be. They were shut out 48-0 by Virginia. Coincidentally, the Hurricanes lost their very first game at the Orange Bowl 26-0 on December 10, 1937.

Nevertheless, it was still a historic day and I’m glad I was there to document it.

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