My 2002-03 Orange Bowl experience

DesMoinesHawki

Well-Known Member
Attended my first Iowa bowl game back in 2002 and it was one of the most incredible and memorable experiences of my life. I attended the game with my father and we purchased one of the bowl package deals. My dad is more of the "let's have a structured plan" so we pluncked down our money with Dodd travel and away we went.

The experience in Miami was amazing. Personally, Miami (and the state of Florida) is one of my favorite places in the world. I know the state itself has issues, but it is a great place to visit.

For those of you purchasing one of the bowl packet deals for the first time, you will really enjoy it. Everything is taken care of for you. All you have to do is show up at the designated time.

This time, my girlfriend and I booked our own travel. We wanted to extend our stay by a few days and have the opportunity to take in a few sites on our wish list.

The one thing that stands out about the 02 Orange Bowl is the site of black and gold every where when our tour bus pulled into the stadium parking lot. I remember calling one of my brothers back home to say "it looks like freaking Kinnick Stadium" because of all of the Hawk flags and black and gold swarming the lot.

Absolutely amazing. The stadium is very nice and the atmosphere is simply amazing. We took in a couple of pre game tailgate activites and had an awesome time. USC had maybe 5,000 people at the game and the rest was dominated with black and gold.

The CJ Jones opening kick off return for a touchdown was the only real highlight of the game. The Hawks lost. It was frustrating. But, the overall trip/experience was so amazing I remember not being too upset after the game ended.

The fact Iowa is in the Orange Bowl is an incredible accomplishment. I know many fans were counting on a trip to the Fiesta. And for the fans who were planning on the Fiesta and who COULD HAVE attended the Orange Bowl but decided not to, you will be missing out.

Yes, Iowa has been to Florida quite often. But think of it this way, how many other places are there in the U.S. during this time of year that are still pretty warm? Yes, the Fiesta Bowl would have been something new. And, I know a lot of people had connections in Arizona so they had places to stay, etc. And yes, the Fiesta Bowl would have been a fun trip as well.

But in my opinion, the Fiesta would have to offer a pretty good gig to beat out the entire atmosphere of the Orange Bowl. For those who did not attend in 2002, you will be in for a memorable and amazing experience.

I think Hawks fans will show up in droves. Ticket sales have been pretty good through the ticket office, but many, many, many fans will buy their tickets through other outlets. I think Iowa will have at least 30,000 fans in attendance.

Get ready for a wild ride. The Hawks are bringing home the win ... Kirk will have them ready to go ...
 
Great read! I wish like hezzie I could have made the trip! I LOVE Miami and cant imagine what it would be like drapped in black and gold. I cant wait for this game...even if only enjoyed from the humble constraints of sunny dsm.

GO HAWKS!!
 

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