TicketsDec. 27, 2008
MIAMI -
The University of Cincinnati football team arrived in Miami Friday to sunny skies and temperatures hovering around 80 degrees as the No. 12 Bearcats began final preparations for their Jan. 1 matchup with No. 19/21 Virginia Tech in the 75th FedEx Orange Bowl.
After departing Varsity Village at 11:35 a.m., UC traveled on four busses to Cincinnati-Northern Kentucky Airport where the 190-person travel party boarded a Delta charter jet for the two-hour flight to Miami International Airport.
The team jet received a water cannon salute from the Miami-Dade County Fire Department as it taxied to a stop at the airport. The team de-planed to a rousing reception from Orange Bowl Committee members planeside. After speaking briefly to the assembled media, head coach Brian Kelly and the team departed for the Fontainebleau Hotel in South Beach, UC's headquarters for the week.
The wall graphics at the team hotel, and throughout Miami were designed by UC alumni and students working for Infinite Scale Design Group in Salt Lake City, a firm that specializes in sports-related environmental graphic design. Read more about the design project HERE.
Following orientation meetings, the team was free to explore the hotel and beach areas, before meeting up for dinner and a trip through the Sony Gifting Suite. Players received six points, which could be used to buy a combination of Sony electronics which will be shipped back to campus following bowl week.
The team coaches, families and staff were treated to a poolside welcome reception that featured a buffet dinner, steel drum band, and the opportunity to have your photo taken with the Orange Bowl trophy.
UC will hit the practice field at 11 a.m. Sunday for its first workout in Miami. The Bearcats will practice at Barry University for the duration of their stay in Miami. UC's workouts are closed to the general public.
For Orange Bowl information all fans are encouraged to visit the Bowl Central link on GoBERACATS.com or call 1-877-CATS-TIX and a ticket office representative will be in contact with you. All Orange Bowl Tickets ordered through the UC Athletics Ticket Office after December 19 will be located at will call.
Will call tickets will be available on site in Miami, Fla. at the Fountainebleau Hotel in the Luster Gallery beginning December 31 from 8:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m., January 1 from 8:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m. and then ticket operations will move to Dolphin Stadium at the visitors team will call located at Gate B.
ORANGE BOWL NEWS LINKS
CINCINNATI ENQUIRER - Bowl Trip Thrills UC Icon
CINCINNATI ENQUIRER - Another Big Step For Bearcats
CINCINNATI ENQUIRER - It's A Bull Market For UC Gear
CINCINNATI ENQUIRER - Keeping Their Eyes On The Ball
MIAMI HERALD - Virginia Tech, Cincinnati Arrive For Orange Bowl
WCPO - Fun And Football For The Bearcats
CBSSports.com - Cincinnati - Virginia Tech Preview