To commemorate its 75th anniversary and as a "thank you" for the support given to the Orange Bowl Festival and game from its inception, the Orange Bowl Committee has spearheaded a $5.7 million legacy gift initiative to build a much needed youth football stadium and facilities at Miami’s Moore Park.
The Orange Bowl Committee is directly contributing $2.5 million to the project plus design fees, and guaranteed an additional $700,000. The $2.5 million gift is being matched by the City of Miami, which is partnering with the Committee to construct Orange Bowl Field at Moore Park, a youth sports/high school football stadium, track and other improvements. Moore Park, located at 765 NW 36th Street in Miami, is the site of the 1933 and 1934 Palm Festivals, the predecessor of the Orange Bowl.
On January 2, 1933, a "crowd" of 1,800 watched from wooden bleachers erected at Miami’s Moore Park as the upstart University of Miami defeated Eastern football powerhouse Manhattan College, 7-0, during the inaugural "Palm Festival." Two years later the Orange Bowl Committee was formed and the Palm Festival evolved into the Orange Bowl Festival and the Orange Bowl, a tradition that has lasted over 75 years.
As a nod to the origins of its storied history and in honor of that first game and the thousands of memorable moments the Orange Bowl has provided through the years, the Orange Bowl Committee is using this gift to celebrate its numerous milestones, not just to college sports, but the South Florida community.
The Moore Park project will include a new playing surface with synthetic field turf, running track that will host track and field events, 1,500 aluminum bleacher seats, press box with PA system, electronic scoreboard, field lighting, two restroom/concession buildings and storage structure.
The additional funds necessary to complete the project will come from community and corporate sponsors.