I just drove by Ground Zero of where the Orange Bowl used to be for the first time, via 836, on the way back from taking my girlfriend to the airport, and I must say, it was one of the most grim scenes I’ve ever seen. I have refrained from posting any thoughts on the first game at Pro Robbie Dolphins Stadium on Miami Sports Blog, probably because it was the most pathetic ‘Canes win I’ve ever witnessed. I attempted to approach game time with an open mind, and I did at first, but the scene at the stadium was a joke. The stadium was as quiet as could be, and it had that exhibition game feel all over the place. True, we were playing an unworthy opponent, which took much of the excitement out of the game, but I just don’t see that level of excitement getting even 1/10th to that of the OB. So right now, I’m just really angry with Shalala et all again. Talks of the demise of the Orange Bowl had resonated from Coral Gables every year for the past two decades, but it wasn’t until this new administration that began in 2001 that this became a reality. I wish we would’ve hired a new president in 2001 from within the UM family, someone who actually understood the tradition and didn’t succumb to the pressure. But as it is, we’re now stuck going to pathetic atmosphere for a college game for the rest of our lives.

Farewell, for good, OB.