ORLANDO, Fla. — Fans of the Iowa State Cyclones and Miami Hurricanes flooded Camping World Stadium today for the 2024 Pop-Tarts Bowl. 

What You Need To Know

  • Iowa State and Miami supporters packed Camping World Stadium early, with tailgating starting as early as 6 a.m. 

  • The event has evolved into a major Orlando tradition since its start as the Blockbuster Bowl in 1990

  • Iowa State alumni Ray and Barb Getting traveled over 24 hours to celebrate their team, while Miami fan Brian Vickaryous emphasized the game as a family tradition tied to his alma mater and his previous role as a sideline doctor

  • The Pop-Tarts Bowl brings significant revenue to Orlando businesses and continues to rise in prominence, bolstered by Pop-Tarts’ multi-year sponsorship agreement with Florida Citrus Sports in 2023

A staple of the college football postseason, the game has come a long way since its beginnings in 1990 as the Blockbuster Bowl in Miami. Now, firmly rooted in Orlando, the event has grown into a must-see tradition.

Tailgating started early, with fans setting up camp as early as 6 a.m. The parking lot buzzed with excitement as supporters from both teams unpacked chairs, fired up grills, and tuned in to pregame coverage ahead of the big matchup.

Ray and Barb Getting, Iowa State alumni, made the 24-hour journey to Orlando to cheer on their team.

“They have such great basketball team, men's and women's. A lot of good sports. The stadium is Jack Trice Stadium, named after an African American who was the first African American to play in the only stadium in the country."

Just a few spaces over, Miami Hurricanes fan Brian Vickaryous reflected on his deep ties to the school.

A Lake Mary resident and Miami alumnus, Brian Vickaryous said the Pop-Tarts Bowl has become a family tradition.

“My daughter just graduated, a brother that played football there, three brothers — we all went to school there, a couple of nieces that are there are Hurricanes," he said. "So, we love the school, a lot of great schools. But that's our alma mater, and we're here to support it. We love college football. You know, this is just a fun family day. I got the dogs out here. They're helping me out." 

Vickaryous also has a unique connection to the bowl game. As a former sideline doctor, he spent years providing medical assistance during games.

"I'm a local surgeon, so I used to be a sideline dog. So I could never really take part in some of the pre-game festivities, whatever the games were going on, because I was somewhat on-call taking care of anybody that might have been injured. But it's kind of nice just to be out here and relax,” Vickaryous said.

The Pop-Tarts Bowl not only attracts die-hard college football fans, but also boosts Orlando’s economy. Local businesses benefit from the influx of visitors, and the game has become a key player in the postseason lineup.

In 2023, Pop-Tarts signed a multi-year agreement with Florida Citrus Sports to become the title sponsor of the event, further cementing the game’s place in college football tradition.

For fans of the Cyclones and Hurricanes, today wasn’t just about football — it was about community, tradition, and the shared love of the game.