MIAMI GARDENS, Fla. (AP) – Huge cranes are hovering outside the Orange Bowl stadium, as though trying to start a wave. They’re ready to raise the roof – after Thursday’s game.
The national championship semifinal between No. 1 Clemson and No. 4 Oklahoma will be played on a construction site. Miami Dolphins owner Stephen Ross’ stadium is undergoing renovations that began nearly a year ago and will continue in 2016, with the topper being a giant canopy to be erected over the seats.
That’s the reason for the 300-foot-tall cranes, which greeted the Orange Bowl teams Tuesday as they bussed into the stadium for media day.
Many of the players and coaches had been unaware of the renovation project.
“Coming up the escalator here, a guy was telling me they’re putting a roof on this thing,” Clemson coach Dabo Swinney said. “I didn’t know that. I guess it has something to do with getting the Super Bowl.”