Kaylah Walton
The Orange Bowl stands out as a celebrated annual college football event, tracing its beginnings back almost 100 years, with a notable focus on captivating halftime entertainment.
Initially launched in 1932 as the Festival of Palms Bowl, it transformed rapidly into a prestigious fixture, officially adopting the name Orange Bowl by 1935.
This event has garnered a reputation for delivering remarkable games and highlighting legendary athletes alongside pivotal moments in championship history.
Related:
- CFP National Championship 2025: Key details on date, kickoff, and venue
- College Football Playoff winners: A comprehensive list of championship victors through 2024
- College Football Playoff 2024-25: Details on matchups, timelines, and schedules
- Viewing information for College Football Playoff 2024-25, including all kickoff times
In 1935, the event was renamed the Orange Bowl, with team participation left open to various selections.
This change fostered the tournament’s growth into a highly regarded postseason celebration, hosting numerous iconic matchups in college football.
Who is performing at halftime at the Orange Bowl 2025?
In the upcoming semifinal, Penn State will compete against the Notre Dame Fighting Irish, entertaining the Miami crowd with a country music performance during the halftime intermission.
According to the event’s official page, “The celebrated halftime show returns featuring ACM New Male Artist and Billboard’s Rookie of the Year, Nate Smith, headlining the 2025 Capital One Halftime Show during the College Football Playoff Semifinal at the Capital One Orange Bowl on Thursday, January 9, 2025, at Hard Rock Stadium.”
Nate Smith joins a prestigious lineup of past Capital One Orange Bowl halftime performers, including Fitz and The Tantrums, Walker Hayes, Gavin DeGraw, Flo Rida, and Andy Grammer.
Additionally, attendees will also enjoy performances by another country artist, Lauren Alaina, who will headline the Capital One Orange Bowl Fan Fest.
