Happy New Year

Happy New Year. 2010 was brought in on South Beach as the Hawkeyes prepared for Georgia Tech in the Fed Ex Orange Bowl. This year the Hawkeyes played prior to New Year's Day after beating Missouri in the Insight Bowl. Bringing in the New Year from Iowa is much different than the mild temps of Miami a year ago. On that last night of 2009, we awaited the new year as well as a concert performed at our hotel, the Fontainebleau by Lady GaGa.

Night Out on the Town

The final "Night Out on the Town" from our trip to Miami for the 2010 Fed Ex Orange Bowl is the Bleau Bar loacted in the heart of the Fontainebleau Hotel.

The Fontainebleau Hotel has many different dining and drinking options, but we found the Bleau Bar to be the most comfortable and enjoyable of them all. On the first two nights of the team's stay at the hotel, famous musician Max Wineberg performed with his orchestra in a makeshift stage situated in the corner of this circular bar. Concerts seem to be a rarity, and this free presentation offset the price of drinks during our stay.

The Bleau Bar is the ideal place to people watch in the entire hotel. It is located across the lobby from the hottest night club on South Beach, LIV. From the blue tinted bar it was perfect to not only see the hottest stars staying at the posh resort, but see club-goers of all ages sporting the latest styles and fashions.

Drinks were higher priced than what many are accustomed to. However bottled beer was the one beverage to stick to at the average price of $6.50 (incl. tip). Any mixed or well drinks totaled up to $18. No matter the prices, during the holiday season the Bleau Bar was packed nightly.

Next Stop Miami

Doors are shut and the truck is ready to roll. Iowa Football Head Coach, Kirk Ferentz placed his bag on last and sent the truck on its way. Driver and owner, Mike Riggan plans on arriving at South Beach the morning of the 26th.

There is little room left on the Iowa Football Equipment semi, and it will all be unloaded at either the Fontainebleau, Barry University or Land Shark Stadium.

Loading of the Equipment Truck

It all goes in here. Everything.

On Tuesday the Iowa Equipment Staff began loading a semi full of everything necessary to prepare for the 2010 Fed Ex Orange Bowl and its opponent, Georgia Tech. Video, medical, equipment, administrative, spirit squads, ticket operations, as well as personal luggage is what will be included in the back of the semi provided by Mike Riggan (Tantara Corp) and Ed Huff (North American Van Lines).

Trunk after trunk, box after box sits waiting to be the next thing to be packed. All equipment is necessary for Iowa Football to set up the Jacobson Building offices in the Fontainebleau Hotel located in Miami Beach, Florida. Ten meeting rooms, three offices and one medical facility is housed in the team hotel.
Also everything needed for practice at Barry University finds its place on the back of the semi. Once Iowa Football moves into its practice facility it consumes the entire location. One cannot assume Barry University has the necessary equipment for a Divison I BCS team, so the Iowa Equipment Staff takes everything.

Placed on the back of the semi is the Fed Ex Orange Bowl Logo. The logo for each game of Kirk Ferentz is placed on the tractor trailer.