Orange Bowl pep rally held on Miami Beach with strong security presence

MIAMI BEACH, Fla. – South Florida is getting ready for another big game.

This year, the Orange Bowl, which takes place at Hard Rock Stadium, is hosting the College Footaball Playoff Semifinal between Penn State and Notre Dame.

The annual event kicks off with a big pep rally on Miami Beach.

It’s a rivalry brewing for almost 20 years, with Norte Dame bringing its luck of the Irish and the Nittany Lions bringing their roar to the massive party on Lincoln Road Wednesday night.

As fans brought their predictions and their party hats, Miami Beach police were also out there, on foot, with K9s and undercover.

“We’re seeing you before you can see us,” said Miami Beach Police Officer Christopher Bess.

Barriers were locked down with iron cables and city trucks were brought in to help secure soft targets.

Bess said the planning for Wednesday tonight was enormous.

“Obviously the recent events throughout the country allowed us to reassess our plan,” he said.