DeKALB – In less than 24 hours, Anbritt Stengele saw the price of a late December, round-trip flight jump from $500 to more than $700, even with her company’s discount.

Stengele, owner of the Chicago-based travel agency Sports Traveler, said the drastic increase in price is an unusual occurrence, but Orange Bowl fever is spreading across the region. Stengele, who books travel packages for the marquee college bowl games, said the Orange Bowl has historically brought the least amount of interest, but Northern Illinois University fans have made it the second hottest ticket behind the national championship game.

“This is an exciting opportunity and the most interest we’ve had for an Orange Bowl in many years,” she said. “I really encourage people to go. There is warm weather [and] great tailgate parties, and it’s just a really great area for fans.”