Both the Miami Dolphins and Miami Hurricanes are preparing for the chance they may have to move early 2016 games if stadium renovations aren’t done.
For nearly a decade, the Miami Dolphins and Miami Hurricanes have shared a stadium in Miami-Dade County that has gone by about a dozen different names (or at least it seems like that). Since the end of the 2014 season, what is now known as New Miami Stadium has undergone renovations to add some life to the 30-year-old stadium.
The finishing touches, including a massive canopy to keep 90% of the fans out of the weather elements, are expected to be done by the Dolphins’ 2016 home preseason opener on August 25th. While the team is publicly telling fans and the media that everything is going on schedule, the Miami Herald is reporting the Hurricanes are preparing to possibly move their 2016 home opener after speaking with the Dolphins:
"At a Hurricane Club event last week, (athletic director Blake) James had said UM was exploring contingency plans in case the stadium wasn’t ready by UM’s Sept. 3 opener against Florida A&M.UM has explored moving its opener to Orlando or to Marlins Park if the Dolphins’ stadium isn’t available by Sept. 3, according to a source."
James said the Dolphins told him the stadium should be completed in time, but would not guarantee it. Originally known as Joe Robbie Stadium, the Dolphins moved there before the 1987 season, while the Hurricanes joined them in 2008.
In its history, the stadium has hosted multiple events, including four Super Bowls and two World Series and has been home of the Orange Bowl since 1996. The renovations are largely in an effort by Dolphins owner to land another Super Bowl in the near future.
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