After decades of use, Sun life Stadium is undergoing a massive facelift with the ultimate goal being bringing the Super Bowl and other high-profile events back to South Florida.
Ultimately, every seat will be replaced in the two-year plan. By the time the regular season rolls around in 2015, the stadium’s corners will be blown out and the entire 100 level and upper level concourses will be redone. In addition, seating on all sides of the field will also be brought in 25 feet closer to the sidelines.
“The fans will be a little closer,” said Hall of Fame Dolphins quarterback Dan Marino. “So hopefully, as far as that’s concerned, maybe crowd noise can help, that’s always the case. I remember back with the Orange Bowl, that was something that was always and advantage for us.”
During the second-phase of the construction, a roof canopy will be added to give fans protection from the sun and rain. A new scoreboard, high-end concessions, club and suite renovations, and other amenities will be revamped at the stadium in phase two.
“I feel like this is my second home. So it’s getting a facelift,” said Marino. “I think it’s going to be great for the community, for the team to be able to develop the stadium and bring major events here.”
Local government officials said the renovation will create 3,400 jobs for the area and generate about $1 billion annually. The stadium renovation is being paid for by Dolphins owner Stephen Ross. However, the county will pay the Dolphins a stipend based on the events the team brings to the new stadium.
The Dolphins also said there were roughly 3,000 salvageable seats that have been removed and will be auctioned off to season ticket members and the general public. And speaking of season ticket holders, all season ticket members will be selecting new seats during the offseason.
