Florida

Pitbull, Dolphins Greats on Hand for Hard Rock Stadium Naming

The next time fans come to a Dolphins or Miami Hurricanes game they'll be watching it at Hard Rock Stadium.

The name leaked Tuesday but the team made it official Wednesday, and just as big boats are christened by smashing a bottle of champagne against it, with Hard Rock Stadium they smashed guitars to bits.

"I've never broken a guitar before," receiver Jarvis Landry said with a grin. "There's a first time for everything."

"I think it is going to add obviously more energy, more vibes to it, obviously Hard Rock is known globally around the world," Dolphins defensive tackle Ndamukong Suh said.

Some of south Florida's most famous names were on hand, including Dolphins great Dan Marino, and UM quarterback Bernie Kosar. Brazilian Soccer star Pele delivered a congratulations via video and Miami's own Mr. 305, Pitbull, talked about his favorite team's new home.

"To be a good brand you have to be around great brands so to be around the Hard Rock, Miami Dolphins and the Miami boy man, looks like we're meeting, we are moving in the right direction," he said.

Sources tell NBC 6 the Dolphins had contact with more than 50 companies regarding naming rights, then came to terms with Hard Rock. The naming agreement is for nearly $250 million and will run for 18 years.

After several names and a $500 million makeover, Miami's 29-year-old stadium is rocking into the future with a catchy new name.

"It is the right partner for us, we love the name, we love the brand, it is all about entertainment and that is what we are about with this stadium, all the entertainment we are going to have," Dolphins president Tom Garfinkel said. "Obviously the most important thing is winning Dolphins football games in here for us."

Copyright AP - Associated Press
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