70 years traded for 25 and a bag of chips…MU leaves OB

UPDATE: according to the Coral Gables Gazette, the name of the stadium will change by 2010. “Dolphins Stadium” is still only a little over a year old. Since the passing of Joe Robbie, the stadium has changed names several times. The new name according to a UM spokesman is to be a neutral name…someone needs to tell them that this is the MIAMI DOLPHINS STADIUM…Joe Robbie is probably rolling over in his grave…of course, he has been doing that for sometime now I would think.
The University of Miami has just traded in 70 years of history for a 25 year lease and a bag of chips. The Hurricanes are moving out of the “OB” and into Dolphins Stadium.

Somehow, this just feels wrong. Aside from the fact that there will now be 3 tenants sharing the same field, the Marlins also play ball there as well, the schedulers for all 3 levels of play will now have to deal with the other, factor in a World Series or playoff appearance by the Marlins and all hell could break loose.

The Orange Bowl has been the historical sports center landmark for South Florida. Now, the rumor is that perhaps the Marlins will move over to play there, an interesting concept that really makes you think more on the line that the Marlins inevitably will be heading out of Miami for good. 206 million dollars in renovations were promised by the city if the Hurricanes stayed, no word on whether they would offer more, or less for the Marlins. Perhaps, the building will just be leveled. A pile of rubble that has endured for 70 years.

For many fans of the Miami Dolphins, the stadium is an icon to a simpler time. The white hankies, the “Flipper” tank behind the endzone. Larry Csonka, Bob Griese, and yes, the first few years of Dan Marino. For others it is more than just a memory. It’s the first place we ever saw a football game, pro or college. For some, like myself, it stands on more personal ground. I was born across the street at Cedars of Lebanon. My mothers room overlooked the stadium…it was at that window she told me I would have to be a Dolphins fan…I am, still.

The stadium has been in steady decline for years and no one can blame the University for wanting to move out to better and greener pastures. They will no longer have the Orange Bowl to call home. When you heard “The U” you pictured the “OB”. The “OB” is regarded as one of the most home friendly stadiums in all of sports. The proximity of the stands to the field, the rise of the seating aisles, it all opened into a loud intimidating force that brought the proverbial 12th man on to the field and not just a part of the stands.

Ask a Miami Dolphins fan and he will be quick to tell you, Dolphins Stadium does not offer that intensity. It does not have that intimidating feel. You don’t stand on the 50 and feel like 70,000 people are about to rip you apart. No, at Dolphins Stadium, the seats are off the field, it looks very clean and organized, compared to the inner city “OB”, Dolphins Stadium is the high rise penthouse of South Florida. The boys from “The U” are going to feel the difference…the sound just does not resonate and reverberate as well. It is….more open. More independent.

The future is now a question mark for both stadiums. The Marlins may be closer to moving out than originally thought. Surely Dolphins Stadium can not realistically support all 3 considering their seasons overlap. Grounds crews will be in full force as they will inevitably have to clean the field after a Saturday game to get prepared for a Sunday game. The field will be torn up more often from more use. Don’t think for a moment that the AD at Miami U will put up with the dirt infield either…another indication that the Marlins will jettisoned soon. The Marlins are becoming the ugly step child, you love them, but you really don’t give them anything nice.

It may take a few years to see the full ramifications of today’s decision. It may take longer. What we do know is that the plans of Wayne Huizenga to build the ultimate Super Bowl experience surrounding Dolphins Stadium is all but dead now. It is after all home of the Hurricanes now as well.

Other changes will be seen immediately. The hall of honor for example at the “OB” will be moved into Dolphins Stadium. Names that really have little business being in the house that Joe built. Names like Namath, Kosar, and Anderson. Names that are not from being members of the Miami Dolphins football team. In a way, it is like being the older brother who is being told that after a decade of not having to share your room with one of the younger kids, you now have to not only share the room, but the walls as well. Your independence just took a hit because now, your not the only game in town.

Enjoy this year college fans, until renovations to Dolphins Stadium are made to bring the fans closer to the field, Miami football will seem a lot different at the college level. Scream. Yell. Cheer. After this season, you won’t be heard as loudly.

Oh, and if you go to the last game November 10th vs. Virginia, will you steal me a chair? Thanks, that would be nice…in a sad sort of way.