It was announced today by several sources that the Miami-Dade board of county commissioners voted 7-4 in favor of renovations to Sun Life Stadium (SLS). The renovations are scheduled to begin later this year and completed by 2017.
The plan is for Miami Dolphins owner Stephen Ross to manage the $350 million stadium renovation. This major construction project involves using mostly team and NFL money along with a possible State subsidy for construction. In the agreement, the county will also pay the Dolphins for all major event the stadium hosts, such as the Super Bowl or College Football Playoff.
The renovations include a canopy over the seating area, new lighting and scoreboards, improved fan amenities and much more. With the Miami Hurricanes under contract to play at SLS until 2033, Hurricane fans can applaud and celebrate today's vote and also expect to see major improvements in their game day experience in the coming years.
With such an major emphasis on "facilities" now in college athletics, it is also liklely that these stadium upgrades will enhance and improve UM's recruiting efforts in the future. And we like that, yeah, we like that a lot!
I love iT. Go Canes!
Posted by: Terrance Sullivan | June 17, 2014 at 03:10 PM
Dos.
Posted by: Dude on a Pale Horse | June 17, 2014 at 03:11 PM
Brandon Pertner @BrandonPertner 1h
If the line for the Florida St/Notre Dame game holds (+24), it will be the largest underdog role for ND in their history!
Posted by: 86Cane | June 17, 2014 at 03:21 PM
In adding Jake Heaps, UM now has Rivals.com’s No. 1 pro-style quarterback in 2010 (Heaps), the 12th in 2013 (Kevin Olsen) and the 8th in 2014 (Brad Kaaya).
The good news on Heaps, who will challenge Kevin Olsen for the starting job: He has a strong arm is very bright and has experience starting for two schools (BYU and Kansas).
The bad news: ESPN’s quarterback rating system ranked him 126th of 127 qualifiers last season. His completion percentage (49) ranked 123rd of 127, though he was hurt by a ton of drops. He twice has left schools after being beaten out, at BYU in 2011 and Kansas after last season.
But UM knows it cannot assume Ryan Williams will be back by mid-to-late September (his goal) and has serious concerns about whether Olsen is ready.
Read more here: http://miamiherald.typepad.com/sports-buzz/2014/06/tidbits-observations-from-dolphins-ota-practice-um-quarterback-talk.html#storylink=cpy
Posted by: 86Cane | June 17, 2014 at 03:36 PM
Do the renovations include moving Sunlife somewhere else? Because the thing that needs fixing is that it's in the freaking boonies.
Posted by: dj moonbat | June 17, 2014 at 03:41 PM
DJ wins the someone pissed in my cornflakes award of the month of June.
Posted by: Terrance Sullivan | June 17, 2014 at 03:50 PM
MIAMI (CBSMiami) – The Miami-Dade commission has a approved a deal with the Miami Dolphins organization concerning modernization and upgrades to Sun Life Stadium.
Miami-Dade County Commissioners voted 7 to 4 to approve Mayor Carlos Gimenez’s plan in which the county will pay the Dolphins millions of dollars for hosting the Super Bowl and other major sports events.
“I want to thank the Board of County Commissioners and Mayor Gimenez for approving this unique and creative plan to bring Super Bowls and other marquee events to Miami-Dade County. We have one of the world’s most aspirational cities and as such, deserve a stadium that will provide significant economic impact to Miami-Dade County,” said team owner Stephen Ross in a statement. “This will not only secure the future of the Dolphins, but will ensure that Miami has one of the world’s best venues to host events of this magnitude going forward.“
According to terms of the deal, the Dolphins organization will be responsible for paying for approximately $350 million in repairs and upgrades without any additional money from the county. The Dolphins will also continue to pay property taxes, which is about $4 million a year.
In exchange, the county will pay the team $4 million for each Super Bowl hosted at Sun Life Stadium and $3 million if the college football national championship is played at the stadium.
A college play-off game, which Sun Life is slated to host every three years under the new Bowl Championship Series system, will bring in bring $2 million, while smaller sporting events generating 55,000 ticket sales — such as an international soccer match — will bring the Dolphins $750,000.
Should Miami ever land a World Cup soccer match, a championship would be worth $4 million for the Dolphins, and a semi-final $3 million.
The money will come from the county’s hotel tax revenue and be paid after the event is over. There is also a yearly cap of $5 million. So if the team managed to lure a Super Bowl and a World Cup match to the stadium in the same year, the county will only be on the hook for $5 million.
The payments go into effect in 2024 so that the county has time to build up its hotel-tax reserve which has been drained due to the countywide budget crunch.
As part of the bonus arrangement, Ross will sign the Dolphins to remain in Miami-Dade for the next 30 years.
Posted by: 30CINCO | June 17, 2014 at 03:57 PM
Sun Life renovations are pointless.
I have it on good word that the U play future home games in David Becham's back yard. Capacity is limited to one picnic bench and a couple of patio loungers, but it will be a very intimate setting.
Posted by: Gin & Tonic | June 17, 2014 at 04:09 PM
Capacity is limited to one picnic bench and a couple of patio loungers, but it will be a very intimate setting.
Posted by: Gin & Tonic | June 17, 2014 at 04:09 PM
Can I get a beach umbrella with that?
Posted by: 86Cane | June 17, 2014 at 04:14 PM
Can I get a beach umbrella with that?
Posted by: 86Cane | June 17, 2014 at 04:14 PM
Just snuggle close to Posh Spice, she does not like the Sun-Life. She will have you covered.
Posted by: Gin & Tonic | June 17, 2014 at 04:20 PM
Being that I never saw the the artist rendering of the outside of the stadium, I always pictured a some type of domed covering, instead of a canopied covering. But it should improve the fan's game day experience nonetheless.
Posted by: CaneRock | June 17, 2014 at 04:49 PM
Just snuggle close to Posh Spice, she does not like the Sun-Life. She will have you covered.
Posted by: Gin & Tonic | June 17, 2014 at 04:20 PM
Hmmmm, I might be okay with that
Posted by: KYcane | June 17, 2014 at 06:05 PM
DJ wins the someone pissed in my cornflakes award of the month of June.
Posted by: Terrance Sullivan | June 17, 2014 at 03:50 PM
More like the "Have you ever actually been there" award. Easy access from three counties. Dade/Broward/PB
Posted by: Lurker | June 17, 2014 at 08:23 PM
Let's not get crazy about the location. If you're coming from the South Miami-Gables area where the U is, that drive totally sucks ass.
But it's home for the short and long term and they're getting ready to make it state of the art, which is a huge for this program.
Now they can honestly tell recruits it may not be close to campus but it sure as hell is nicer than any stadium any college may have.
Posted by: Go Canes | June 17, 2014 at 08:50 PM
Just read the article on jake heaps by matt porter. Im feeling good about bringing him in. I think he is going to compete for the starting job and atleast push olsen or BK. This could really be a blessing in disguse
Posted by: sass | June 17, 2014 at 08:57 PM
http://www.mypalmbeachpost.com/news/sports/college-football/quarterback-jake-heaps-hopes-football-odyssey-ends/ngM23/#a23f7da1.3454205.735401
Posted by: sass | June 17, 2014 at 08:59 PM
Posted by: Go Canes | June 17, 2014 at 08:50 PM
It's not that bad drive on Saturdays - at all. The students get free transportation/shuttle, so it's not a hassle for them. At all. Also, the vast majority of canes fans do not live in S. Miami or the Gables. Again, it's important to understand the lay of the land in S. Florida, the location is optimal for the tri county area. Why do you think the a Dolphins built it there in the first place (aside from any county concessions)?
Posted by: Lurker | June 17, 2014 at 10:21 PM
Again, it's important to understand the lay of the land in S. Florida, the location is optimal for the tri county area.
Posted by: Lurker | June 17, 2014 at 10:21 PM
Totally agree 100%.
Posted by: SOUP | June 17, 2014 at 10:47 PM
One other key thing with the renovations the capacity of Sun Life will go down from 76,500 to 65,000. That's perfect. Go Canes!
Posted by: Terrance Sullivan | June 18, 2014 at 12:46 AM
The location is optimal for the tri county area.Right on!
Sun Life is a nice stadium and it will be better with the renovations and when the Canes will be in the top ten on a regular basis. When the stadium is packed it's great...You will see vs FSU it will be fun in the stadium win or lose...
SOUP Lucky 7! Congrats...Grest job!
Posted by: Montreal-Cane | June 18, 2014 at 12:52 AM
Wilfork vs FSU...
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lZE4AcaT5dc
Posted by: Montreal-Cane | June 18, 2014 at 12:57 AM
Good one Monty, we need a Wilforkesque tackle immediately if not sooner!
Dem Canes!!!
Posted by: NativeCane | June 18, 2014 at 06:44 AM
The university once known as Quarterback U hasn’t had one drafted before the seventh round in 22 years. And now, less than three months from the opener at Louisville, UM is welcoming a quarterback, Jake Heaps, who lost his starting job for a 3-9 Kansas team and finished 126th of 127 major college football qualifiers in completion percentage last season.
What in the name of Brock Berlin is going on here?
UM’s decision to bring aboard Heaps --- who is eligible immediately --- and allow him to compete with Kevin Olsen and incoming long shots Brad Kaaya and Malik Rosier for the starting job --- might seem desperate, but there is reasoning behind it.
Though Olsen could still win the job, there were serious concerns internally about automatically handing the position to him in the wake of Ryan Williams’ knee injury.
One UM official, after Williams’ injury during spring ball, admitted he was very worried. Heaps, while erratic throughout his career, is by far the most experienced option for the difficult season opener.
There’s no question about Olsen’s arm and raw talent. But several concerns have been voiced privately. Among them: Olsen needs to be more receptive to coaching, polish his mechanics (which contributed to his dismal 7 for 21 showing in the spring game), stop throwing into double coverage and not force the home-run ball when it’s not there. In other words, don’t be afraid to take what the defense gives him.
He must be studious about film work (he has improved somewhat in that area) and gain a complete grasp of the offense. Olsen was stumped when asked several questions by the offensive coaching staff during a meeting late in spring practice. One UM source said the impression is that he works harder when his brother Greg, the Carolina Panthers tight end, is in town.
UM has been trying to figure out what buttons to push, so that Olsen is motivated to work maniacally, instead of feeling entitled to the job with Williams out. Bringing in Heaps, who has one year of eligibility, solves that issue.
Here’s the good news on Heaps: He was rated Rivals.com’s No. 1 pro-style quarterback in 2010, set freshman passing records at BYU, has a strong arm, is intelligent and has 28 games of starting experience, combined, at BYU and Kansas. He has 32 TDs and 27 INTs in his career.
The bad news: ESPN’s quarterback rating system ranked him 122nd in 2013, sixth-worst among all FBS starters. His 49 percent completion rating was abysmal, though mitigated somewhat by 48 drops by Kansas receivers (not all thrown by Heaps). He twice left schools after being beaten out, at BYU after 2011 and Kansas this year.
Williams’ mother said Williams hopes to return for the fourth game, Sept. 20 at Nebraska, but UM has no idea if that will happen. So Heaps is an insurance policy, as one UM official termed it.
Heaps said he visited UM a month-and-a-half ago and has been studying the UM playbook for a while.
“This has been definitely been in the works for a while now,” Heaps, who's married and a devout Mormon, told our Manny Navarro. “If they didn't think I could bring anything to the program, this wouldn't have happened. All I wanted was a strong opportunity to compete.”
Adding Heaps also could allow UM to potentially redshirt Kaaya and Rosier, which could be of benefit down the road.
Read more here: http://miamiherald.typepad.com/sports-buzz/#storylink=cpy
Posted by: UMike | June 18, 2014 at 06:46 AM
DB Tyrek Cole is visiting Miami today... really hope we can get this kid in this class. IMO the best DB on our board.
Posted by: UMike | June 18, 2014 at 07:26 AM
There’s no question about Olsen’s arm and raw talent. But several concerns have been voiced privately. Among them: Olsen needs to be more receptive to coaching, polish his mechanics (which contributed to his dismal 7 for 21 showing in the spring game), stop throwing into double coverage and not force the home-run ball when it’s not there. In other words, don’t be afraid to take what the defense gives him.
WELL IT'S NOT SO PRIVATE ANYMORE NOW IS IT?
Posted by: 86Cane | June 18, 2014 at 08:03 AM
1. "So Heaps is an insurance policy, as one UM official termed it."
2. "Adding Heaps also could allow UM to potentially redshirt Kaaya and Rosier, which could be of benefit down the road."
WELL I CAN'T REMEMBER WHO SAID THESE EXACT SAME THINGS YESTERDAY? LOL
Posted by: 86Cane | June 18, 2014 at 08:05 AM
86... all those things are true.. but wouldnt you also agree that if Heaps.. someone who couldnt make it at BYU or Kansas and who is coming off a 10int/8td year (after years of experience).. wins the starting job we are in trouble??? lol
Posted by: UMike | June 18, 2014 at 08:09 AM
We're not in trouble because we took Heaps. We took Heaps because we're in trouble. That ought to be obvious.
Posted by: nemo2002 | June 18, 2014 at 08:25 AM
nemo..not the point im making.. just saying if that guy can come in and win the starting job then our QB situation is a lot worse than we thought.
Posted by: UMike | June 18, 2014 at 08:27 AM
We're not in trouble because we took Heaps. We took Heaps because we're in trouble. That ought to be obvious.
Posted by: nemo2002 | June 18, 2014 at 08:25 AM
WINNER, WINNER, CHICKEN DINNER!!!
Posted by: 86Cane | June 18, 2014 at 08:32 AM
UMike....do not be bogged down by your usual and swift turn to the "worst case scenario". Let it play out and leave in the hands of the best QB on the UM roster. U know who that is right?
"Every little thing, is gonna be alright."
Posted by: 86Cane | June 18, 2014 at 08:35 AM
86..I do want it in the hands of the best QB on the roster.. but if that is Heaps.. then we are in a Heap of shyt!! hahaha
Just hand off to Duke for a few games until Williams is healthy lol
Posted by: UMike | June 18, 2014 at 08:49 AM
One other key thing with the renovations the capacity of Sun Life will go down from 76,500 to 65,000. That's perfect. Go Canes!
Posted by: Terrance Sullivan | June 18, 2014 at 12:46 AM
-----------------------------------------------
That's a nice little nugget, hadn't seen that before. Hopefully they make the new seats just a little wider and at angle facing the field.
Posted by: 30CINCO | June 18, 2014 at 08:53 AM
Hopefully it pushes Olen forward...
I think our D will be more important in the Louisville game than the O
Posted by: UMike | June 18, 2014 at 08:55 AM
Do the renovations include moving Sunlife somewhere else? Because the thing that needs fixing is that it's in the freaking boonies.
Posted by: dj moonbat | June 17, 2014 at 03:41 PM
I think the stadium is in the perfect spot. It takes me 1hr 10min from Stuart to get there. I've never had problems with the traffic even during a weekday game.....The only place the traffic gets heavy (heading south) is at the Hard Rock. So glad they are remodeling the stadium.
Posted by: thirstybuzzardcane | June 18, 2014 at 09:21 AM
We're not in trouble because we took Heaps. We took Heaps because we're in trouble. That ought to be obvious.
Posted by: nemo2002 | June 18, 2014 at 08:25 AM
1,000% correct sir!!!......Heaps did have a good freshman season. With the receivers we have, I think he'll surprise a lot of people.
Posted by: thirstybuzzardcane | June 18, 2014 at 09:28 AM
Barry Jackson @flasportsbuzz 2m
UM football announces former UM basketball player Raphael Akpejiori will be TE for team.Was previously listed as OL.
Posted by: Ohio_Cane | June 18, 2014 at 09:31 AM
I think Malik Rosier will be our best QB out of the 100 we have!!!!! He's going to be a great dual threat QB.
Posted by: thirstybuzzardcane | June 18, 2014 at 09:31 AM
#GrayCrow
Posted by: 86Cane | June 18, 2014 at 09:33 AM
Our D is more important in EVERY game. Period.
I believe our last defensive shutout was way back in 2010 vs. FL A&M. (Not good… )
Posted by: roachcane77 | June 18, 2014 at 09:40 AM
We could just run the wildcat with Duke and Yearby? Heck GA Southern beat the Gators last year by running every down except one I think?
Posted by: 86Cane | June 18, 2014 at 09:40 AM
SOUP,
Gray Crow is going to be graduated and retired from football and you'll still be calling for him to step in as our QB!
Posted by: roachcane77 | June 18, 2014 at 09:44 AM
Just heard a Dolphins rep come on the radio and he said the project should be complete before the start of the 2016 season.
Posted by: 30CINCO | June 18, 2014 at 09:45 AM
1. "So Heaps is an insurance policy, as one UM official termed it."
2. "Adding Heaps also could allow UM to potentially redshirt Kaaya and Rosier, which could be of benefit down the road."
Posted by: 86Cane | June 18, 2014 at 08:05 AM
Like Freddy Adu said..."If I'm GOOD enough, then I'm OLD enough." Because RSing KO, CLEARLY! wasn't a benefit.
Posted by: CaneRock | June 18, 2014 at 09:49 AM
GA Southern ran 54 times for 16 first downs and 429 yards. Passed the ball 3 times all INC for 0 yards and won 26-20 over UF.
Wildcat, baby, WILD CAT.
Yeah, that's the ticket!
Posted by: 86Cane | June 18, 2014 at 09:53 AM
Roach...maybe I will, maybe I won't, but for now:
#GrayCrow
Posted by: 86Cane | June 18, 2014 at 09:55 AM
Just heard a Dolphins rep come on the radio and he said the project should be complete before the start of the 2016 season.
Posted by: 30CINCO | June 18, 2014 at 09:45 AM
-----------------------------------------
Well, that would be fast.
Posted by: Ohio_Cane | June 18, 2014 at 10:00 AM
GA Southern ran 54 times for 16 first downs and 429 yards. Passed the ball 3 times all INC for 0 yards and won 26-20 over UF.
Wildcat, baby, WILD CAT.
Teah, that's the ticket!
Posted by: 86Cane | June 18, 2014 at 09:53 AM
LMAO!
SOUP's playbook:
Gray Crow 2 da' left...Gray Crow 2 da' right...Gray Crow up da' middle.
SOUP's philosophy:
"Well I run 3 plays, #GRAYCROW!, it's like novacaine, just give it time, always works."
#SOUPHERMANBOONE!
Posted by: CaneRock | June 18, 2014 at 10:02 AM
LOL! Stay with it my friend.
If our 99 other QBs, (as thirstybuzzardcane so aptly put it), go down, Gray Crow "could" then be THE man!
Posted by: roachcane77 | June 18, 2014 at 10:05 AM
Gray Crow 2 da' left...Gray Crow 2 da' right...Gray Crow up da' middle.
Posted by: CaneRock | June 18, 2014 at 10:02 AM
Well think of it this way, it would simplify the play book:
Crow1: Run left (20/game)
Crow2: Run right (20/game)
Crow3: Run up the middle (20/game)
I bet even Devin Hester can get that down!
Posted by: 86Cane | June 18, 2014 at 10:06 AM