Miami Dolphins Want $90M In Tax Rebates for Sun Life Stadium Renovation

[finehoe]

It seems that every year, another Miami sports team needs money. SFBJ reports the Dolphins have formally requested that the Florida Legislature refund $3M a year in taxes. Owner Stephen Ross and the NFL have funded the majority of the $350M construction on the Miami Gardens stadium up this point. Florida is very friendly to sports franchises, having passed a law that allows stadium projects that balloon to over $200M are to be reviewed for rebates. In addition to the possible rebates, the Dolphins already have Miami-Dade County on the hook for $5M-30M in incentives, depending on how many large-scale events it brings to the city. The stadium was constructed in 1987, and plans include a snazzy new roof to block the sun from blinding fans while they watch their football, new lighting and and better seat placement. The Dolphins have also claimed they will create 3,400 jobs annually, though analysts believe that stadiums only create low-income jobs.

[spuwho]

Wasn't the last culture that grew infatuated with their stadiums and sports culture the Romans?

[copperfiend]

Wasn't the last culture that grew infatuated with their stadiums and sports culture the Romans?

Are the Brits, Germans and Spaniards not?

[thelakelander]

I'll admit, the new reclining seats they showed during the Hurricane's game looked pretty nice. Just goes to show, there's a continuing race underway to one up each other on stadium perks going on across the country.

[tufsu1]

I'll admit, the new reclining seats they showed during the Hurricane's game looked pretty nice.

Just what the 'Canes need to get their fans actively engaged in games again!

[thelakelander]

You want to get Miami fans to show up again? Just do one thing......be a winner.

[spuwho]

"Just as long as we defeat Carthage...the citizens will pay any tax"

Justinius Adolphus

[vicupstate]

I'll admit, the new reclining seats they showed during the Hurricane's game looked pretty nice. Just goes to show, there's a continuing race underway to one up each other on stadium perks going on across the country.

The problem is it never ends. Stadiums that are practically brand new are antiquated in less time than it takes for a newborn to start Kindergarten. At what point it is finally too much?  We are well past that point IMO.   

And how in the hell does adding a roof create 3,400 jobs? 

[thelakelander]

^Most of it must be temporary construction jobs. Other than that, they're probably making some of the same claims as the port. Spin off jobs as a part of increased usage of the facility (ex. Wendy's or a Holiday Inn Express opens up down the street because of increase traffic on neighboring roads). In this case, the increased usage would be special events outside of NFL football.

[Dapperdan]

Am I the only one that things that is the ugliest stadium design I have ever seen?

[pierre]

Am I the only one that things that is the ugliest stadium design I have ever seen?

It's hideous

[Tacachale]

Wasn't the last culture that grew infatuated with their stadiums and sports culture the Romans?

This is off topic, but I've always found it fascinating when people criticize modern society by likening it to Rome. Roman civilization existed in one form or another for 2200 years, made countless contributions to the world, and left a legacy that can still be felt. Elements of Roman culture are still widely known, and some of its key figures are household names even today. Why wouldn't a culture want to be like that? It's like your parents trying to convince you not to drop out of school by saying, "you know who else dropped out? Steve Jobs".

[ProjectMaximus]

Wasn't the last culture that grew infatuated with their stadiums and sports culture the Romans?

This is off topic, but I've always found it fascinating when people criticize modern society by likening it to Rome. Roman civilization existed in one form or another for 2200 years, made countless contributions to the world, and left a legacy that can still be felt. Elements of Roman culture are still widely known, and some of its key figures are household names even today. Why wouldn't a culture want to be like that? It's like your parents trying to convince you not to drop out of school by saying, "you know who else dropped out? Steve Jobs".

...and he died. Dont be like him.

[Jason]

Am I the only one that things that is the ugliest stadium design I have ever seen?

It's hideous

Agreed.  Very fitting for the Dolphins....   

[BridgeTroll]

Wasn't the last culture that grew infatuated with their stadiums and sports culture the Romans?

This is off topic, but I've always found it fascinating when people criticize modern society by likening it to Rome. Roman civilization existed in one form or another for 2200 years, made countless contributions to the world, and left a legacy that can still be felt. Elements of Roman culture are still widely known, and some of its key figures are household names even today. Why wouldn't a culture want to be like that? It's like your parents trying to convince you not to drop out of school by saying, "you know who else dropped out? Steve Jobs".

And I bet if they had installed huge flat screens they would still be around... but 2200 years aint bad...