Dolphin Stadium in Miami Gardens Home to Several Florida Teams

Opened in 1987 in the city of Miami Gardens, Florida, Dolphin Stadium has long been the home field of several of Florida's most notable sports teams and has been the site of several championship games.

Ground was broken for Dolphin Stadium in 1985 and the structure was completed in a little less than two years for a cost of approximately $115 million. The architect for the project was HOK Sport, which has since designed numerous NFL and MBA stadiums across the country.

Dolphin Stadium was the first in the NFL to be built entirely with private funds. The campaign to raise money was led by then-owner of the Miami Dolphins, Joe Robbie. The stadium was named for Robbie from 1987 until 1996 and then changed to its current moniker. It is believed, however, that the name of the stadium will change again around 2010, probably to the name of a corporate sponsor.

Though the stadium was originally built as home to the NFL Miami Dolphins, Robbie requested a wider playing field so that the facility could also accommodate soccer and the proposed MLB Florida franchise, which was yet to be named but would later be dubbed the Florida Marlins. The Marlins would play their first game at Dolphin Stadium in April 1993. Several millions of dollars was spent to upgrade the stadium during the two years before the team arrived in order to make it more suitable for baseball.

The stadium also plays host to the Miami Hurricanes, a collegiate football team belonging to the nearby University of Miami. The team used to play at the Orange Bowl but has played at Dolphin Stadium since the start of the 2008-2009 season.

Dolphin Stadium seats nearly 75,000 patrons for either football or soccer and 38,560 for baseball. Players play on natural grass and fans are entertained by the 50 foot- high by 140 foot-wide scoreboard, the largest in professional sports.

Plenty of premium seating is available within the stadium. The Club Level includes the Executive Suites and the prestigious Legends Suite. In addition, The Field Club, the newest premium seating option at Dolphin Stadium, includes front row seats, a private entrance, private lounge access, beverage service, private restrooms, and access to the Club Level. The Hall of Champions, a "mega-suite'', accommodates up to 150 guests.

The food and beverage service in The Club is quite extensive, and concession stands for those in the regular seats are also diverse, ranging from typical ballpark fare like hot dogs and pizza to local specialties such as Cuban sandwiches. A large merchandise store is also located inside the stadium and sells items pertaining to all the home teams.

When scheduling allows, Dolphin Stadium also plays host to other events, including the annual Orange Bowl, which was moved here after the demolition of Orange Bowl Stadium in 2008.