The home of your Miami Dolphins? LandShark Stadium

Posted on May 8th, 2009. Written by Emmett Jones.

I heard a rumor once that nothing brings a team together like the renaming of a stadium (except for maybe new uniforms…with glitter!).  That being said, did you hear the news about Jimmy Buffett being in Miami today?

Dolphins owner Stephen M. Ross and Jimmy Buffett’s Margaritaville enterprise will join forces when Dolphin Stadium is renamed for the fifth time at a press conference/mini-concert Friday.

Buffett, the legendary singer-songwriter, author and entrepreneur, and Ross have been friends for years, so their teaming up is no surprise. It amounts to a marketing opportunity for Buffett, whose LandShark Lager will take center stage going forward as the stadium is renamed LandShark Stadium. The beer is brewed by Anheuser-Busch.

So, the Dolphins will be in LandShark stadium.  Has kind of a nice natural predator ring to it, doesn’t it?  Apparently, the re-naming deal will only last for a year, and is a strategic move by Ross to counter troubling economic times, according to Sarah Talalay,

So, why change the name even for a short time at the risk of further alienating fans? The venue was Joe Robbie Stadium when it opened in 1987, named for its original owner who put together the private financing plan to build it. In 1996, it became Pro Player Stadium — and remained that way years after the apparel company’s parent, Fruit of the Loom, filed for bankruptcy in 1999. It became Dolphins Stadium in 2005; the ‘s’ was dropped in 2006. Many fans still call it Joe Robbie; others like Dolphin Stadium for its connection to the team.

Dolphin Stadium officials weren’t commenting Friday, but what it seems LandShark is meant to do is aid in Ross’ plan to create an entertaining South Florida feel to the stadium. While we don’t know the financial terms of the deal, it’s expected Buffett will perform concerts at the venue with proceeds going to the stadium. A Margaritaville section or area of the stadium has also been contemplated.

Ah, it looks like Ross has been able to tap into those two things that are constant, even during a recession…An American’s love for alcohol and Jimmy Buffett.  Maybe he can even get some people to visit the stadium due to the football being played there?

The Daily Dolphin — Stephen Ross, Jimmy Buffett team up for stadium renaming

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