Quotes from Former Players and Coaches on the move to Dolphin Stadium
“This is a real positive move. I understand there is some nostalgia at the Orange Bowl. But in the long run, there is a very big financial benefit to the university, and that’s important. The fan experience will be so much better at Dolphin Stadium. The nostalgia for the Orange Bowl will last as long as it takes fans to get out of their cars in the parking lot, and then they sit in those nice seats and go to the concession stands and see that wonderful venue. Once that happens, the nostalgia will be history.”
— Jimmy Johnson
“Yes, we will miss the Orange Bowl. Tradition means that we had great success there. But we can’t live in yesterday’s success. We have to move forward to tomorrow’s success. The truth of the matter is, it’s business. If we want to continue to see the University of Miami do well and be able to compete, there’s a business side to it. Yes, I love the Orange Bowl, but we need the suites and we need to make money so we can continue to bring in the best professionals to teach the student-athletes not only to prepare them on the football field but to prepare them for life. It’s about a lot more than just football.”
— Michael Irvin
“When I played, we lost only five games from 1986 through 1990 and we never lost in the Orange Bowl, so I have fond memories of the Orange Bowl. It’s a shame that more money could not be raised to keep the Canes there. I live in Dallas now, and it’s the same thing with the Cotton Bowl – who wants to renovate an old stadium? You have to do what you have to do. Dolphin Stadium has great turf. It’s an awesome stadium. UM has to do what’s best for the kids.”
— Russell Maryland
“I played in both stadiums. As a player, the Orange Bowl is awesome when that place gets rocking. As a fan, obviously the Orange Bowl leaves a lot to be desired – everything about it. It’s an old building. It doesn’t have video replays and TVs like most college stadiums have now. But in time they can get the same energy at Dolphin Stadium.”
— Gino Torretta
“I hate to see us leave the Orange Bowl. But, when it comes down to it, a game has to be played and we have to go to Dolphin Stadium. All you’re going to get is a different kind of atmosphere. It’s a pro stadium. We have to go to Dolphin Stadium and make it our home, and the only way to make it our home is by kicking the behinds of the first team we play. Let them know this is our new home. Make sure they know it.”
— Santana Moss
