University of Miami Moves Football Field of Play
Aug. 21, 2007
CORAL GABLES, FL (www.hurricanesports.com)– The University of Miami announced today that the Hurricanes football team will move its home football games to Dolphin Stadium beginning with the 2008 football season. One of the most state-of-the-art stadiums in the country, the facility will provide student-athletes and fans with a first-class experience both on and off the field.
“This is a painful and sad decision. We all love the Orange Bowl, its history and traditions,” said University of Miami President Donna E. Shalala. “Mayor Diaz and the Commissioners of the City of Miami made an extraordinary effort to identify funds and design a renovation. But in the end it wasn’t enough.
Home of the Miami Dolphins, the FedEx Orange Bowl, and four Super Bowls, the stadium is a state-of-the-art facility that boasts all-chairback seats, new high-definition video boards, among the largest in collegiate and pro sports, four 103-inch plasma display boards including one of the world’s largest plasma TVs, over 1,600 television monitors throughout the stadium, and an all-new LED ribbon board. A $300 million renovation project, currently underway, will add 360,000 square feet of enclosed space to the facility, making Dolphin Stadium one of the premier facilities in the country.
Many traditions from the Orange Bowl will be moved to Dolphin Stadium including the team running on the field through the smoke tunnel, the Miami Ring of Honor, and “Touchdown Tommy,” the cannon fired each time the Hurricanes score.
“We are committed to providing the best facilities for our student-athletes and fans,” said UM Athletic Director Paul Dee. “The decision to move to Dolphin Stadium was made for that reason. Our student-athletes will be playing in one of the best facilities in the country and the `fan experience’ will be first-class.”
UM football officials expect the move to help improve recruiting. “Hurricanes football has a strong tradition of attracting top student-athletes. The move to the stadium and the superior facilities that it offers will greatly enhance our recruiting efforts,” said football head coach Randy Shannon.
“The issue launched a passionate debate amongst our students, and once UM students see the stadium the way it will be on a Hurricanes game day, students will embrace it and feel at home there,” said Danny Carvajal, President of Student Government. “Student Government is committed to ensuring the convenience and enjoyment for our student body, as the University has pledged to provide free transportation and enhance the overall game-day experience.”
The University of Miami will continue to offer competitive and consistent ticket pricing. Exact ticket and parking prices will be announced by January 2008. The Athletic Department has established a link on www.hurricanesports.com to answer specific questions of new or existing Hurricane Club and football season ticket holders, or they may email umfootball@miami.edu or call 1-800-GO-CANES.
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Photo renderings of game day are available at www.hurricanesports.com.
