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(Ph)ins to the Left: more on LandShark Stadium
We’ll learn a lot more at Friday’s press conference that promises Dolphins owner Stephen M. Ross, Jimmy Buffett, “high profile sports personalities,” and a live music performance.
But the possibility of a short-term naming deal – perhaps a season – of LandShark Stadium is certainly intriguing and well, unusual. The name comes from LandShark Lager, the Anheuser-Busch-brewed beer that is produced in partnership with Buffett and his Margaritaville restaurant enterprise.
If you’re thinking it’s all about money, think again. Yes, it’s about some money, but not nearly the $10 million to $15 million that Dolphin Stadium officials would love to score for a new corporate name.
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.
There are reports Buffett has been approached about becoming a limited partner in the team, but this sounds more like a business deal. Perhaps Buffett will be called a limited partner as part of this arrangement, but it seems unlikely Buffett would spend the cash Ross has been seeking from potential investors. Ross is believed to have been asking $25 million for a 2.5 percent stake in the team.
Surely UM, which also wasn’t commenting Friday, must have paused when hearing about Ross’ plans for LandShark Stadium. After all, the school, which has tried to shed it’s Suntan U. image, was named the nation’s No. 1 party school by Playboy last month. Playing football in a stadium named for a beer couldn’t be high on the school’s things to do list, but apparently school officials have accepted it.
It’s likely this is a short-term deal so that Ross can infuse some South Florida lifestyle into the stadium experience while he waits for the economy to recover. Then, stadium officials can try peddling the name again.
Don’t be surprised if Buffett is song writing, perhaps a new version of Fins that honors the football team, rather than those hungry women-stalking male “landsharks”:
And just for kicks and since I’ve been receiving messages about that other “landshark,” enjoy this piece of SNL history:
via videosift.com
Comments
I'm glad it's going to be re-named Landshark Stadium. Jimmy Buffett is a great Florida singer and he spends most of his summers there and the name fits well with the location of the Dolphins Stadium.
Posted by: Louisiana Buffett fan | May 8, 2009 10:25 AM
I'm cool with it... it's all to enhance the gameday experience. BUT... LandShark is brewed in Jacksonville. I don't feel good about naming our home turf after something from the opponents city.
Posted by: Alex | May 5, 2009 12:43 PM
I rather have it university of miami stadium than landshark thats stupid
Posted by: mark | May 5, 2009 12:11 PM
who hates Jimmy Buffett?
I Do!!
This poser B.S. artist lives in Massachusetts to send his kids to their schools but sure as hell has made a lot of money singing about being Mr Florida. I hope he is eaten by a manatee.
Posted by: dman | May 5, 2009 8:31 AM
Adam S,
Proper respect hasn't been paid? It's not like the man built the stadium out of the goodness of his heart. He profited handsomely from it. Also he's dead, and I doubt he cares
Posted by: Anonymous | May 4, 2009 8:24 PM
How about Loanshark Stadium?
Posted by: Bob Greasy | May 4, 2009 7:04 PM
One angle on this topic that I would be interested in is finding out why proper respect has yet to be paid to Mr. Robbie for, you know, financing and building this stadium. Why not do something like LandShark Stadium at Joe Robbie Field? Has this even been considered or discussed? I think that would be an interesting question for those guys to answer...
Posted by: Adam S. | May 4, 2009 5:45 PM
With little access to I-95 there is will never be a on campus stadium at the U. The traffic is bad enough on US 1.
Posted by: thirstybuzzardcane | May 4, 2009 4:18 PM
How about a compromise? Call the place "Landshark Joe Robbie Memorial Stadium"?
Posted by: Painkiller Jeff | May 4, 2009 4:13 PM
Sarah, I just wanted to let you know that I am a daily reader of your articles. I love the relationship of sports and business. Keep them coming
Posted by: Brandon Holman | May 4, 2009 3:54 PM
Thank you as well - Ralphf. Really appreciate the kind words. Very weird about Jack Kemp - eerie almost. That story could get very interesting. Keep posting my blog - Thanks! Sarah
Posted by: Sarah Talalay | May 4, 2009 3:31 PM
If there are changes in attitude. Free Margaritavilles for everyone!
Posted by: Paul Anka | May 4, 2009 3:24 PM
It has always been Joe Robbie Stadium to me.
I will continue to call it Joe Robbie Stadium.
The Stadium deserves a respectable name, not one of underwear nor of beer.
Of course since Huzinga took over the team little has been respectable about The Dolphins, so ya, Portable Potty Inc. might be a good name. As long as Portable Potty Inc. has the CASH.
Joe Robbie made the stadium happen. He took responsibility for it. I doubt any Owner no-a-day will do that.
Posted by: Lingo | May 4, 2009 2:44 PM
Sarah,
I agree with Adam. You are one of the best at Sun-Sentinel. I always post your stuff on Facebook and Twitter. I prefer reading you, Ethan Skolnick and Tom Jicha online than reading the other stuff in paper. And dont let anyone say its just sports; your articles on Dolphins and Marlins cover sports politics and pop culture. Get us more scoop on the Panthers deal. Weird how the article had Jack Kemp and he died same day
Posted by: Ralphfurley | May 4, 2009 2:16 PM
If UM has a problem with this then guess what, they can get their own stadium. College teams should not play in pro stadiums anyhow. UF and FSU have their own stadiums, why not UM? The stadium is nowhere near the UM campus either. As far as this stadium/naming deal goes, UM should have no input or be a consideration at all.
Posted by: UMsucks | May 4, 2009 2:05 PM
Adam S., Thanks so much for the props - you've made my day. We have limited space in the paper these days, as you know. That's why I need all the readers I can get on the blog. And in the paper, of course. Let me know if there are subjects you'd like me to cover more or better. Thanks again for reading. Sarah
Posted by: Sarah Talalay | May 4, 2009 1:43 PM
MJZ - you are right that beck is a class act.
The thing you you missed is that Cameron is the one who messed him up. Cam should have never put him in the first year as he was not ready yet and to make it worse he put him in against two of the best defensive teams in the NFL that year. What a way to destroy his confidence.
I just hope this time cam does the right thing with Beck!
Posted by: Mad_Dog | May 4, 2009 1:43 PM
Sarah, you are easily one of the best and most consistent reporters the Sentinel has. I wish we could see more from you, though I do realize "sports business" is limited in the number of stories it potentially creates on a day-by-day basis.
Posted by: Adam S. | May 4, 2009 1:34 PM
Good for John Beck, he is a class act. He is with a guy in Cam that will give him a shot.
Posted by: MJZ | May 4, 2009 1:09 PM