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Photo: LandShark Stadium

marlinslandshark2.jpgSharp-eyed colleague Ted Hutton, who was covering Thursday’s Marlins-Atlanta Braves game, looked up about an hour after the game ended and saw the Dolphin Stadium scoreboard outfitted with the LandShark Stadium logo. He snapped this photo quickly – when he looked up again, the image was gone. In anticipation of Friday’s press conference in which Jimmy Buffett and Dolphins owner Stephen Ross are to announce a business deal that is to include the branding of the Dolphins’ home as LandShark Stadium for one season, enjoy.

POSTED IN: Dolphin Stadium (23), Miami Dolphins (77), Sponsorship (43)

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i had apply for event staff position as well as security officer and no one has contacted me back . I'm interested in any open position you have available. thank you! contact me at 754- 423-0588

i had apply for event staff position as well as security officer and know one has contacted me back . I'm interested in any open position you have available. thank you! contact me at 754- 423-0588

I think it is the perfect name, considering some of you think we are the worst fans in the country, there are people who do show up for every game no matter what the record is, who the team is playing,Jimmy Buffett is the best, and it couldn't be a better partnership!!!

Buffett sold out long ago. Have you ever seen a beer that nobody drinks get so much publicity???

@ VUDU: what are you supposed to drink at football games, some fruity microbrew? And I resent being called an "alcohlic" whatever that is... FinsUp biatch!

Where do the questions (puzzlement) start? Will the top of their helmets sport little fins? Will the defense wear faux shark teeth? Will the uniforms look like Hawaiian shirts? Does the NFL Commissioner's Office have to sign off? Is there a 'Decorum' clause in the ownership agreement? Does the sponsorship investment surpass what it will cost to bedeck the stadium in all the logo and signage? Most importantly, who's advising these people...?

Do you think it will be possible to keep this name for awhile? Seriously, five names since '87? Joe Robbie is probably rolling in his grave.

I think you should be happy the naming right didnt go to a company with a less appealing name, at least for Miami, Landshark is somewhat fitting. You could have been saddled with a lot worse, look at some of the names mentioned and think of the possibilities.

I will always call it Joe Robbie Stadium or just simpy "The Joe". At least this deal doesn't involve bailout money like CitiField does.

Unbelievable. That name SUCKS!!!! Next thing they will rename is the Miami Dolphins to the Miami Sharks. Fins & Sharks. NOT!!!!! LEAVE IT AS IT IS. ROSS IS AN IDIOT

it hasn't been Joe Robbie for years you morons.

Buffett is playing a live show right now for the corporate people during the announcement.

You can listen live at www.radiomargaritaville.com

What a joke! This is another example of a NERD who never played sports when he was a kid, buying a team and selling out to a low rent product! Show me one person who drinks Landshark Beer and I'll show you an alcohlic or a Parrot Head

Why not keep Joe Robbie in mind and call it LANDSHARK at JOE ROBBIE, so ThAT EVERYBODY IS HAPPY.
I wOULD BE......

Why not keep Joe Robbie in mind and call it LANDSHARK at JOE ROBBIE, so ThAT EVERYBODY IS HAPPY.
I wOULD BE......

And to those who think the Dolphins can't or won't win a Super Bowl until it's changed back to Joe Robbie Stadium. Remember one thing. The Dolphins never won Super Bowl in Joe Robbie Stadium. They won their Super Bowl in the Orange Bowl.

Let's look at the names for some other NFL stadiums:
FedExField
INVESCO Field
Bank of America
Qualcomm Stadium
M&T Bank Stadium Reliant Stadium
LP Field
Gillette Stadium Lincoln Financial Field
Qwest Field
Edward Jones Dome Raymond James Stadium Heinz Field
Ford Field
Lucas Oil Stadium

People, the NFL is a business! Get over it...

I think it's perfect for the Dolphins and Marlins. In the words of Jimmy Buffet. Fins to the left, fins to the right...

Wow! Are you all really that upset over the name of a stadium?

People just don't like change of any sort. Whenever something like this happens, there's always an uproar. Not just with stadium names, but with anything. Like if a popular website is redesigned, people will throw fits at first until they get used to it.

People just don't like it when something they like is changed.

But it hasn't been Joe Robbie Stadium for 13 years. It has had multiple names since.

Being born and raised in South Florida, it will probably always be JRS to me, too. I sometimes have a slip of the tongue and call it that.

But really, this is all so INSIGNIFICANT. If you truly think the name of the stadium has any effect on the team or the fans or anything, you're crazy.

As for the stadium or the Dolphins being cursed until the name is changed back to JRS, are you serious? They haven't won a Superbowl in my lifetime! Since '73 -- 14 years BEFORE they played in the completed stadium.

Get some freaking perspective, would you?!

Miami Dolphins football, Jimmy Buffett, Landshark Beer! Perfect Marriage!!! Its fun - Its S. Florida!
This is the vibe here in Miami - the capital city of the Caribbean. Football purists get over it - you take yourselves and this game too seriously. FINS TO THE LEFT!!!!

Are you people kidding me? This guy arguably does more for your tourism dollar than any other person, and you are going to P and M over him buying the naming rights to a stadium? I have been a life long Dolphins fan, grew up in Miami, been taking the heat in New England, still being faithful to the Phins, and I love it. Get over it! It could have been Summer Breeze Stadium!!

Not winning another super bowl until the stadium name is changed back to Joe Robbie.. If that's the case the name should be The Orange Bowl because that's the last Super Bowl we won. Pro sports is all about the all might dollar, which no concerns about traditions, legacies, or the fans. What ever the owners can do to get more money so they can over pay all of the players (which 95% or more) are just doing it for the money and not the love of the game.

...Just another reason to NOT ever go there!!

Not a big Joe Robbie fan, but that's his stadium. Ironically, a name as bad as the one proposed only galvanizes JRS.

I think the "EMPANADA BOWL" or "FAJITA FIELD" would be much more appropriate for South Florida!!!

And what do you all care what the Stadium Name is anyways, because no matter what they name the stadium for the Dolphins, Marlins or Panthers south florida sports fans will not show up because they are the worst fans in the country!

Absolutely Doc, I've heard the new Marlins Stadium name will be Candygram.

I think the "EMPANADA BOWL" or "FAJITA FIELD" would be much more appropriate for South Florida!!!

And what do you all care what the Stadium Name is anyways, because no matter what they name the stadium for the Dolphins, Marlins or Panthers south florida sports fans will not show up because they are the worst fans in the country!

Anyone who wants a stadium named after an obscure beer brand, at whatever price Budweiser offered, is not educated. Jimmy buffet had a long relationship with the corona brand and for a little more money, he switched to Budweiser and their pathetic attempt to knock-off corona with the Landshark brand!
What a sad day for the south Florida people to be subject to these ridiculous names...this stadium will always be Joe Robbie Stadium to the rel fans!!

Sorry guys,but to me it always has and always will be..Joe Robbie Stadium !!!!!!

I'm a ParrotHead AND a Dolphin Fan from WAY back - I think it's a GREAT marriage and a super name!

I LOVE IT!

Is it just me or does anyone remember the old Saturday Night skit with Dan Akroyd pretending to be a delivery person and saying "Landshark"! It was funny then but a travesty now to name a stadium with such and absurd name and logo. UCH!

Sarah,
I'm going to make a post about this on my Dolphins blog, The Phish Tank. I will give full credit to both Ted Hutton and yourself for the picture and heads-up. If there is any concern about using it, please notify me by e-mail so we can discuss what I would and wouldn't be allowed to do. I'll post a link here so you can easily see what I posted.

That looks so freaking ugly.'

Joe Robbie built that place and they spend so much time trying to bury and hide his name but he is one of the giants of sports in this town and lame Wayne Huizenga is not.

What was the name of the football team in that movie, "Any Given Sunday?"

The stadium will always be a huge part of Joe Robbie's legacy and that name means about as much to me as that movie.

This has to be the craziest name I have ever heard. It's pointless. The logo is terrible. The name... why does it remind me of loan shark... some body who'll loan ya some money and break legs if u dont pay it back in time.

Posted by: Danny | May 8, 2009 12:08 AM
=========================================
If only there where more lender sliek the ones you describe. Perhaps this country wouldnt be in the mess its in?

This has to be the craziest name I have ever heard. It's pointless. The logo is terrible. The name... why does it remind me of loan shark... some body who'll loan ya some money and break legs if u dont pay it back in time.

Hello... it is another brilliant move by Jimmy B. He is investing quite a few dollars, I imagine for the one year deal.. but he knows that Pro Bowl and Superbowl will provide ten-fold the amount brand impressions. I like the business move.. and me too it will always be called Joe Robbie.. another bold business man.


The only question is how much money those who own naming rights will get.

$$ rules. What I think is insignificant. What you think is insignificant.

Just listen to the FANS!!! We want it to be Joe Robbie Stadium! Landshark is "catchy" but we arent sharks! We are Dolphins and proud of it. Dont change the stadium to Landshark because that leads to team name changes. It Ross was smart he would keep the name or change it to JRS and break the curse and remember the man who built the stadium!

Like I said before. The Dolphins will never win a super bowl again, until the stadium goes back to being called Joe Robbie stadium again.

Like I said before. The Dolphins will never win a super bowl again, until the stadium goes back to being called Joe Robbie stadium again.

Like I said before. The Dolphins will never win a super bowl again, until the stadium goes back to being called Joe Robbie stadium again.

You are all missing it... LandShark is the name brand of beer made in Jacksonville and the logo is a fin.

You are all missing it... LandShark is the name brand of beer made in Jacksonville and the logo is a fin.

actually, sharks are not fish, they are cartiligenous, however, a "landshark" ma be a hybrid

Pretty stupid name, especially since the stadium houses Dolphins. And yet, there are plenty of worse names all around the league. And others whose names rotate faster than their head coaches.

It may be out of vogue in these greedy times, but I agree the stadium should be named "Joe Robbie Stadium", or "Joe Robbie Memorial Stadium".

Pretty stupid name, especially since the stadium houses Dolphins. And yet, there are plenty of worse names all around the league. And others whose names rotate faster than their head coaches.

It may be out of vogue in these greedy times, but I agree the stadium should be named either "Joe Robbie Stadium", "Joe Robbie Memorial Stadium", or simply "Dolphin Stadium".

What would be better is to change the name of the team to Landsharks and get rid of that sissy "Dolphin" name and the goofey colors.
its about image also and thats why the Steelers are so great.

LandShark Stadium is a edgy and hardnosed stadium name for a football team. I respect the Joe Robbie story but this name fits the Dolphins new ragime. It symbolizes the hardnosed football that I wanted to see from the dolphins for years. Welcome to LandShark baby!!!

A stadium by any other name will still be the house Joe Robbie built.

They can name it Stanley if they want to, so long as it houses a championship team.

However, it'd be nice if the 'permanent' name was Joe Robbie Memorial Stadium, with whatever naming rights went with it, such as "Landshark Joe Robbie Memorial Stadium", or "Corona Joe Robbie Memorial Stadium" and such. But business is business!

Stop crying. No taxpayer money went into the stadium and they have a right to make money. Since most of you crying don't go to games anyway, the stadium could be called weakest fan support in 3 sports, NFL, baseball and UM football.

bad spelling....its been a long day....."JOE ROBBBIE STADIUM"

Wouldn't it be great if this is all a hoax and there is a deal with Buff but Rose is actually intelligent enough to know what the community - which is altimately going to be paying - really wants and is going to reveal tomorrow or when ever it is that he is really going to re-name it JRS....THat wiould be awsome......too bad that's probably not the case though.

It will always be JRS, but I can NOT think of a better sponsor than LandShark and Jimmy Buffet. Very FL, very attractive to tourist. Now where is my beer. Damn, just blew out my flip flop.

Hate it!

Dolphin stadium was perfect for the identity of the team.

LandShark?

Lorne Michaels, John Belushi, Dan Aykroyd and Chevy Chase (when he was somewhat funny) would be proud of this proposed name.

Of course it is totally irrelevant to the Dolphins.

As a Dolphin fan since 1971 - it will always be Joe Robbie to me. The media types have to call it whatever the name of the month is (i.e. Pro Player, Dolphin, etc.) But for us true, old and loyal fans it can only be Joe Robbie - that man built that stadium without public funds and took a big gamble. If he had only taken the time to get his will done correctly it would still be Joe Robbie!

Fins to the left...fins to the right...guess what song will be playing at LandShark tonight...

You people have to be kidding me.... it matters that the dolphin is a mammal? You're missing the point. Yes it will be Joe Robbie to me and all of my friends forever BUT the name of the stadium MUST be catchy.... and LAND SHARK sounds macho and sharp. As I do the FIN motion in the stands next game I will look up and smile at the land shark logo.... The only point I can agree with is PLEASE let this stick more than just a few years. Nobody even remembers UNDERWEAR stadium.

Its a stupid name and if its only for one year its even stupider. I understand making money by selling the naming rights. But its not going to make anything cheaper for the average fan. But in the end Ross owns the stadium and can call it Poopy Park if he wants. Either way it will be cursed until they change the name back to Joe Robbie.

I am a So Fla Native of 40 years. This "new name" is horrible! How stupid will it be to call it that when Dolphin season begins.... we`ll be the laughing stock of the NFL.Not sure where this came from but if its from Steven Ross, he needs to think of a diffent way to"market" the phins .... Landshark is sooo bad .....

Naming rights keeps costs to us down, including ticket prices. As long as the Fins are competitive every year, the can call it H. Wayne Stadium.

Naming rights keeps costs to us down, including ticket prices. As long as the Fins are competitive every year, the can call it H. Wayne Stadium.

To any true Dolphin fan, it will always be Joe Robbie Stadium. He build it with his own money nearly bankrupting his family. Joe deserves better.

Anyone else remember back in '87 or so when Joe Robbie announced he was naming the stadium after himself and there was outrage? Reckon that some of the people demanding then that it be called Dolphin Stadium are now enraged that it's not going to be called Joe Robbie Stadium?

Why cant they just leave the name alone.. The stadium should be in honor of the man who was responsible for the stadium that was built in the first place for the Dolphins....

They should call it Joe Robbie Stadium, Show some respect. Dolphins are mammals and the stadium is now the name of a fish. Senseless!!

They should call it Joe Robbie Stadium, Show some respect. Dolphins are mammals and the stadium is now the name of a fish. Senseless!!

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About the Author

SARAH TALALAY
After a decade as a news reporter in New Jersey, Southern California, Chicago and South Broward, Talalay decided to trade in covering meetings about city government and schools for meetings about sports deals and stadium finance...
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