Joe Robbie Stadium The $115 million, state-of-the-art, open-air football facility was the first of its kind to be constructed entirely with private funds.
On August 26, 1996, Pro Player, the sports apparel brand of Fruit of the Loom, sponsored the renaming of Joe Robbie Stadium as Pro Player Stadium. The name was changed from Pro Player Stadium to Dolphin Stadium on January 09, 2005.
Plans for the stadium were first announced on March 5, 1984. The clearing for the stadium site began on July 22, 1985, and groundbreaking ceremonies were held on December 1, 1985.
Financing for Dolphin Stadium was based largely upon the licensing of executive suites and club seats on a 10-year basis. Executive suites range in price from $30,000-$90,000 per year. Club seats cost between $800-$1,800 per year on a 10-year license.
On March 7, 1990, H. Wayne Huizenga agreed to purchase 50 percent of Joe Robbie Stadium, enabling him to begin his pursuit of a Major League baseball franchise. On January 24, 1994, Huizenga acquired the remaining 50 percent of the stadium to give him 100% ownership.
The first football game was played on August 16, 1987, when the Dolphin hosted the Chicago Bears in a preseason contest. The Baltimore Orioles and Los Angeles Dodgers battled on March 11, 1988, marking the first-ever baseball game played at the stadium.
Attendance Issues At the end of the 2007 season, the Marlins were not in the playoff picture. More than ever, it is a struggle for this Marlins team to draw fans. During the Sept. 12, 2007 game against the Washington Nationals only 375 people attended the game. Matchups between two non-contending teams are sure to draw yawns. The Marlins, once again, finished with one of the lowest attendance rate in the National League.
If you look closely at the photo on the left, there is a baseball game going on, although you would not think so by the amount of fans in the stadium.
