The Dolphins visited The Herald offices Friday as part of a tri-county tour of the newspapers serving the region the team claims as its own.
During the meeting with Herald reporters club president Mike Dee, general manager Jeff Ireland and coach Joe Philbin discussed as openly as they felt comfortable issues of interest. The football aspect of the meeting is covered in this story that discusses, among other things, Miami's plan to use both the 3-4 and 4-3 scheme on defense in 2012, according to Philbin.
On non-football matters, Dee took the questions and discussed a coming Super Bowl bid by South Florida, stadium improvements, and other matters. And in discussing the need for stadium improvements, he mentioned the possibility that capacity at Sun Life Stadium needs to be adjusted.
The reason for that is, well, the Dolphins think the place is too big.
"We have the furthest distance from the sidelines with our lower bowl in the NFL," Dee said. "We have the fewest number of seats in that lower seating level between the 20 yard lines, between the goal lines, in the NFL. Not just the facilities that compete for Super Bowls. We've got to fix that ...
"At the same time, we may look to amend capacity in areas where we may have too much. Right now, we have the largest upper deck in the NFL -- 35,000 seats. The next facility in line is 27,000. The Redskins took 10,000 seats out of their upper deck this past year. We're looking at all those things to retrofit the stadium to today's standards."
That creates something of a problem for the Dolphins. And here it is:
The best way, the right way, to fix the capacity issues Dee mentions is through construction and refurbishing Sun Life Stadium. There's nothing like taking seats out of the upper deck that is too big. There's nothing like adding seats in the lower bowl that is not big enough. That is the optimal approach.
But that costs money. And neither the legislature, nor local politicians are volunteering to pay for that. The public would likely vote down a ballot measure for such expenditure. And owner Stephen Ross is in no hurry to spend the multiple millions of dollars it would cost to do the project.
So the reconstruction idea doesn't seem workable.
What's next?
Well, I don't know how the Dolphins would add seats in the lower level without actually adding seats physically, but they can definitely adjust the numbers of seats in the upper deck without actually touching the place. They can simply ask the NFL to consider certain seats basically invisible. The Dolphins can just lower capacity by giving the NFL a new capacity number and then not selling, say 10,000 seats in the upper deck, for at least one season.
Other teams -- Jacksonville for example -- have done it. Unable to fill an extreme number of seats, the Jaguars just threw a tarp over whole sections of seating. The Hurricanes do it at Sun Life for their home games. The Miami Heat did it for a couple of years before LeBron James and Chris Bosh joined Dwyane Wade on the roster and seating demand skyrocketted.
The Dolphins can simply pick out a section of seats and cover the area. Or they can just black out certain seats or sections from being sold and those would simply be empty on game day.
All of this, by the way, affects you -- the ticket buying customer.
You see, as the Dolphins figure a way to attack this problem, the capacity of the stadium hangs in the balance. If the club is successful in lowering that capacity, either through construction, putting a tarp over sections of seats, or simply blacking out seats electronically, then achieving a sellout becomes easier.
Games are on TV!
You get to watch!
If the Dolphins don't find a way to lower capacity, and the tickets go unsold, the club would have to make a decision whether to rescue local TV-watching fans -- as it did multiple times in 2011 -- by purchasing its own tickets.
I have news for you: The club really doesn't love purchasing its own tickets. No business wants to buy its own product. It is not profitable. And that might lead to a decision not to purchase the unsold tickets. And that means ... no games on TV!
Your Sunday is ruined :(
So the looming decision on how the Dolphins address their stadium capacity issue, particularly in the upper deck, is a big deal to folks who watch the games on TV -- which happens to be a majority of fans. If capacity isn't decreased or ticket sales boom, the club may decide purchasing its own tickets is not a practice it wants to continue.
Blackouts ensue. Not good.
(Oh, one way to solve this without changing capacity? Sign Peyton Manning. Not advocating. Just stating logic.)
Sr. Get Real is firm man and that is sexy man!
Posted by: Pepe Verga "El Cu-lo" | January 28, 2012 at 04:05 PM
dave--
I used to go to practices a lot as well. When lightning got bad or it was raining too hard they would simply cancel the rest of practice (or not have one at all).
I'm not sure where people got this notion that the Dolphins were practicing under any weather conditions. That simply isn't true at all. Nor is it true they use the current bubble to escape the heat. They practice outside WAY more than insode. It's almost always used because of rain and lightning.
How, exactly, would the Dolphins CANCELING practice (as they did for years) rather than moving it indoors be an edge? Someone will have to explain that one to me.
Posted by: Get Real | January 28, 2012 at 04:08 PM
Get real, You made some really good points and actually changed my opinion. I also remember practices being cancelled because of the weather. I had forgotten that's how it used to be.
Posted by: pompano ted | January 28, 2012 at 04:54 PM
Hey Mando, heard from a friend that he saw Marino and Peyton Manning at Joes Stone crabs last night. You think the phins will be offering him a contract already.
Posted by: d-dense | January 28, 2012 at 04:58 PM
Actually, Sundays would be better if the crappy Dolphins were blacked out. They shouldnt put that garbage on public tv.
Posted by: FED UP | January 28, 2012 at 05:18 PM
Can someone tell me why Ireland hasnt been fired?
Posted by: Jenny | January 28, 2012 at 05:20 PM
I'm not sure where people got this notion that the Dolphins were practicing under any weather conditions.
How, exactly, would the Dolphins CANCELING practice (as they did for years) rather than moving it indoors be an edge? Someone will have to explain that one to me.
Posted by: Get Real | January 28, 2012 at 04:08 PM
Dude, this about the 5th supposition that you posited and attempted to tribute to others.
In case these words are too complicated for you, allow me:
You making up crap, just to be able to argue with yourself-ROTFLMAO!
Get REAL INDEED!
Thanks for the laughs though, it is pretty funny.
Posted by: odinseye | January 28, 2012 at 05:40 PM
Dear Mr. Salguero
"Dolphins concerned about capacity at Sun Life Stadium"
I'm just gonna throw this out there, the oldlady myself and my 2 dogs...Bosco and Buddy are looking for a new place to stay.
After being evicted from our last place of residense we were thinking of a warmer climate.
With Mr. Ross having problems filling out Joe Robbie Stadium and the Mrs. and myself looking for a place to stay were are dogs have plenty of room to run free, this could be a win win situation for all parties involved.
Also mention to Mr. Ross we promise to clean any yard bombs my dogs would leave prior to game day.
Forword thinking
Soiled :)
P.S....I think the Dolphins should draft Casey Keenum....sports talk
Posted by: SoiledBottom | January 28, 2012 at 05:58 PM
Soiled don't be surprised if Ryan Tannehill out of A&M gets some serious consideration given the "Sherman" connection.
Posted by: Tim in Tampa | January 28, 2012 at 06:10 PM
03/13/2012 (I think) and 04/26/2012 can't come quickly enough!!
I needs me a Dolphins fix!
Posted by: Tim in Tampa | January 28, 2012 at 06:13 PM
Dear Mr. Tim in Tampa
What part of Tampa do you live ?
I used to live off Hillsbourough ave and Dale Mabry....near Leto H.S. .....Elm st to be exact.
Soiled :)
Posted by: SoiledBottom | January 28, 2012 at 06:16 PM
Dear Mr. Soiled
Fowler Avenue near Bruce B. Downs.
It's across the street from "Suit Case City."
Yeah I lay low - very high crime area.
I will move when my lease expires.
Why did you leave the City of Tampa?
Posted by: Tim in Tampa | January 28, 2012 at 06:23 PM
Dear Mr. Bottoms,
I'm very sorry to hear of your recent circumstances.
If things don't work out with you the Mrs. and Mr. Ross, I have an oppurtunity that just might be right up your alley.
Are you familiar with the word "Indentured" at all?
It involves a fair amount of "Share Cropping", "Harvesting" and of course, quite a bit of "Deliveries" too.
Not to mention a very "Private" residence out in the back 40. Plenty of room for Bosco and Buddy to roam(Are they guard dogs by chance?).
I know Mr. ALoco doesn't think much of us Farmers, but I think he's just a bit uptight.
It's hard work for sure. But after all, there's nothing quite like Kicking Back and enjoying a Hard Days NIGHT!
Posted by: odinseye | January 28, 2012 at 06:26 PM
Hey Tim,
Is that anywhere near the towers in Ponce Deleon?
Yeah, hanging out with my Boys back in the day brings back fond memories.
Scarier than shyt, but "Fond" memories nonetheless.
Posted by: odinseye | January 28, 2012 at 06:31 PM
Dear Mr. Tim in Tampa
"Why did you leave the City of Tampa?"
I moved from Tampa to North Carolina in 1991 after helping my brother move to the Carolina's.
If I had stayed in Tampa I would have ended up dead from some form of O.D.
Needed a fresh start to get my life together.
Moving to the Carolina's helped get clean and focused on more importent things in life.
Truthfully
Soiled :)
P.S.....Yeah I know I talk alot of crap on this blog...with age comes wisdom...or so they say
Posted by: SoiledBottom | January 28, 2012 at 06:33 PM
Tampa is a great place, Bern's Steakhouse being the best and Ybor City second. Been there many times. How are my favorite Dolphin fans doing with the current decisions made by the team?
Posted by: redsky | January 28, 2012 at 06:37 PM
odinseye
Eh-you got me on that one.
There a Ponce De Leon in St. Petersburg.
Is that be what you mean?
Lots of gang activity over that way.
Posted by: Tim in Tampa | January 28, 2012 at 06:39 PM
If I had stayed in Tampa I would have ended up dead from some form of O.D.
Posted by: SoiledBottom | January 28, 2012 at 06:33 PM
No kidding? You too Huh?
Yeah, that why I left Tampa too.
And Chicago.........the Bronx and Harlem...........Detroit.........Cleveland...........Hollywood...........Memphis and Nashville...........(I'm sure there were more, but you get the picture)
BTW, who said "With age comes Wisdom"?
Posted by: odinseye | January 28, 2012 at 06:42 PM
Ah Mr. Soiled...
You just jogged my memory...from posts gone by...last year that is.
Weed is your drug of choice...or used to be.
Nothing wrong with a little weed that doesn't go quadruple for alcohol :-D
Posted by: Tim in Tampa | January 28, 2012 at 06:43 PM
Dear Mr. Redsky
After my first motorcycle accident and was well enough to walk...and got my insurence check I took my friends to eat at Berns Steakhouse.....fond memories and always there was the Gasparilla pirate festival.
Soiled :)
Posted by: SoiledBottom | January 28, 2012 at 06:43 PM
odinseye
Eh-you got me on that one.
There a Ponce De Leon in St. Petersburg.
Is that be what you mean?
Lots of gang activity over that way.
Posted by: Tim in Tampa | January 28, 2012 at 06:39 PM
It could be Tim. It was years ago and we use to go there to get "Supplies" for the Band.
I always thought it was Tampa, but most of the time I didn't know where I was anyways.
Life on the Road......................
Posted by: odinseye | January 28, 2012 at 06:45 PM
Dear Mr. Soiled Bottoms
Gasparilla was today!!!!
Posted by: Tim in Tampa | January 28, 2012 at 06:49 PM
Dear Mr. Tim in Tampa
Currently with certain health issues I have I am getting my health care from the Veterans Hospital.
After some lab work was done I got popped with THC in my system....big no no with a Veterans Hospital...so all my medical herbs have been put on hold.....(shakes fist at government)
Small sacrifice for the best care in the world I am currently getting....and they always thank you for your service to our country.
Soiled :)
Posted by: SoiledBottom | January 28, 2012 at 06:50 PM
Shoot - gotta be at work at 4AM.
Better than living under a bridge I guess.
Gonna slam one more beer then good night.
Take care fellas.
Awww Right Miami!!
Posted by: Tim in Tampa | January 28, 2012 at 06:54 PM
What the heck is a Gaspirilla?
Posted by: odinseye | January 28, 2012 at 06:59 PM
Dear Mr. Odinseye
"What the heck is a Gaspirilla?"
Go to this site
"http://gasparillapiratefest.com/index_event.shtml"
As a viking you would enjoy this festival.
Soiled :)
Posted by: SoiledBottom | January 28, 2012 at 07:05 PM
Man these weeks are going by quickly.
Alright yo.
Saturday. Again. Drinking night.
Evan Williams 83 proof 750ml.
The whole thing.
Posted by: PriceMaster | January 28, 2012 at 07:30 PM
USMC 1980 - 1983
Posted by: PriceMaster | January 28, 2012 at 07:32 PM
Our seats are too far from the field. Just think what an advantage it would be if the seats were on top of the field
Posted by: T | January 28, 2012 at 07:34 PM
Dear Mr. PriceMaster
"USMC 1980 - 1983"
Coast Guard 1979-1983
Navy people called us Puddle pirates.
We would respond by saying we would take care of the wifes while they were on there 6 month deployments.
Soiled :)
Posted by: SoiledBottom | January 28, 2012 at 07:41 PM
1st rd Luke Kuechly ILB/ Quinton Coples DE
2nd rd Stephen Gilmore CB/ Vinny Curry DE
3rd rd Kirk Cousins QB/ Brandon Weeden QB
4th rd Matt Reynolds OT/ Tommy Streeter WR
5th rd Olivier Vernon DE/ Emmanuel Acho LB
6th rd Jordan White WR/ Marvin Jones WR
7th rd Mitchell Schwartz OT/ Levy Adcock OT
Posted by: beerphin | January 28, 2012 at 08:16 PM
PFT Reports: Decision on Peyton Manning’s future made “weeks ago”.
Boy I tell you.. There is no loyalty from this Irsay guy. Here his home is built on the success of Manning and two super bowls, playoffs in the last 10 + years and this drunk owner is what he is.
To me, he's a drunken skunk and the Colts are his hobby.
Just one mans point of view on this.
NOTE: I STILL am not convinced that Andrew Luck will WANT TO be a Colt with him watching Manning's treatment from Irsay... He if picked can demand to be traded.
The icing on the Drunken Irsay cake would be that he has the upcoming expected UGLY divorce from Patten and they pick Andrew Luck and Andrew tells Irsay to go F himself, he's not going to play.
Posted by: NY "G" | January 28, 2012 at 08:26 PM
Beerphin, Good list.
I'll say it again.
It covers who we are losing in free agency with the exception of TE but maybe that can be our big pickup in FA(Jermichael Finley)
Posted by: PriceMaster | January 28, 2012 at 08:28 PM
Finley would be nice addition for sure. I like Fasano so if there isn't an upgrade than I don't see the point wasting a draft pick on one unless you absolutely love the guy
Posted by: beerphin | January 28, 2012 at 08:36 PM
Kirk Cousins had the best Senior Bowl and if he falls to the third I think he'd be a future starting QB
Posted by: beerphin | January 28, 2012 at 08:38 PM
Brock Osweiler would be great in the 3rd also but most likely a 2nd rd pick
Posted by: beerphin | January 28, 2012 at 08:41 PM
WHAT?
No Senior Bowl talk?
If it wasn't for Henne being such a dissappointment, I'd be blaabing on and on about Kirk Cousins from the HATED Spartans!
I guess I'm J-J-Jaded!
Posted by: odinseye | January 28, 2012 at 08:41 PM
can anyone name who we currently have that can be called a PLAY MAKER???
About the only one worthy of that title would be the FG kicker.
This team needs PLAYMAKERS. This team needs many things to be shored up.
We can have an instant PLAYMAKER if we aggressively if needed, move Up and pick WR Justin Blackmon.
It wont matter who the QB is throwing the ball his way as he brings them in.. especially the ones that you would call unmatchable, he will catch them.
http://youtu.be/_97kBZqj270
Why waste pick on unknown. We walk away from this draft with a PLAYMAKER. No Acorns, No value crap. PLAYMAKER. This kid is the best WR that i ever seen come OUT of the ranks in the longest time.
Just look at all the PLAYMAKERS the G-Men have. Cruz for one.
We take Blackmon, get a QB in FA and shore up the O line and D line and we make the playoffs.
Posted by: NY "G" | January 28, 2012 at 08:42 PM
I'd trade up for RGIII, Justin Blackmon and Trent Richardson
Posted by: beerphin | January 28, 2012 at 08:48 PM
RGIII may be too much if Cleveland and Washington get in the mix hard so there is a line they shouldn't cross
Posted by: beerphin | January 28, 2012 at 08:49 PM
NY G,
Agreed on needing playmakers.
The sad part is, we still need some core foundation type players as well.
Carey and Colombo need to be replaced and if we go to a 4-3 we need at least another Linebacker.
Ireland will have to pull a rabbit out of his hat to shore up the core AND add some playmakers.
Here's to hoping Philbin is a huge positive influence.
Bottom's Up!!!!
Posted by: odinseye | January 28, 2012 at 08:53 PM
Luke Kuechly is the best linebacker in the draft IMO
Posted by: beerphin | January 28, 2012 at 08:57 PM
Dansby plays better outside linebacker in a 4-3 better and Burnett i'm sure can as well
Posted by: beerphin | January 28, 2012 at 08:58 PM
odinseye,
I have to support and give Philbin and his staff an opportunity which is only fair so unless he totally screws things up, I will go with the flow.
As far as Jeff THE SCOUT Ireland goes.. I wouldn't trust him to pour me a draft beer.
As you say... Here's to hoping Philbin IS a huge influence.
Posted by: NY "G" | January 28, 2012 at 08:59 PM
NYG
Loyalty does not exist in big business. We are not talking about Peyton Manning anymore. We are talking about 'Peyton Bad Neck Manning' who can't seem to heal. No owner in their right mind is going to give such a player a 28 million dollar bonus. The fact that Irsay has brought in a whole new coaching staff tells you he is starting from ground up, and here comes Luck. Not even a Peyton Manning would get that team to a SB in the next two years, which is all Peyton has left, so why waste time and money?
Irsay has made Peyton a multi-millionaire and owes him nothing.
Posted by: DevilsAdvocate | January 28, 2012 at 09:11 PM
honest question guys:
what the F&*@# has Mike Dee EVER accomplished for this franchise?
That's what I thought.
Posted by: Jamison | January 28, 2012 at 09:12 PM
Beerphin,
Are you saying we should take Luke Kuechley?
Most I think have him as a top 5 to 10 pick.
As far as Linebackers go, he's not a tackling machine. He's a Tackling Psycho!
Ok.............I guess he IS a Tackling Maching........just trying to add some emphasis.
Posted by: odinseye | January 28, 2012 at 09:13 PM
Beerphin...cousins is awful, he will not make it in the nfl. Tommy streeter will be by second if not late first. Youre not gving us any playmakers. Not. Good. Enough. And our secondary is still awful.
Posted by: inimounts | January 28, 2012 at 09:13 PM
Really, we don't even know if Peyton can even play again. A 28 million dollar bonus is for a player in their prime, not in their decline or with doubt they can even play again.
Posted by: DevilsAdvocate | January 28, 2012 at 09:18 PM
Kuechly, Curry, Coples, Gilmore all playmakers and difference makers on defense. Cousins reminds me of Brees. I think he will be a steal.
Posted by: beerphin | January 28, 2012 at 09:20 PM
Our secondary is not awful.
I SAW THE TAPE!
You know, they really came together......on the field there.......ah........at the end......of the day and things.
You can ask them, and I......they.......you know, we'll agree, at the end of the.......yeah.
After the first 7 straight losses, you could see, they really came together as......ah........you know...........I SAW THE TAPE!
Posted by: odinseye | January 28, 2012 at 09:20 PM
..Brock Osweiler is a guy gaining a lot of steam as this process goes on..If would have told me 2 weeks ago he would be a 2nd or 3rd round pick I would have had the same reaction as the day we signed Matt Moore..Shows you all what I know.
I have seen him play since high school...I know a bit about him. He definitley is a project. Not close to being ready to play now. He is a bit Phillip Rivers(delivery) meets Ryan Mallet(Arm stregth decision making, a bit better mobility).. He is a big guy. This is one of those projections that is difficult because we don't know what teams are looking at when they see the tapes(which none of us get to see)..It would be easy to watch games and say no way, just because Osweiler was all over the place..We will see. I'm rooting for him being he is a Montana kid..He went to the same high school as Lex Hilliard.
Posted by: Darryl Dunphy | January 28, 2012 at 09:23 PM
Montana kid..He went to the same high school as Lex Hilliard.
Posted by: Darryl Dunphy | January 28, 2012 at
Oh NO! We're not going to have to listen to Darryl going on and on about ANOTHER Montana guy.........ARE WE?!?!
Just kidding Darryl, and yes, after the way I went on about Henne, I have NO ROOM TO TALK AT ALL-LOL.
In all seriousness, I'd be surprised if he sneaks into the 2nd.
Posted by: odinseye | January 28, 2012 at 09:31 PM
Armando I know your busy with your radio show and the super bowl but I'm really hoping your working behind the scenes on a story about the Dolphins recent visit to all of the South Florida papers.
You guys in the media have been complaining (rightly so) about the Dolphins policy regarding interviews and a lack of accesibility to the players and coaches for the better part of 3 years now.
I just read that Ross brought Ireland,Dee, and others to the Herald to talk to execs and reporters about the team,it's direction, and the fact that Ross is changing things up so you guys will have more access and the fans will get more information. This is a great thing.
How is it that the Herald made no mention of this visit? Why have you ignored it? Certainly you were there right?
I'm sorry but after years of you guys complaining and making fun of the Dolphins for the policy it would be nice if you at least mentioned the change. It comes off looking like the Herald is in the business of whining. As if no bad news is bad news for the Herald, like you guys only want to print your opinions when they're of the negative kind. Please tell me someone is working on at least a blurbabout this? You know, the GREAT news that we fans are being let back in and you as reporters may actually have more fun covering the team now! WTF?
Posted by: Phins78 | January 28, 2012 at 09:33 PM
DA,
I don't mean loyalty such as in handing Patten over the $28m. Irsay is an owner and a billionaire and can say what he chooses and do as he pleases as long as it complies with the law.. more power to the drunk.
BUT, he needs to understand that Manning for the Colts is like Marino or Elway was to the Fins and Broncos and the situation needs to be handled as such.
When a drunken owner is out there tweeting and calling his star QB a politician, etc.. only makes the divorce worse.
If Irsay is done with Manning as we know, he is much better served by handling this without tweeting and holding daily pressers as he comes off as an obnoxious drunk.
Patten also needs to come clean and say.. Hey Irsay.. Let's do what's in the best interest of all of us, especially the loyal fans.
You release me, toss some loot my way and I go peacefully. Irsay looks good, Manning looks good and the fans can accept it.
Posted by: NY "G" | January 28, 2012 at 09:36 PM
You're,,,,you're,,,,,,,,, you're! My grammar sucks in the world of 3G.
Posted by: Phins78 | January 28, 2012 at 09:37 PM
...Also. It is a good thing that the scouts do not put a ton of value in the Senior Bowl game. Sure if you play well it helps. The practices are much more important to the process. I say this because if you evaluated the quarterbacks on the play in this game...You would come away feeling a little edgy about the future of any. None of them really shined today. Foles supporters will look at his numbers and say he had a good game. Most of his yardage were hitch passes to the kid from Arkansas who made nice plays after the catch. I saw him underthrowinf balls, misreading passes(not his fault in a game like this, and being late on his first completion where he pumped once before throwing..a huge no-no. But again understandable considering the circumstances) The rest of his passes went to his Arizona teamate Criner(???) Which again makes sense because of the comfort factor.
Not to pick on Foles..I like him. It's just he has the best stat line of the game, and it doesn't tell the true story about his performance today.. IMO. The rest of the bunch were average. So like Oseweiler. The scouts will go look at real film, and break down stuff none of us could expalin if put on the spot. No knock on any of us..I'm sure Ireland couldn't make confit of pork belly, but he could sure critque it. My point is with these second tier guys. The you tube stuff, or Tivoed games aren't going to tell half the story in their evaluations.
Posted by: Darryl Dunphy | January 28, 2012 at 09:38 PM
Darryl,
Have you ever read anything about Brock Osweiler tattoos?
Google it, IT's pretty funny stuff.
PS: Don't ask me how or why I know about his tattos, just wish Jeff Ireland was as vigilant-LOL!
Eat your Heart Out Jeffy!!!!
Posted by: odinseye | January 28, 2012 at 09:38 PM
NYG
I am trying to imagine what it would be like to be a billionaire owner of a football team. I might just be drunk all the time too, and with the cheerleaders.
Posted by: DevilsAdvocate | January 28, 2012 at 09:38 PM
he is prolly a late 2nd but if he is there in the 3rd and we need a QB still he'd be worth it
Posted by: beerphin | January 28, 2012 at 09:41 PM