MIAMI BEACH—The Dolphins are still doing substantial work on Hard Rock Stadium, but freshening up a few areas is nothing like the construction they undertook while building a roof over much of the seating area last year.
“The stadium’s coming along fine,” team president Tom Garfinkel said at a Fins Weekend golf event this morning. “We’re doing a big renovation of all the suites, suite level, the clubs, the parking lots. I jokingly say that, compared to last year, it’s like painting the bedroom.
“But it’s still a $50 million renovation to clubs and suites. It’s a major project and a lot of work. But it’s coming along fine. I think people will be really excited when the see it.”
Unlike last year, there’s no cushion in the preseason. Miami’s only exhibition game at Hard Rock Stadium last year was the final week, then it opened the regular season with two road games. This time, the Dolphins start with two home preseason games—the first being Aug. 10 against Atlanta—and will host Tampa Bay in Week 1 of the regular season.