Univ. of Miami AD Blake James yesterday denied a report that "lagging renovations" at the Dolphins' stadium have already forced the school "to move its Sept. 3 opener against Florida A&M to FAU Stadium," according to Manny Navarro of the MIAMI HERALD. James said that the report by CBS Sports "was inaccurate." James: "We remain in regular contact with the Dolphins organization regarding the status of the stadium renovation project." Navarro notes the Dolphins have "maintained that although the renovations are on a very tight schedule, the team still expects to host football the weekend of Sept. 1" in an exhibition against the Titans (MIAMI HERALD, 7/7). An FAU spokesperson said the Dolphins have had discussions about moving preseason games, but "nothing substantial." James said that he will "have a contingency plan should the Dolphins be unable to complete" renovations in time. But he said multiple times that he expects UM to "play all their home games in Miami Gardens" (PALMBEACHPOST.com, 7/6).
ORIGINAL REPORT: CBS Sports’ Hank Goldberg said the “official word from the Dolphins' management is it’s going to be tight” as to whether stadium renovations will be completed by the team's Sept. 25 regular-season home opener. Goldberg: “The Univ. of Miami is very concerned because they’re home opener against Florida A&M will be played at FAU and their Florida State game is scheduled for October 8th. There are some that say the stadium may not be ready until November. Well, the Univ. of Miami doesn’t want to lose its home game against Florida State. That’s a big payday for them and they’re already looking into the prospect of having to move that game to Orlando. That’s huge money to the UM. Now you’re talking about a legal situation between them and the Dolphins which could arise” (CBSSPORTS.com, 7/5).
