With the renovations to Hard Rock Stadium winding down, Dolphins President & CEO Tom Garfinkel said that the team "would eventually like to host the NFL Draft," according to Hal Habib of the PALM BEACH POST. Garfinkel: "Why wouldn’t we?” He said the Draft is “not something we’ve specifically bid on, but as we move forward, as we get through these renovations, we’re open to anything we can bring that makes sense.” Meanwhile, Garfinkel said that the team "expects to sell out every home game" this season. That is in "spite of any backlash that may occur from fans displeased that four players have not stood at attention" during the National Anthem to protest racial inequality. Many fans have "argued the players were disrespectful of the flag and the military and threatened to no longer support the team." Garfinkel: “We’ve certainly gotten a lot of feedback from fans and we pay attention to it" (PALMBEACHPOST.com, 9/22).
PICTURE PERFECT: In Ft. Lauderdale, Craig Davis notes there is a "larger-than-life mural" of Pro Football HOFer Don Shula outside the 72 Club at the stadium. Shula's is one of 19 murals "being created at the stadium -- about a dozen were completed" ahead of Sunday’s home opener against the Browns -- in the "style of the Wynwood Walls street art museum." The project "was inspired" by a visit Dolphins Owner Steve Ross made to the Wynwood neighborhood in Miami. The murals are among the "final touches" for the renovated venue. As for the Shula mural, Portuguese artist Vhils "brought the famous face to life by chiseling pieces out of a brick and stone wall with a jack hammer." The murals, as wide as 125 feet, are the "work of 18 artists from 10 countries." Most reflect the "vibrant, colorful graffiti-style that has revitalized neglected urban areas." While the Shula mural is the "signature piece, most of them have nothing to do with sports" (South Florida SUN-SENTINEL, 9/23).
LOCAL FLAVOR: In Miami, Carlos Frias notes Grown, founded by former NBAer Ray Allen, will be the "first completely organic restaurant featured inside a U.S. stadium" when the Dolphins roll out two in-venue locations on Sunday. Shula Burger also is set to open inside Hard Rock Stadium with "five outposts" (MIAMI HERALD, 9/23).
THROWING SHADE: In Miami, Brian Bandell notes $500M bought the Dolphins the "next best thing to a new stadium: a revamped venue for the modern age that will enhance fans’ experience and help it compete with other modern stadiums for top-tier events." The shade canopy will shield about 92% of spectators, "including all those in the upper deck." Garfinkel also "promised the fan noise in the stadium would sound louder because the shade canopy was designed to keep the sound in the bowl" (SOUTH FLORIDA BUSINESS JOURNAL, 9/23 issue).
