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Earlier this week, we took a look at the expiring naming rights agreement between the Miami Dolphins and Sun Life Financial, which allowed the name of the stadium formerly known as Joe Robbie Stadium to become "Sun Life Stadium." The five-year deal was signed in January 2010, meaning it officially runs out January 18, 2015 - this Sunday.
Now, it appears the stadium will remain known as Sun Life Stadium for another year.
On Friday, the Dolphins welcomed local politicians and the media for a tour, led by owner Stephen Ross, highlighting the renovation efforts currently under way in the 27-year old stadium. The team is upgrading the stadium, with Ross paying the majority of the $400 million renovations, starting this offseason with a rebuild of the lower bowl, which will move the seats 24-feet closer to the sidelines. Every seat in the stadium will be replaced, and changed from the orange chairs to an aqua color.
Lots of questions about what the stadium will look like in 2015 before roof and scoreboards go in... Here you go... pic.twitter.com/19i9UmVzIi
— Tom Garfinkel (@TomGarfinkel) January 16, 2015
All of these changes will be in place for 2015. Before the 2016 season, the team will add a canopy over the seating areas and new video boards in each of the corners of the upper deck.
As for the actual name of the stadium, it appears to be staying despite the naming rights deal ending. The team is currently looking for a new partner to replace Sun Life, but a new deal is not expected until after the renovations are completed.
During the event, Ross stated, "The NFL, let's face it, they want to come to Miami. They recognize it's a great place to have a Super Bowl. We're talking things out and hopefully trying to get it on a regular basis. My goal would be to have at least three to five in the next 20 years."
Miami is expected to bid for the 2019 or 2020 Super Bowls. The league will determine the finalists for the two games this May, then vote for the host sites during the May 2015 owners meetings. South Florida has hosted 10 Super Bowls, tied with New Orleans for the most times hosting the game. The last time the game was in Miami was in 2010.