Land Shark Stadium: Home To the Miami Dolphins

Originally posted to www.stadiumjourney.com

The following is a full review of Land Shark Stadium based on the Stadium Journey F-A-N-F-A-R-E ranking scale.

• F stands for Food & Beverage
• A stands for Atmosphere
• N stands for Neighborhood
• F stands for Fans
• A stands for Access
• R stands for Return on Investment
• E stands for Etc. (other good qualities about the stadium.

Each Category is rated on a scale from one to five.

Land Shark Stadium

Whether you are heading north from Miami, or south from Fort Lauderdale, there is surely one thing that will catch your eye.  Like a giant beacon beaming in from a distance, Land Shark Stadium is a structure one in its own.  It is the fortress the Miami Dolphins call home.

Although a successful franchise, the Florida sun that shines year round has many fans elsewhere on game-day.  For those fans who bleed aqua and orange, there is no place like Land Shark Stadium on a Sunday afternoon.

FANFARE Score: 25

F—Food & Beverage: 4

Along with the normal selection of food and beverages like chicken fingers and sodas, Land Shark Stadium offers unique favorites like quesadillas, Italian sausage, and of course, Land Shark Beer.  It would only be appropriate to offer Land Shark Beer, considering the name of the stadium.

While prices could be lower, there are all kinds of delicious amenities for any kind of stomach and refreshments sure to cool you down.  As far as beer sales go, there is no need to worry. Beer is sold after half time, and ceases only when the clock reaches zero in the third quarter.

A—Atmosphere: 4

The Miami Dolphins are one of the most storied franchises in NFL History.  Visible from any seat in the stadium, a band around the entire building includes names from the Dolphins ring of honor, which includes players like Larry Csonka, Bob Griese, and Dan Marino.

Land Shark Stadium, which is host to this year's Super Bowl XLIV (44) and the 2010 Pro Bowl, also has two massive High Definition TV monitors at either end of the stadium and a High Definition media strip lining the entire inside of the stadium.

N—Neighborhood: 2

Well folks, it isn’t South Beach.  Land Shark Stadium is located in a relatively desolate area, located mostly around residential neighborhoods.  The closest restaurants or bars require a trip back on the highway either to the outskirts of Fort Lauderdale or North Miami. Check it out

Check it out.

For those fans who really need to be at a bar or restaurant for the pre game festivities, I suggest staying near the city until about an hour before kickoff.  For those fans who love to tailgate, you have come to the right place.  Make a few friends, grill some good food, and toss around the pigskin.  It’ll be a great day for football.

F—Fans: 4

From all walks of life and of many ages, there is an extremely high variety of Dolphins fans.  You will see fans at Land Shark Stadium sporting jerseys, body paint, and even a full arsenal of football pads.  Though at times there are some empty seats, you can expect the 12th man to be loud and proud no matter how many fans are in attendance.

It is definitely a family environment that all ages can enjoy.

A—Access: 5

There is no problem getting to the stadium, parking, tailgating, or going into the stadium.  A very well set up area, Land Shark Stadium provides a simple and convenient parking and tailgating area that is an easy walk to the stadium.  There are portable bathrooms set up around the tailgating areas and many bathrooms in the stadium.

The parking allows for tents to be set up, as well as grills, tables, and tailgate games.  There is also ideal room to throw around a football, even at full capacity.

R-Return on Investment: 4

The field is easily visible from any seat in the stadium.  Even from the last row in the upper deck I was able to follow every play with ease.  Concessions are a little over priced, as they are in most stadiums, but everything else is easy on the wallet.  Getting seats for less than 100 dollars to an NFL game is a blessing and there are more than a few sections in Land Shark Stadium that offer affordable prices for tickets for those who do not want to spend a fortune.  It is a very affordable option for going to see an NFL game.

E—Etc.: 2

One point goes to the new artwork around the spiral walkways up the stadium.  Created by artist Romero Britto, they add a scenic touch of South Florida to the stadium and give it a unique look walking into the stadium.

Check them out here.

A second point goes to the renovations recently completed to expand the decks at the different levels of the stadium.  These expanded decks made way for new bars, concessions, and areas to sit down and enjoy refreshments as well as the South Florida sun.

Final Thoughts

This was another great trip to watch the Dolphins play football.  The stadium gets better and better each time I go to a game.  I would recommend any football fan attend a game at Land Shark Stadium.