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View Full Version : A little on Pro Player Stadium


Turnin 2 SS 2b
06-03-2002, 12:44 PM
Now in its 17th year of operation, the $115 million, state-of-the-art, open-air football facility was the first of its kind to be constructed entirely with private funds.

On August 26, 1996, Pro Player, the sports apparel brand of Fruit of the Loom, sponsored the renaming of Joe Robbie Stadium as Pro Player Stadium.

Plans for the stadium were first announced on March 5, 1984. The clearing for the stadium site began on July 22, 1985, and groundbreaking ceremonies were held on December 1, 1985.

Financing for Pro Player Stadium was based largely upon the licensing of executive suites and club seats on a 10-year basis. Executive suites range in price from $30,000-$90,000 per year. Club seats cost between $800-$1,800 per year on a 10-year license.

On March 7, 1990, H. Wayne Huizenga agreed to purchase 50 percent of Joe Robbie Stadium, enabling him to begin his pursuit of a Major League baseball franchise. On January 24, 1994, Huizenga acquired the remaining 50 percent of the stadium to give him 100% ownership.

The first football game was played on August 16, 1987, when the Dolphins hosted the Chicago Bears in a preseason contest. The Baltimore Orioles and Los Angeles Dodgers battled on March 11, 1988, marking the first-ever baseball game played at the stadium.