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Ross: "There Is No Backup Plan" For Stadium Renovation Completion Date

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DAVIE (CBSMiami) – Miami Dolphins owner Stephen Ross kicked off the first day of training camp Friday morning talking to reporters in Davie about the year ahead and his expectations for the team which are quite high.

"Like every year, I think everybody starts undefeated and with great expectations. This year, I'm particularly excited. I think we've done a lot in the organization over the last year. To me, it's all about winning. I haven't been happy with the performance myself – as an owner, today – on the winning side. But this year, I think I'm excited as I can be. I have good expectations, but time will tell."

But does he have good expectations that the massive half-billion dollar stadium renovation will be completed on time?

"Let's put it this way, I've had those worries. I've been living with them. I don't feel them today and there is no backup plan."

Dolphins Stadium Steel Beam
The final piece of steel being lifted onto the new shade canopy at New Dolphins Stadium. (Source: CBS4)

Ross signed the final piece of steel that was installed at the top of the shade canopy at New Dolphins Stadium on Friday afternoon. "I think what we've done is probably unprecedented – to put a roof on top of a stadium. When you go out there and you see it, it's kind of amazing. I would encourage you to see it, because when it's up and it's all done, people will say, 'Hey, that was easy.' (laughter) I've built over 20 billion dollars worth of projects and this is the most complex – basically because you're putting such a large structure in place in such a short period of time – and there's no way you can be late. There's no alternative. I know we will be playing September 1 there."

September 1 is the date of the team's final and only home preseason game.

In case you are wondering why there is a tree attached to the final beam, the Dolphins said that "a Christmas tree is an ancient Scandinavian tradition to bless the construction of the new dwelling or structure."

It certainly can't hurt.

The University of Miami hosts its home opener at the unnamed Dolphins stadium on Sept. 3.

Ross is also very optimistic about his new Head Coach Adam Gase.

"When we selected him, I was very excited; and I'm just as excited – if not more so – today, having spent time with him and seeing him in action. I think you can feel the way he is, the way the players are, the excitement, the passion. I think that's all evident. I'm very excited about him. The passion is there."

But will it be enough to make it to the playoffs?

"Everybody today is optimistic. They should be optimistic. The fans are optimistic. That's a great thing about sports. But I think we've done an awful lot in this offseason, probably more so than most people. I think that our expectations are great, but at the same time, I want to be realistic. I'm not making predictions. I like where we are. Let's put it that way."

Ross also said that he believes every home game will be a sellout in 2016 and he's very glad we've got Quarterback Ryan Tannehill.

"I'm not going to say it is do or die. First of all, that's the role of the general manager. I think everybody feels very confident and feels very good about Ryan. And I think he has a lot of capabilities. And I think you're going to be … You are going to have (Head Coach) Adam (Gase) who'll bring out the best in those capabilities. I'm very excited. I'm glad we have Ryan."

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