Dolphins Receive Financial Help To Move HQ, Training Camp To Miami Gardens
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MIAMI (CBSMiami) - The Miami Dolphins training camp could soon be on the move.
By 2020, it is looking more likely the Miami Dolphins will be practicing where they play.
On Tuesday, the Miami-Dade County Commission approved a resolution that increases an existing subsidy to help with the relocation of their training facility from Davie to Miami Gardens, next to the Hard Rock Stadium.
The current stadium deal, approved in 2014, provides the Dolphins a maximum $5 million annual subsidy from the county for bringing marquee events to the stadium, such as Super Bowls, College Football Championships and world-class soccer matches.
The amendment will increase the cap by $750,000 per year and extend the length of the agreement based on the total price tag of the new facility, which would cost at least $50 million to build.
The City of Miami Gardens, under a separate deal, would provide the team an additional annual $500,000 to offset its higher property-tax bill once the facility is built.
The new facility is expected to be completed by the summer of 2020. It would include practice fields, fitness facilities, and offices. The new complex would be built over existing parking spaces.
"I am so excited to bring the Miami Dolphins football headquarters and practice facility back to North Dade where it belongs. This facility will bring more than 100 jobs to Miami-Dade County, including professional football players, and generate additional economic development opportunities for the area," said Commissioner Barbara J. Jordan who sponsored the resolution.
Miami-Dade Mayor Carlos Gimenez made it clear 'no' property tax dollars will be used for the incentives.
Instead, the County revenue will be generated from hotel tax money and tourism.
The Dolphins currently train at Nova Southeastern University in Davie.
"If the Dolphins decide to relocate, we would miss them dearly. We have enjoyed a long-standing mutually beneficial relationship with the franchise for many years and hope that they will remain on our campus. We have not made alternate plans for the site at this time," said Brandon L. Hensler, Nova Southeastern University spokesperson.
Miami Gardens will vote on their portion of the deal on Wednesday.
Miami Gardens Mayor Oliver Gilbert said it is just the shot in the arm the city needs.
"This has been our plan all along. It will bring hotels and restaurants and stabilize our tax base."
