The following has no factual basis, just logic.
For decades the University of Miami fan base has dreamed of returning to the “glory days.”
After 20 years of football mediocrity, Miami athletic director Dan Radakovich and head coach Mario Cristobal have the Canes on track to return to national relevancy.
With the team once again competing for championships, what are the next steps that would take Miami to the next level as a consistent national power in football?
One thing is certain.
"If you continue to do things the same way, you should expect to get the same results."
Great vision and bold leadership can make dreams reality.
Let’s dream for a few minutes…
STEP ONE: Begin formal fund raising for a new stadium.
Building a new stadium costs money and since the university is private, we shouldn’t expect any direct financial assistance. However, it doesn’t prevent the building of public-private partnerships.
More on that later.
STEP TWO: Target Virginia Key.
The university owns a large plot of undeveloped land on Virginia Key, across from the causeway from the school’s Rosenstiel School of Marine, Atmospheric, and Earth Science campus. The school is located 8 miles east from the University of Miami's main Coral Gables campus on Virginia Key.
This undeveloped land would be the cornerstone for the construction of a new stadium and premium parking.
More on that later.
STEP THREE: Form a partnership with Miami Marine Stadium.
This venue, located just south of Downtown Miami, is revered for its scenic views of downtown Miami and Miami Beach.
Our plan calls for a partnership with the Friends of Miami Marine Stadium. The existing stadium is just west of our proposed football stadium site. The partnership would provide a monorail station on-site and tailgate parking for both the Marine Stadium and the new football stadium, built on university land just south of the Marine Stadium marina.
This site would give football fans a spectacular view of Biscayne Bay and the Miami skyline.
STEP FOUR: Form a partnership with Miami Seaquarium.
The Miami Seaquarium is a 38-acre oceanarium located on the island of Virginia Key. Such a partnership would provide a monorail station on-site and existing parking for the new football stadium. Multiple elevated pedestrian bridges would provide easy access across the causeway to the stadium.
STEP FIVE: Design the stadium.
Miami is a small private university. It doesn’t need a 65,000 seat stadium. And it certainly doesn’t need to be 25 miles away from campus.
Design a 45-50,000 seat state of the art stadium with world class state-of-the-art amenities, such as up-close premium seating, parking and monorail access to the stadium. The stadium would give spectators a great entertainment experience.
The stadium would be designed as an open-air, open-end U design facing north to the marina, Biscayne Bay and the Miami skyline. The stadium would have a canopy to protect fans from the sun and weather and to create a sound advantage for the Canes. The roof of the stadium would be adorned with the world-famous Miami “U” logo.
STEP SIX: Construct Metro Rail to Virginia Key
Our proposed stadium would be located on the island off beautiful Miami. It's currently connected by a divided four-lane causeway.
To address the highway access challenge, work in partnership with Dade County and the city of Miami to construct an extension of the Metrorail to Virginia Key. Build three stations at the Marine Stadium, Seaquarium and directly into the football stadium, located on the south end of the football stadium. The return rail line could run along the marina's east side and back onto the causeway.
By integrating the Metro into the master plan, fans from all over south Florida could get quick and easy access to the stadium and entertainment venues.
STEP SEVEN: Bring back the Orange Bowl Classic
Miami is famous for its weather, beaches, cruise ships and the Orange Bowl Classic football game played on New Year’s evening. Bring it back to its true home, Miami.
What a backdrop with the stadium looking out over the marina, Biscayne Bay and the Miami skyline.
Spectacular!
BOTTOM LINE:
Can it happen? Yes, with a visionary plan and bold leadership at the public and private levels, Miami could raise the bar as an international athletic and entertainment destination.
It wouldn’t hurt our football team either.
Great vision and bold leadership can make dreams reality.
I love dreaming. How about you?!?
GO CANES!
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