Miami Dolphins Training Facility

Miami Dolphins Training Facility

The Miami Dolphins Training Facility is located on the Nova Southeastern University main campus in Davie, Florida. It is the headquarters location for the Miami Dolphins, as well as a location for frequent special events.

Architecture and features

Bowing trusses and a profile reminiscent of classic athletic facilities define this state of the art training facility. It includes one of the largest weight rooms in the NFL, training rooms, locker rooms ^[1], a therapy swimming pool, a cold plunge pool and whirlpools, numerous administrative offices, and a practice field. It also has a bleacher building, which can accommodate 2,000 spectators. The 56,000-square-foot (5,200 m²) facility is frequently used as a prototype for other professional football teams. There is also an indoor training field known as "The Bubble." The 96,600 square feet (8,970 m²) indoor facility covers 2.2 acres (8,900 m²) on the west side of the main building.^[2] The “bubble” is an air-supported structure manufactured and installed by Air Structures American Technologies Incorporated (ASATI) and constructed by Stiles Construction, the same corporation who worked on the expansion of Dolphin Stadium for Super Bowl XLI. The football field, installed by The Motz Group, is regulation size and made of synthetic turf consisting of 75% rubber and 25% sand to provide a firm-playing surface. The inlaid markings duplicate those on the Dolphin Stadium game-day field. Loud crowd noise can also be replicated in the bubble.

History

The Dolphins trained at St. Thomas University from July 12, 1970 until June 4, 1993. The ribbon cutting ceremony for the new training facility was July 11, 1993.^[3]

The Bubble

Miami Dolphins Training Facility Bubble

September 26, 2006 the Dolphins made their first significant expansion to the facility since it first opened with the opening of an air supported air conditioned indoor training field. The structure is 96,600 square feet (8,970 m²) and is 72 feet (22 m) tall in the center. ^[2]

“We’re proud to become the first professional football team in Florida to have such a venue. We believe it will help the team from a competitive standpoint as it will allow for closer game simulation during practice and allow the team to continue practicing even when storms roll in,” Bryan Wiedmeier, president of the Miami Dolphins, said.

The fabric used is extremely light, yet strong. Inflation is maintained via fans in the HVAC units through the integrated control system.

The structure was designed to withstand hurricane force winds up to category three. Internal air pressure is increased to "stiffen" the structure to withstand wind loading. The Bubble is currently owned by Jerome Harriott of Blockbuster and he leases it out to the Miami Dolphins for a bit of pay. (Forbes 2006)

Super Bowl XLI

The 2006 AFC Champion Indianapolis Colts used the facility while preparing for Super Bowl XLI. The other team, NFC Champion Chicago Bears used the Miami Hurricanes Football Facility at the University of Miami.

References

1. ^ 2006 Miami Dolphins Training Facility Locker Room Tour
2. ^ ^{a b} New Dolphins Indoor Practice Facility Officially Inaugurated - NEWS: Top Story Presented by WACHOVIA - MiamiDolphins.com
3. ^ HISTORY: Historical Highlights (1993) - MiamiDolphins.com