2011

The Marlins have put off the opening of their new stadium until 2012, but, as David Pinto points out, the delay may ultimately make the stadium cheaper to build.

What may not be cheaper for the Fish is what terms they will have to go through to secure a lease extension at Dolphin Stadium for 2011. As the Herald reports...

'The Marlins' lease with Dolphin Stadium expires after 2010, but Samson said he and owner Jeffrey Loria have spoken with stadium co-owner Stephen Ross and expect the lease will be extended through 2011. Ross is expected to assume managing control of the Dolphins and Dolphin Stadium from Wayne Huizenga after this Dolphins' season.

'But the Marlins may also need the University of Miami's blessing for another year at the stadium that the UM football program now calls home.

'When UM announced it was moving from the Orange Bowl to Dolphin Stadium, the university's lease required that the Marlins' infield dirt be gone by 2011.

'"It's not ideal to play on dirt," said UM athletic director Kirby Hocutt, who plans to discuss the issue with Dolphin Stadium officials.

'Samson, who attended the University of Wisconsin, called UM president Donna Shalala, who once held the same position at Wisconsin. "I said, 'Give a [Wisconsin] Badger a break'", Samson said he told Shalala. "We'll be a year late."'