Miami Dolphins Training Facility
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The Miami Dolphins Training Facility is located on the Nova Southeastern University main campus in Davie, Florida. It is the headquarter location for the Miami Dolphins, as well as a location for frequent special events.
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[edit] 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 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 indoor facility covers 2.2 acres 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.
[edit] 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]
[edit] The 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 and is 72 feet tall in the center. [4]
“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 Dolphin's design and build team consisted of: Stiles Construction Corp. (general contractor) Cannon Design (architects) DeRose Design Consultants (structural, civil, and MEP engineers)
[edit] 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.
| Nova Southeastern University |
|---|
| Colleges and Schools |
| Farquhar College of Arts and Sciences • Shepard Broad Law Center • H. Wayne Huizenga School of Business and Entrepreneurship • Oceanographic Center • Center for Psychological Studies Graduate School of Computer and Information Sciences • Fischler School of Education and Human Services • Graduate School of Humanities and Social Sciences |
| Health Professions Division |
| College of Dental Medicine • College of Osteopathic Medicine • College of Pharmacy • College of Optometry • College of Medical Sciences • College of Allied Health and Nursing |
| Other Facilites on Campus |
| The University School • Rose and Alfred Miniaci Performing Arts Center • The University Center • Miami Dolphins Training Facility |
