I went down to Miami Friday night and got back this afternoon. Here's my take on how the experience at Sun Life Stadium went for me.
Though I can't be 100% since I didn't count each individual person, I'd guess the stadium was about 75-80% full. There were some spots in the upper deck that were a bit sparse. There weren't many Texans fans there are at all. I probably could've counted how many there were if I could. I sat in section 418, row 1, seat 1. The crowd was enthused from where I sat. The real cheers came when Marshall had the TD and JT had his sack on third down that forced a 3 and out after the Phins scored their TD. Aside from that, the crowd was still a bit enthusiastic even as the Phins continued to not score in the red zone.
The orange carpet didn't appear to be open for this specific game. I guess it's only "going on" when it's a national TV game or a season opener. The F-5 jets flyover at the start was awesome (I sport wood when I see planes fly over). The national anthem was sung by someone I'm not familiar with (done well) but the crowd seemed to know who he was. The halftime show? No idea WTF that was. Some chick named the Princess of 305. She was singing along to the Pitbull song that's hot right now. Most of the crowd was getting concessions anyway so her enthusiasm was pointless.
I myself really enjoy the atmosphere at the games. The music, the Gatorade highlight with the tight beat, the one song that gets everyone excited (the one they play simultaneously with the siren horn). They played the Phins fight song at the start of the 4th quarter and it got everyone jumping. The 'Fins Left' song I've never minded, just don't play it after field goals, it's ridiculous to do so IMO. They had a new 'song' that was the White Stripes "Seven Nation Army' but they just used the word "Oh". Oh ohhh ohhh ohhhhh ohh ohh ohh, looks goofy but it got us in the crowd jumping again, def a fave of mine.
There were no cuts on the HD board of celebs or anything like that. The crowd despised the call on 4th and 1 where the Phins tried to get Houston to jump off-sides. We booed the hell out of Sparano on that play.
All in all, it's in my opinion that if the Phins win some ball games at home, Sun Life Stadium will be fine. Yes people complain about the orange carpet, the celeb owners, the seats being far away, the infield dirt (though it's now gone), etc. These points matter in their own regard but I honestly believe the local fans just want a winner. Win and things will be much brighter for the Miami Dolphins. It sounds easier than it is.
Though I can't be 100% since I didn't count each individual person, I'd guess the stadium was about 75-80% full. There were some spots in the upper deck that were a bit sparse. There weren't many Texans fans there are at all. I probably could've counted how many there were if I could. I sat in section 418, row 1, seat 1. The crowd was enthused from where I sat. The real cheers came when Marshall had the TD and JT had his sack on third down that forced a 3 and out after the Phins scored their TD. Aside from that, the crowd was still a bit enthusiastic even as the Phins continued to not score in the red zone.
The orange carpet didn't appear to be open for this specific game. I guess it's only "going on" when it's a national TV game or a season opener. The F-5 jets flyover at the start was awesome (I sport wood when I see planes fly over). The national anthem was sung by someone I'm not familiar with (done well) but the crowd seemed to know who he was. The halftime show? No idea WTF that was. Some chick named the Princess of 305. She was singing along to the Pitbull song that's hot right now. Most of the crowd was getting concessions anyway so her enthusiasm was pointless.
I myself really enjoy the atmosphere at the games. The music, the Gatorade highlight with the tight beat, the one song that gets everyone excited (the one they play simultaneously with the siren horn). They played the Phins fight song at the start of the 4th quarter and it got everyone jumping. The 'Fins Left' song I've never minded, just don't play it after field goals, it's ridiculous to do so IMO. They had a new 'song' that was the White Stripes "Seven Nation Army' but they just used the word "Oh". Oh ohhh ohhh ohhhhh ohh ohh ohh, looks goofy but it got us in the crowd jumping again, def a fave of mine.
There were no cuts on the HD board of celebs or anything like that. The crowd despised the call on 4th and 1 where the Phins tried to get Houston to jump off-sides. We booed the hell out of Sparano on that play.
All in all, it's in my opinion that if the Phins win some ball games at home, Sun Life Stadium will be fine. Yes people complain about the orange carpet, the celeb owners, the seats being far away, the infield dirt (though it's now gone), etc. These points matter in their own regard but I honestly believe the local fans just want a winner. Win and things will be much brighter for the Miami Dolphins. It sounds easier than it is.
