Renovations to Sun Life Stadium in South Florida have already moved one game from the stadium to Camping World Stadium. The football schedule in Orlando is already getting quite full.
There could be one more date added.
Stadium construction in South Florida will certainly not be done by the August NFL preseason game and it appears it will not be ready for when college football season starts. That could leave Miami somewhat homeless for the early part of the season.
The Hurricanes may not be able to play their Sept. 3 opener against Florida A&M at the stadium. The Dolphins still hope to open the stadium Sept. 1 in time for the opener. But a plan B has to be in the works at some point.
There were some reports they could move the game to nearby FAU Stadium in Boca Raton, Fla.
Like the Dolphins, the Hurricanes could view Orlando as an option. Manny Navarro of The Miami Herald suggests Orlando as an option to move the game if the stadium is not ready.
The Hurricanes are not exploring other options it would appear. And there are other college stadiums in the area that may be an easier accommodation. Then again, none of those options can fit as large a capacity as Camping World Stadium. And there might be the potential for an extra revenue stream with fans making the trip to Central Florida for the game or Orlando residents buying up tickets to see an improved Miami team.
It is something that could be on the table. For now though, it is an emphasis on “could.”
Camping World Stadium already has a busy schedule going for it too. On Aug. 25, Orlando will host the Miami Dolphins’ preseason game against the Atlanta Falcons, in what is essentially a warmup game for the Pro Bowl in January.
The stadium will also host the Camping World Kickoff Game between Florida State and Ole Miss on Labor Day, Sept. 5.
If Miami is going to make a big decision and move that opener to Orlando, it would have to make that decision soon. But, once again, the fact Camping World Stadium is even being considered for something like this is a positive sign for the stadium.
Orlando Solar Bears keep Ryan Massa
The Orlando Solar Bears continue to announce roster signees for the upcoming 2017 season. They previously announced they had re-signed team captain Eric Baier. Now they can count their goalie is back on board.
The team re-signed goalie Ryan Massa after a strong rookie year in 2016. He had a 19-13-2 record with a 2.91 goals against average last year.
“Ryan Massa is a true professional that does things the right way on and off the ice,” Solar Bears head coach Anthony Noreen said. “We feel he’s the type of goalie that gives you a chance to win every night.”
Massa came on stronger as the season went on and was a solid option for the Solar Bears throughout the season. He definitely seemed to play better than expected from a 25-year-old rookie. He split time with Rob Madore at goalie.
He may be in position to become the primary starter in 2017. Madore is an unrestricted free agent this summer.
