Miami Dolphins

Report: New Miami Stadium might not be ready for Dolphins', Hurricanes' season openers

Published Jul. 6, 2016 4:07 p.m. ET

foxsports

Construction on New Miami Stadium isn't moving along as quickly as expected, causing growing concern that the venue won't be ready in time for the Miami Dolphins' and Miami Hurricanes' regular season openers.

New Miami Stadium, formerly known as Sun Life Stadium, is currently undergoing the second phase of a $450 million renovation, but the timeline for completion keeps getting pushed back.

According to veteran Miami sports personality Hank Goldberg, the construction could take roughly another four months to complete, which could cause a massive headache for the Dolphins and Canes.

"There are some who say the stadium may not be ready until November," Goldberg said in an interview with CBS Sports this week. "They're in a real dicey situation."

While the Dolphins have already moved their first preseason game to Orlando due to construction delays, the second is now in doubt and team officials are reportedly concerned about the regular season opener against Cleveland, which is scheduled to take place on Sept. 25.

"The official word from the Dolphins' management is, 'It's gonna be tight.' But they're working round the clock to get it ready."

The Hurricanes are also reportedly "very concerned" about possibly losing their home opener against Florida A&M, which would have to be moved to FAU's stadium in Boca if New Miami Stadium isn't ready in time. Moving games would be a big blow to the university financially, especially their matchup with rival Florida State, which is scheduled for Oct. 8.

"The University of Miami doesn't want to lose its home game against Florida State," Goldberg said. "That's a big payday for them and they're already looking into the prospect of having to move that game to Orlando.

Artist's rendering of Sun Life Stadium once $450 million in renovations is complete.

"That's huge money, and now you're talking about a legal situation between them and the Dolphins that could arise."

Hurricanes' athletic director Blake James released a statement about the status of the stadium Wednesday afternoon, in which he said there is a contingency plan in place if needed.

Here's a statement from #Canes AD Blake James @CanesAllAccess on football stadium situation pic.twitter.com/vYfZyxxn1T
— Manny Navarro (@Manny_Navarro) July 6, 2016

While the Dolphins and the Canes continue to be optimistic about the situation, the reality is that both teams could be without a home when their seasons start.