The Dolphins did a lot of good things off the field as well, and their efforts were recognized when the nominees for the 2017 Sports Business Awards were unveiled.
The Dolphins were among the five nominees — in all of sports — as Sports Team of the Year, joining the Chicago Cubs of Major League Baseball, the NBA’s Cleveland Cavaliers and Golden State, and Toronto FC of Major League Soccer.
The nominees personify best in class and demonstrate excellence, innovation and creativity in the business practices of operating a sports franchise. This includes, but is not limited to:
• Gains or improvements in attendance, ticket and merchandise sales, revenue and profitability.
• Brand development.
• Fan and client services.
• Sponsorship sales, development and activation.
• Media, new media and social media innovation.
• Social responsibility/community relations and outreach programs.
• On-field performance.
“It’s a great honor,” Dolphins President/CEO Tom Garfinkel said from the owners meetings at the Arizona Biltmore. “We still feel like we’ve got a long way to go, but to be mentioned in the same company of some of those other teams is certainly an honor. It’s a testament to Steve’s vision and his commitment to what he’s done with the stadium and the organization, and Mike (Tannenbaum) and Chris (Grier) and Adam (Gase) and everybody else in the organization. To be considered in that company is nice for us, but we still feel like we have a long way to go.”
Additionally, Hard Rock Stadium, which added a canopy and giant HD scoreboards at the four corners last season as the final phase of renovations was completed, was among the nominees for Sports Facility of the Year along with Gaylord Family – Oklahoma Memorial Stadium; Golden 1 Center in Sacramento; Rogers Place in Edmonton; and U.S. Bank Stadium in Minnesota.
Sports facilities (new, renovated or established) in North America whose primary tenants are major league teams or events, minor league teams, college teams, training facilities, practice facilities or sports-related buildings (i.e., halls of fame) are eligible for the award. While maximizing potential uses of the facility in creative ways, facilities must demonstrate excellence, innovation and creativity in:
• Design, functionality and offerings.
• Providing the ultimate user-friendly fan experience.
• Corporate sponsorship development, activation and integration.
• Quality playing environment for athletes.
Sports facilities must also show increases in the statistical categories of the number of events, attendance and revenue.
The Sports Business Awards Ceremony, a night celebrating excellence in sports business, will be held Wednesday, May 24, 2017, at the New York Marriott Marquis at Times Square. The winners will be announced at the event.
Other awards to be presented will be Sports League of the Year; Sports Event of the Year; Sports Executive of the Year; Athletic Director of the Year; Best in Sports Media; Best in Digital Sports Media; Best in Sports Social Media; Best in Mobile Fan Experience; Best Talent Representation of the Year; Best in Corporate Consulting, Marketing and Client Services; Best in Property Consulting, Sales and Client Services; Best in Sports Event and Experiential Marketing; Sports Sponsor of the Year; Best in Sports Technology; and Sports Breakthrough of the Year.
Launched in 2008, the Sports Business Awards were established by SportsBusiness Journal and SportsBusiness Daily to celebrate and recognize the leaders, visionaries and day-to-day practitioners who personify excellence in the business of sports. The 2017 nominees and winners will be recognized for excellence and outstanding achievement in the business of sports for the period from March 1, 2016 to Feb. 28, 2017.
