Like the Buccaneers, the Dolphins did everything they could to help sell enough tickets to allow the home opener to be televised locally. Unlike the Bucs, the Dolphins are writing the check for the leftover tickets.
According to Craig Davis of the South Florida Sun-Sentinel, the Dolphins said that, even though the game against the Raiders isn’t sold out, it will be televised locally. This means that owner Stephen Ross and/or one or more team sponsors will be stepping up and buying up the remaining tickets at 34 cents on the dollar.
The move comes even after the Dolphins reduced their non-premium ticket minimum from 100 percent to 85 percent, taking full advantage of the relaxed blackout rule.
“As we’ve said many times, keeping the games on local television has been a priority of Steve Ross’ since he purchased the franchise,” Dolphins CEO Mike Dee said. “Any remaining unsold seats will be offered to Dolphins premium seat-holders and season-ticket members on a first-come first-served basis.”
It’s unknown how many tickets weren’t sold. The 85-percent rule reduced the Dolphins’ manifest by roughly 9,000 seats.
Regardless, there will be plenty of orange in Sun Life Stadium on Sunday, regardless of the colors the fans choose to wear.