For the past decade (or so), athletic programs and administrators have been brainstorming ways to get people out of their comfortable living rooms, away from their HDTVs and into stadiums.
Ideas that programs have come up with to improve the in-stadium fan experience range from increasing the number of restrooms, to being able to order and pay for food at the concession stand from your designated seats, or even (the latest and greatest idea) adding a beach club at field level.
While all those ideas are great in their own right, the Miami Dolphins may have found the most interesting solution hiding in plain sight; bring in recliners and bring the living room to the stadium.
As ESPN points out, the Dolphins will be knocking out the seats on the 30-yard line and adding 32 "living room" areas, complete with four oversized recliners and an iPad with options for a 32-inch or multiple 24-inch TVs (ranging from 15k to 30k extra). The standard cost for the seating package is going to run fans about $75,000 and includes food and beverages.
"We're out to give a fan the very best seat and the very best experience they could possibly have," Dolphins president and CEO Tom Garfinkel told ESPN.
"There are enough people in this marketplace that, if you can do that, [you] don't care what it costs."
The way Garfinkel explains it makes it sound like the ultimate game day experience for NFL fans.
"You'll have a comfortable chair, the replays in front of you, RedZone on. You'll have a mini garbage to throw things out, you'll have a drawer with a lock to put your valuables in, you'll have concierge service so you don't have to get up to get anything, and you'll have the game in front of you."
See pictures of the new digs below, and read more on the unique option here.
