Has a company committed for the name rights?
Here is the 6 possible candidates a guy wrote about as far back as 2009. No. 1 being the most likely one!
No. 6: Norwegian Cruise Lines
Miami is a hot bed of travel and the bill for the stadium is being paid for with hotel bed taxes. NCL is one of three major players on the Port of Miami, and have a headquarters not too far from the stadium in a high visibility location along the highway.
Unfortunately, they lack the capital, and most likely the interest to invest. There are also competing cruise lines that are better fits, that will appear later on this list.
One feature of the stadium though, with NCL's sponsorship, would be a Houston-esque cruise liner that travels across the Miami Skyline in left field every time a home run is lifted out by the home team. The name would likely lack creativity, as do their ship names, and would simply feature NCL; most likely Norwegian Cruise Lines Stadium.
That is no fun.
No. 5: (Insert In-Bev Competitor Here)
With the former Anheuser Busch making a play in S. FLA, a competitor may have to join the fight. Coors is an option here, though they are already occupied in Colorado, most likely ruling them out. The same goes for Miller Brewing Company, hurting their chances.
The largest American owned brewery, Samuel Adams, most likely does not have the capital or cash, and America's Oldest brewery, Yuengling, is based in Pennsylvania and would also have capital issues.
Popular imports could factor in here, such as Corona or Heineken, who have heavy in-roads on Miami Beach. Likely, neither are an option, and this is nothing more than a competitive bid. Of course, they could take over the beach section that Budweiser has at Dolphin Stadium, and the roof could be made to look like a giant lime—right? Most likely not.
No. 4: Bacardi Rums
Though a Puerto Rican company, Bacardi has headquarters situated on Biscayne Boulevard in the design district of Miami, as well as a museum located across the street.
Needless to say, a large portion of the demographics in the area support the company already, with UM being the No. 1 party school and the Puerto Rican population, never mind a little thing called South Beach.
Bacardi definitely has the money, but do they have the interest? They are letting a different alcohol company sponsor a stadium in which they have party areas, and they have shown a lack of interest in thoroughly being involved in the community.
But what if? Bacardi would likely name the stadium with its namesake as well. However, they have some room for creativity with their diverse liquor offerings. Bacardi Limon Bowl and Bacardi Orange Bowl are certainly local-pleasing options.
The stadium could also feature Rum stations (as JRS has), or perhaps Bud Beach, a feature of JRS, could become Bacardi Beach in the outfield.
No. 3: Carnival Cruise Lines
The second of the cruise lines to be featured on the short list, Carnival is also headquartered on the same section of highway as NCL. Technically the world's largest cruise line, when considering the other brands it owns and operates, CCL definitely has the capital to participate in bidding.
Fortunately for fellow bidders, Carnival is already heavily invested in local sponsorship and promotions, not to mention a performing arts center bearing its namesake in downtown Miami, just off of Route 395 to South Beach.
A Carnival stadium could also feature the moving ship in left field, and could expand it to have the trademark air horn and smoke stack appear in the stadium. Also popular on its ships are giant video screens (check in baseball stadiums) and water slides, which Milwaukee shows us are very doable.
CCL has a history of stealing names from competitor Royal Caribbean, so expect the stadium to do the same—The Oasis and Allure would be to popular options to twist in there.
No. 2: Burger King
The All-American burger joint could certainly be a major player. The fast food joint would be the first of its kind to sponsor a major stadium, to my knowledge. Unfortunately, BK is known as the home of the Whopper, and the stadium is set to be a pitchers ballpark.
Burger King is headquartered about five miles from where the stadium is being built and definitely has the capital, so it cannot be discounted. Having naming rights would also include having restaurant space in the stadium, which could be quite valuable to the company.
A kid's park in the stadium, similar to Coke's in San Francisco, would have to happen. A children's play area is a token at each restaurant and would be a highlight off the field. Sandwich the skyline view in left field with buns (burger buns), and you have your quirky stadium highlight.
Won/No. 1: Royal Caribbean Cruise Lines
As already discussed, cruise lines are perfectly positioned to sponsor this stadium. RCL, however, is the best positioned. It is the second largest cruise line in the world in terms of ship count, features the world's largest ships, and the world's most innovative ships. More importantly, Carnival has beat the crap out of it in terms of local visibility.
Royal Caribbean can make a huge play here, leveraging its relationships with Nickelodeon, MGM, DUBAILAND, Seattle's Best Coffee, and more. It also would certainly have the funding and the local connections.
Stadium quirks are plentiful for the cruise line, as they can tie them right in with the innovative ideas and firsts feature on the ships. The air horn and cruise liner in the outfield are just the beginning. A carousel and zip line will be featured on the new Oasis class ships, and they can liter the outfield here.
RCL is known for its on board rock climbing walls and ice skating rinks, both possibilities in the stadium complex. The food court would not be known as such; it would be the Royal Promenade Food Court, and, by the way, what is a cruise vacation without a buffet?
Also after 2011, they will be known as the
Miami Marlins with new uniforms and logo. Good move IMO going with city pride.
Bacardi Park!!! Nice! Could you see the booze menu with all the drink possibilities containing rum?
