Club level a hit in pocketbook
excerpt:
MIAMI GARDENS — Rosalyn Kaltman enjoyed the brisket sandwich she ate Saturday night in the newly-renovated 200 level at Dolphin Stadium, but she and her husband weren't so thrilled with the price.
"She got a brisket sandwich, chips, pickle and a drink for $17," said Bernie Kaltman, 74, a retired insurance salesman from Hollywood.
"It's very good, but sheesh," said Rosalyn, 68. "And last year at least they gave us potato salad."
Despite the high prices, the Kaltmans and most other fans approved of the almost $300 million in renovations and improvements to the club level. Owner Wayne Huizenga added 80,000 square feet to the club level, and by the 2010 Super Bowl the rest of the stadium will have another 280,000 square feet.
Fans lounged on leather chairs several hours before the game and listened to live music. Food options ranged from normal fare like chicken tenders and hot dogs to new items like sushi and gelato.
"I've had floor seats before, but I think this is incredible," Doug Minnittee, 35, from Davie, said while eating his sushi. "If they could move this over to my seats in section 254, that would be great."
Fans also watched the pre-game show on many of the 750 LCD flat-screen televisions scattered throughout the club level. The televisions at the food counters also serve as menus, but they weren't working Saturday.
"I went up there and said, 'Where are the prices?' " Rosalyn Kaltman said. "When I found out what we paid for it (her sandwich), I said, 'We're splitting that!' "