Miami Dolphins move first home preseason game to Orlando

For NFL fans in the Orlando area, your wish to see a live NFL game in person in the area is about to come true. On Wednesday, the Miami Dolphins announced that the team the team is moving their first home preseason game (third overall) against the Atlanta Falcons on August 25 in Orlando at the Camping World Stadium

With the Pro Bowl coming to Orlando on January 29, 2017, NFL officials claim the reason for the move is so that it will give the league a chance to observe operations at Camping World Stadium before the NFL’s All-Star Game in 2017.

“The NFL asked us to move the game,” said Dolphins president and CEO Tom Garfinkel. “We said yes. It’s not more complicated than that.”

Prior to Garfinkel speaking on Wednesday, there have been rumors that there have been delays on renovations on now what is called New Miami Stadium.

The NFL will use the preseason game against the Falcons and Dolphins as a chance to promote the 2017 Pro Bowl, which will be the home of the Pro Bowl going forward. The league will have a number of festivities throughout the week, which includes the Don Shula High School Coach of the Year. The Pro Bowl will  also return to the old AFC vs. NFC format instead of having an unconferenced game.

“Hosting the NFL Pro Bowl is exactly the type of opportunity we had in mind when our community pulled together to invest in the reconstruction of Camping World Stadium. Orlando is the top tourist destination in the country and we look forward to providing players, staff, families, and fans from all levels of football an unforgettable week,” said CEO of Florida Citrus Sports Steve Hogan.

Miami Dolphins Season Ticket Members and Florida Citrus Sports Members will have the first opportunity to purchase tickets during an exclusive pre-sale on Monday, June 6, at 10 AM ET. The public on-sale will be on Thursday, June 9 at 10 AM ET

Twitter: @antwanstaley