How does LeBron to HEAT affect the Dolphins popularity?

[Dave Gray]

The Dolphins released a full page newspaper ad down here congratulating the HEAT for landing the big 3.  They said something along the lines of "welcome to Miami" and "thanks for helping make us the #1 sports city" ... something like that, anyway.

My question is, "are the Dolphins happy about this?"

My initial thought would be that they're scared of losing interest to the Heat, but when I think about it, I think it might actually be really good for the Fins.

The Dolphins own this town.  There is a genuine interest in the team, the history, etc.  I think that the Heat situation will peak interest in sports, in general, and (especially since all the HEAT games will be sold out), that will bleed into the Dolphins.  I think that the two teams will cross promote and you'll see the HEAT guys at the Dolphins games and vice-versa.  You already see it, but now you'll see it on ESPN every day, too.

[Phishfan]

I don't think it will change things much. The only thing that would bring any "closeted fans" back out is winning.  I agree with cross promotion will happen, but I don't think it is going to sway any additional interest in the Dolphins. They have to create that themselves.

[bsfins]

I really didn't know how to vote...First off not being a local guy,....This year,I think If we're winning late in the season,it hurts,because the hype of Wade,Bosh and Lebron gearing up.It helps if we're fading down the stretch,or just completely our of the playoff talk....

At the same time the schedule hurts us just as much.....Home for Starting Nov 18 Chicago,@Oakland,Cleveland,@Jets,Buffalo,Detroit,@NE.Only one home game versus a division rival....The other teams at best are up and comers  Seems like there is a lot of room for basketball build up....

[CF DolFan]

I think it will hurt them. When the Dolphins have to resort to marketing Orlando, Melbourne, and Daytona ( all of them are 3+ hours away) to sell tickets it is obvious they need some help. I never in my life have seen Dolphin billboards in this town let alone buses that will take you to games if you buy a ticket. The truth is there is only so much disposible income that people have to spend.  I personally believe that now more than ever, South Florida will be more focused on the HEAT than the Dolphins.

[MyGodWearsAHoodie]

I don't think it matters much.  Miami is a football town, just like Boston is a baseball town.  Even when the Heat won a championship almost nobody even noticed.  Same deal if not worse for the Marlins. 

[dolphins4life]

It does not affect it at all 

[Thundergod]

I think it will hurt them. When the Dolphins have to resort to marketing Orlando, Melbourne, and Daytona ( all of them are 3+ hours away) to sell tickets it is obvious they need some help. I never in my life have seen Dolphin billboards in this town let alone buses that will take you to games if you buy a ticket. The truth is there is only so much disposible income that people have to spend.  I personally believe that now more than ever, South Florida will be more focused on the HEAT than the Dolphins.

Exactly.

[StL FinFan]

How will effect the Heat when LeBron leaves to help the US win the FIFA World Cup?