Announcement expected Monday on Sun Life Stadium referendum

Miami-Dade mayor, Carlos Gimenez will make the announcement

MIAMI GARDENS, Fla – Miami-Dade County Mayor Carlos Gimenez will hold a news conference Monday morning with Miami Dolphins Chief Executive Officer Mike Dee. They are expected to announce a referendum about the future of Sun Life Stadium.

Mayor Gimenez and Dee are expected to announce that voters will decide whether or not taxpayers should help pay for half of the $400 million proposed renovations. The Miami Herald reports that the Miami Dolphins organization has agreed to ask for voter approval.

The team initially wanted local lawmakers to approve the funds without getting voter approval, but last week lawmakers passed up on the issue for the upcoming legislative session.

The stadium also serves as the home field for the University of Miami Hurricanes football team. It was also the site of the most recent BCS Championship Game and the 2010 Super Bowl XLIV between the New Orleans Saints and the Indianapolis Colts. 

Supporters of the Dolphins' plan say the renovations are necessary to compete with other cities for future big-ticket games.

The team hopes to have the issue on a referendum by May 22, around the time when the NFL will announce what city will host the 2016 Super Bowl, which Miami is in the running for. The make-over could happen in just a few years, if voters approve to pay for part of it.