Dolphin Stadium renamed Land Shark Stadium

MIAMI (Reuters) - Dolphin Stadium, home of the NFL's Miami Dolphins, has been renamed Land Shark Stadium following a sponsorship deal with singer/songwriter and businessman Jimmy Buffett.

Buffett's Margaritaville Enterprises includes his LandShark Lager beer and the deal runs to the end of the 2009 NFL season.

The stadium which opened in 1987, was previously known as Joe Robbie Stadium and Pro Player Stadium among other names.

The rename is the first major change announced by new owner Stephen Ross who replaced Wayne Huizenga as majority owner of the Dolphins and the stadium.

The deal does not include naming rights for the venue for the Super Bowl or Pro Bowl games which are scheduled for the Miami stadium next season.

As well as the Dolphins, the University of Miami American football team, the Hurricanes, play at the venue along with Major League Baseball's Florida Marlins.

(Reporting by Simon Evans; editing by Pritha Sarkar)