The Collapse of the Bubble

Two years ago on teh corner of University and Nova Drive the Miami Dolphins opened up their new parctice facility. It was named "The Bubble" due to it bubble like appearence. In reality it is a massive dome fully light and air conditioned for the players to use during bad weather conditions.

The Dallas Cowboys have a very similar practice facility or at least they had one. This past Monday a storm packing winds nearing those of a tornado ripped through their practice facility leaving the place in ruins. There were around 20 players in the building and around 40 staff and media members present at the time of the collapse. Video images show the roof of this air inflated structure shaking profuciously. Light can theyn be seen crashing to the ground as the whole structure began to fall apart. Players and staff began frantically running towards the exits, many of which had been blocked off.

Within a few minutes everyone had evacuated the building. 11 people had to be airlifted to a nearby hospital. While most people escaped with only a few scratches Cowboy's special teams coach Joe DeCamillis had a portion of his vertibrate severed and has been paralyzed from the waste down.

There is alot we can learn from what happened. First off we must be thankful that the building was not more crowed as usually there are upwards of 150 people present in the dome at all times. Next we must consider moving team practices to an actual indoor facility while it is raining. These bubbles just arn't safe and its not work risking the live of players and staff just to save a quick buck. Another alternative is better tracking systems. If tornado force winds were heading in the direction of the facility practice should not have been held there.