Looks like the Miami Dolphins are going to use HBO to help sell some tickets.

HBO just announced that the Miami Dolphins will be the subject of this year’s Hard Knocks. Many other teams turned down the opportunity to have their training camp overrun with cameras.

So why did the Dolphins say yes? Here’s a possible reason.

Last year, they ranked 28th in attendance in the NFL, averaging 60,886 fans per game. The Dolphins played to 81 percent capacity at whatever name they are calling their stadium these days; only Cincinnati, at 75 percent, had a lower percentage.

With expectations low for 2012, the Dolphins could use some help selling tickets. Nothing like a five-week national showcase to aid the cause.

So, surprise, surprise new coach Joe Philbin is thrilled to have HBO record his first NFL training camp as head coach.

In a release, Philbin said:

We are excited that the premier company in sports filmmaking history, NFL FILMS, and HBO Sports have chosen the Miami Dolphins to appear on their award-winning series Hard Knocks,” said Joe Philbin, head coach of the Miami Dolphins.   “We are looking forward to connecting with our many fans across the country as the program chronicles our 2012 training camp.  The series will highlight the outstanding men who comprise our team and represent our organization admirably, both on and off the field, as they compete for a coveted position on our roster.

The Miami Dolphins have long been synonymous with success on the fieled as evidenced by our five Super Bowl appearances and the only perfect season in NFL history,” added Philbin.  “That heritage serves as a constant reminder to our players and staff of the great legacy that has been left for us to uphold.  Our team embraces that rich past and looks confidently to the future as we begin this journey back to the top of the NFL.

All the decisions that have been made this off-season have had one guiding principle — will it help our players and organization reach its full potential?  This one is no different.  We are convinced that our affiliation with NFL FILMS and HBO will allow football fans everywhere an opportunity to comprehend the significant sacrifices and demands that our players endure each day along their journey in training camp as a Miami Dolphin.  We eagerly await the opening of training camp on July 26 and the 2012 NFL regular season that lies ahead of us.”