I would dig it up. It sounds like it may be rotting. Have you read up on how to care for these plants? I don't think they like wet conditions.

I think most bromeliads grow on trees, not in the ground. They store water in their cups. I'd remove it from the ground and put it in a hanging pot like an orchid (ie plenty of holes for air in the sides and bottom with orchid mix) and hang it from a tree. If you live in a very arid environment, you might do well with it in the ground. Florida and Arizona are quite different so it's hard to advise.