Hard Rock Stadium
NFL

Hard Rock Stadium

Miami Dolphins

347 Don Shula Dr Suite 102, Miami Gardens, FL 33056

A Guide to the Stadium

Hard Rock Stadium opened in 1987 as Joe Robbie Stadium and has been known by many names over the years, including Pro Player Stadium, Dolphins Stadium, Land Shark Stadium, and Sun Life Stadium, before officially becoming Hard Rock Stadium in 2016. It's most notable feature is the open-air canopy roof, which provides shade and weather protection for the vast majority of fans while maintaining the sun drenched feel of a traditional South Florida atmosphere. Its modern, multipurpose design features a natural grass field and premium amenities that create an intimate and high energy environment for fans.

Getting to the Stadium

The stadium is in Miami Gardens, in a suburban area surrounded by residential neighborhoods. Its location between I-95 and the Florida Turnpike provides highway access from all directions.

Driving & Parking

  • Driving
    From I-95, take Exit 2B (NW 199th Street/Hard Rock Stadium) and follow signs. From the Florida Turnpike, take Exit 2X (NW 199th Street). From downtown Miami, take I-95 North — about 20 minutes without traffic, 45+ on game days. From Fort Lauderdale, take I-95 South — about 15 minutes. Game-day traffic on NW 199th Street and NW 27th Avenue is heavy.
  • Parking
    Official stadium lots must be pre-purchased through the Dolphins' website. The Pink, Orange, Blue, and Green lots offer tailgating spaces. Private lots along NW 27th Avenue and NW 199th Street are often cheaper. For tailgate supplies, Publix Super Market on Miramar Pkwy. and Walmart Supercenter in the area are convenient. For beverages, Total Wine & More has a massive South Florida selection, and Liquored Up Liquor & Wine Boutique is a local option.
  • Park & Ride Lots
    The Dolphins run shuttles from park and rides at Lot 70 in Ft. Lauderdale and Lot 95 at the Golden Glades parking garage in Miami.

Public Transit

  • Fans can purchase specific "End Zone Express" Brightline Train tickets to the Aventura Station where a complimentary shuttle takes you to the stadium, 10 minutes after the train arrives

Rideshare

  • Designated rideshare zones are on NW 199th Street and Dan Marino Blvd. Expect surge pricing on game days. Post-game wait times can exceed 30 minutes. Walking to the perimeter lots and requesting pickup from NW 27th Avenue can reduce wait times.

Pregame Festivities

The Miami Gardens area surrounding the stadium is primarily residential, so the pregame scene is centered on the tailgate lots and a handful of nearby restaurants. The broader South Florida area offers world-class dining and nightlife, but most of it is a drive away.

Pregame Bars & Restaurants

  • A South Florida sports bar chain with a location near the stadium. Multiple TVs, a standard bar menu, and a pregame crowd. It's reliable and convenient.
  • The restaurant chain's location near the stadium offers a massive beer selection and an extensive menu. Popular for pregame dining.
  • A beloved South Florida chain that's been around since 1959. Their baby back ribs are legendary, and the casual, family-friendly atmosphere is quintessential South Florida. Multiple locations near the stadium.
  • A Miami Gardens restaurant known for their wings, seafood, and Southern comfort food. It's a local favorite that draws a pregame crowd and represents the authentic Miami Gardens community.
  • A cigar lounge and bar near the stadium offering premium cigars, whiskey, and craft cocktails in a sophisticated setting. A different kind of pregame experience.
  • Located adjacent to the stadium, this bar offers drinks and gaming in a casino setting. The casino provides pregame entertainment and is walking distance from the stadium lots.
  • A local chain serving fried fish, shrimp, and chicken. Quick, affordable, and popular in the Miami Gardens area.
  • A Miami Gardens restaurant serving Caribbean and American cuisine, offering a taste of the diverse food culture that defines South Florida.
  • A Miami Cuban restaurant institution with multiple locations. Cuban coffee, croquetas, ropa vieja, and media noche sandwiches are South Florida essentials.
  • A Greek restaurant in the area offering Mediterranean cuisine — a different flavor from the typical pregame options.

Monuments & Unique Features

  • Don Shula "Perfect Moment in Time" Statue (Gate E)
    This 11-foot-tall bronze statue depicts legendary coach Don Shula being carried off the field by his players after the 1972 Super Bowl victory. It is the most famous landmark on the property.
  • Dan Marino Statue (199th Street Side)
    Located near the fountains and the main entrance on the south side of the stadium, this life-sized statue honors the Hall of Fame quarterback.
  • The Canopy Roof
    The $550 million renovation added a massive canopy structure supported by four corner columns, providing shade for the upper deck while maintaining the open-air feel. The design is dramatic and has been widely praised architecturally.
  • Joe Robbie Statue & Alumni Plaza (Gate C)
    he statue of Dolphins founder Joe Robbie is the centerpiece of the Joe Robbie Alumni Plaza. He is surrounded by commemorations of the Dolphins Elite, including figures like Bob Griese and Larry Csonka.
  • Dolphins Walk of Fame (Gate C Area)
    Directly adjacent to the Alumni Plaza, this area features Hollywood-style plaques and stars embedded in the walkway to honor significant former players, coaches, and contributors.
  • The Ring of Honor
    Names and retired numbers of the team's greatest legends are displayed on the facade of the 200-level. Notable sections include the corner display dedicated to the 1972 Perfect Season Team
  • Championship Banners
    Banners commemorating the Super Bowl VII and Super Bowl VIII victories are hung prominently in the rafters, typically in the West End Zone area of the canopy structure.
  • Stadium Murals
    As you move through the concourses, you will see over 29,000 square feet of curated murals from international artists, many of which depict abstract and literal scenes from Dolphins and Miami sports history.

Seating & Special Sections

  • 72 Club
    The main premium club experience with all-inclusive food and beverage, cushioned seating, and exclusive access to the 72 Club Lounge — named for the undefeated 1972 season.
  • Owner's Club
    The most exclusive premium experience, offering field-level seating with all-inclusive food and beverage in a luxury setting.
  • Lexus Sideline Club
    Located on the north sideline (Sections 117–119), this club offers prime lower-level seating between the 30-yard lines. Fans enjoy wider, padded seats and exclusive access to a private, air-conditioned lounge located directly beneath the stands. The lounge features upscale concessions, private restrooms, and over 800 TV monitors so you never miss a moment of the action while cooling off.
  • Luxury Suites
    Over 190 suites with catering, private restrooms, and dedicated attendants.
  • North End Zone Social Area
    A casual standing-room section with bar access and a social, party-like atmosphere. It features 4-ticket boxes and all-inclusive concessions

Concessions

  • Signature Items
    Cuban sandwiches and croquetas bring Miami's Cuban culinary tradition to the stadium. Fresh seafood options including ceviche and fish tacos reflect the coastal setting. BBQ and Southern comfort food round out the local flavors.
  • Value Items
    Standard hot dogs, nachos, pretzels, and popcorn are available throughout.
  • Drinks
    Local craft beer from Wynwood Brewing, MIA Beer Company, and other South Florida breweries is available. Mojitos, piña coladas, and tropical cocktails are popular choices reflecting Miami's culture. Standard domestics are everywhere.

Stadium Information

Capacity
64,767
Avg Attendance
65,687
Opened
1987
Last Renovated
2016
Architect
Populous
Construction Cost
$115 million
Surface
Natural Grass

Notable Events

  • 6x Super Bowl Host
  • Pro Bowl Host in 2010

Suggested Places

Recommended places to visit near this stadium