Hard Rock Stadium is home to the Miami Dolphins and sits in Miami Gardens, Florida
Hard Rock Stadium opened in 1987 and has been the Miami Dolphins' home since the team's founding in 1966 (the team played at the Orange Bowl before that). The stadium is located at 347 Don Shula Drive in Miami Gardens, about 16 miles north of downtown Miami. It holds 65,326 people for football and has hosted two Super Bowls — Super Bowl XXIII in 1989 and Super Bowl LIV in 2020.
The stadium is named after Hard Rock International, the music and hospitality company that bought the naming rights in 1999. Before that, it was called Joe Robbie Stadium and then Pro Player Stadium. The facility has undergone major renovations multiple times, most recently a $500 million project that finished in 2016, which added new club seating, upgraded the video board, and improved the overall fan experience.
Key Takeaways
- Hard Rock Stadium is located in Miami Gardens, 16 miles north of downtown Miami, and has a capacity of 65,326 for football games.
- The stadium opened in 1987 and has hosted two Super Bowls, with the most recent major renovation completed in 2016.
- Parking is available on-site and through nearby lots, though prices vary by event and lot location.
- Public transportation options include Tri-Rail and Metrorail connections, though the stadium is not directly on either line.
- The stadium sits in a mixed-use development area that includes restaurants, shops, and other entertainment venues.
Getting to Hard Rock Stadium by car and parking
Hard Rock Stadium is accessible from Interstate 95 and the Florida Turnpike. From downtown Miami, take I-95 north to Exit 16 (Miami Gardens Drive) or Exit 17 (Opa-Locka Boulevard), then follow signs to the stadium. The drive from downtown takes about 25 to 35 minutes depending on traffic and time of day.
Parking at Hard Rock Stadium costs between $20 and $40 per vehicle for regular games, with prices higher for premium events like playoff games or concerts. The stadium operates multiple parking lots on the property, and overflow parking is available in nearby areas. Parking opens several hours before kickoff, and the lots fill up quickly for popular games. Parking passes can be purchased in advance through the Dolphins' official website or at the gate on game day, though advance purchase often costs less.
If you prefer not to drive, several paid parking lots operate in the surrounding area, and some hotels near the stadium offer parking to guests. Rideshare services like Uber and Lyft operate at the stadium, with designated pickup and dropoff zones outside the main entrances.
Public transportation options to the stadium
Miami-Dade County's Metrorail does not stop directly at Hard Rock Stadium, but the Tri-Rail commuter rail system has a station about 2 miles away at the Miami Gardens Drive station. From there, you can take a taxi, rideshare service, or local bus to reach the stadium. The Tri-Rail runs from downtown Miami and other parts of South Florida, and the ride from downtown Miami takes about 30 to 40 minutes.
Miami-Dade Transit operates bus routes that serve the stadium area, though service varies by route and time of day. Route 3 and Route 12 pass near the stadium, but neither stops directly at the main entrance. Check the Miami-Dade Transit website or call 311 for current route information and schedules on game days, as service may be adjusted for large events.
For visitors coming from the airport, the Metrorail connects Miami International Airport to downtown Miami, where you can transfer to the Tri-Rail or take a rideshare service to the stadium. The total trip usually takes 60 to 90 minutes depending on connections and traffic.
Stadium amenities and seating areas
Hard Rock Stadium has club seating, premium suites, and general admission sections throughout the facility. Club seats offer access to climate-controlled club lounges, premium food and beverage options, and better sightlines than general admission. Suites range from 12 to 30 seats and come with dedicated parking, private entrances, and catering options. General admission seats are in the upper and lower bowl and offer standard stadium amenities.
The stadium has multiple concourse levels with food vendors, merchandise stands, and restrooms. Concessions include traditional stadium food like hot dogs and nachos, as well as regional options and healthier choices. The main video board, installed during the 2016 renovation, is one of the largest in the NFL and measures 362 feet wide.
Hard Rock Stadium is accessible to people with disabilities, with wheelchair seating throughout the stadium, accessible parking, and accessible restrooms. Service animals are permitted, and the stadium has a sensory-friendly area for guests who need a quieter environment. Guests with disabilities can contact the Dolphins' accessibility office before the game to arrange accommodations.
What to bring and what is prohibited
The NFL and Hard Rock Stadium have specific rules about what you can bring into the stadium. Clear bags measuring no larger than 12 inches by 6 inches by 12 inches are permitted, as are small clutches (no larger than 4.5 inches by 6.5 inches) without a handle. One clear plastic bag per person is the standard limit. Binoculars, cameras without professional lenses, and small blankets are permitted.
Prohibited items include weapons of any kind, outside food and beverages, glass containers, cans, bottles, and large bags. Umbrellas are not permitted inside the stadium, though they may be checked at the gate. Drones, laser pointers, and recording devices are prohibited. Smoking is not permitted inside the stadium, though designated smoking areas exist outside the main entrances.
The stadium has a bag check process at the entrances, so arriving early allows time for security screening. Guests should plan to arrive at least 90 minutes before kickoff to account for parking, walking, and security lines.
Events beyond Dolphins games
Hard Rock Stadium hosts concerts, college football games, and other sporting events throughout the year. The Miami Hurricanes football team plays some home games at the stadium, and it has hosted major college football championship games. The stadium regularly hosts concerts by major artists and has hosted events like the Miami Open tennis tournament.
The stadium is also used for community events, high school football championships, and other local sports. Event schedules vary by year, and information about upcoming events is available on the stadium's official website and through the Dolphins' ticketing system.
Frequently Asked Questions
How early should I arrive at Hard Rock Stadium on game day?
Most fans arrive two to three hours before kickoff to allow time for parking, walking from the lot, and passing through security. For playoff games or popular matchups, arriving even earlier is recommended, as parking lots fill up quickly and security lines can be long. Gates typically open two hours before kickoff.
Can I bring my own food and drinks into Hard Rock Stadium?
Outside food and beverages are not permitted inside the stadium. However, you can bring an empty water bottle and fill it at water fountains inside, and some guests bring snacks in clear bags if they fit the size requirements. Concessions inside the stadium range in price from $8 to $20 per item depending on what you order.
Is there a difference between regular season and playoff parking prices?
Yes, parking prices are higher for playoff games, Super Bowls, and other premium events. Regular season games typically cost $20 to $30 per vehicle, while playoff games can cost $40 or more. Advance purchase often costs less than gate pricing, so buying parking ahead of time can save money.
What is the best public transportation option if I do not want to drive?
The Tri-Rail commuter rail is the most direct public transportation option, with a station about 2 miles from the stadium. From downtown Miami, the Tri-Rail takes 30 to 40 minutes. From the Tri-Rail station, you can take a taxi or rideshare service to the stadium. Metrorail does not serve the stadium directly, but it connects to the Tri-Rail system downtown.
Are there hotels near Hard Rock Stadium?
Several hotels operate within a few miles of the stadium, including chain hotels and independent properties. Many offer shuttle services to the stadium on game days, and some include parking in their room rates. Hotels near the stadium tend to fill up quickly for popular games, so booking in advance is recommended.