Hard Rock Stadium (Miami, FL)

The Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens

Originally opened as the “Joe Robbie Stadium” in 1987, Hard Rock Stadium has undergone several name changes throughout its dynamic history,, including Pro Player Park, Pro Player Stadium, Dolphins Stadium, Dolphin Stadium, Land Shark Stadium, and Sun Life Stadium.

Since its inception, the stadium has been the proud home of the NFL’s Miami Dolphins. It also serves as the base for the Miami Hurricanes college football team and annually hosts the prestigious Orange Bowl college game. Throughout its storied past, the stadium has been a stage for American football’s biggest moments, hosting the Super Bowl six times (XXIII, XXIX, XXXIII, XLI, XLIV & LIV) and the College Football Playoff National Championship in 2021.

Beyond football, Hard Rock Stadium boasts a rich multi-sport legacy. The Florida Marlins (now the Miami Marlins) of MLB played their home matches there from 1993 until 2011, culminating in two World Series appearances (1997 and 2003).

Today, the venue continues its versatility. The Miami Open tennis tournament now takes place on the stadium grounds, featuring 29 permanent courts in the south car park and a temporary 13,800-capacity main court within the stadium itself. It has also become a significant hub for international football (soccer) matches, staging the Final of the 2024 Copa America and frequently hosting friendlies, particularly those involving Central and South American teams, a nod to South Florida’s vibrant diverse population. Furthermore, the stadium’s grounds are now famously home to the Formula 1 Miami Grand Prix, which debuted in 2022, creating a temporary circuit around the complex.

Tenants: Miami Dolphins (NFL), Orange Bowl (NCAA), Miami Hurricanes (NCAA) & Miami Open (Tennis)

Opened: 1987

Capacity: 64,767 (depending on event configuration)

Address: 347 Don Shula Drive, Miami Gardens, Florida 33056

Tickets at Hard Rock Stadium

Hard Rock Stadium is a premier multi-purpose venue, hosting everything from professional sports leagues and major annual tournaments to international concerts and one-off mega-events. While specific ticket information is always found on the event organizer’s official website, here’s a general guide to help you secure your seats at Hard Rock Stadium:

How to Purchase Tickets:

Tickets for events at Hard Rock Stadium are primarily sold through official channels, typically either directly from the resident teams/event organizers or via authorized ticketing partners.

  • Official Team/Event Websites: This is your first and most reliable source.
    • Miami Dolphins (NFL): For NFL games, season tickets, group tickets, and single-game tickets are available directly on the official Miami Dolphins website. They often have presales for season ticket members or registered fans before public release.
      • Ticket information is available on the official Miami Dolphins website here.
    • Miami Hurricanes (NCAA): For college football games, tickets can be purchased through the official Miami Hurricanes athletics website. This includes season tickets and individual game tickets.
      • Ticket information is available on the official Miami Hurricanes website here.
    • Orange Bowl (NCAA): As an annual college football bowl game, tickets for the Orange Bowl are released well in advance through its dedicated website and often through college football ticketing networks.
      • Ticket information is available on the official Orange Bowl website here.
    • Miami Open (Tennis): For this annual tennis tournament, tickets are available through the official Miami Open website, usually starting several months before the event. Various packages (e.g., full tournament, weekly, single session) are offered.
      • Ticket information is available on the official Miami Open website here.
    • Formula 1 Miami Grand Prix: Tickets for the Formula 1 Miami Grand Prix, held annually around Hard Rock Stadium, are sold through the official F1 ticketing platform. Information on dates, pricing, and on-sale periods can be found on the official F1 website.
      • Ticket information is available on the official F1 website here.
  • Authorized Ticketing Partners:
    • Ticketmaster: Hard Rock Stadium frequently partners with Ticketmaster as a primary vendor for many events, including concerts, special events, and single-game tickets for resident teams once general public sales begin. Visit Ticketmaster.com and search for “Hard Rock Stadium” or the specific event.
    • AXS: For some events, especially concerts, AXS might also be an official ticketing partner. Check their website if you don’t find tickets on Ticketmaster.
  • Official Event Organizers (for One-Off Major Events): For large international events like the FIFA Club World Cup or concerts, tickets are often sold directly by the event organizer (e.g., FIFA for the Club World Cup, Live Nation/AEG for concerts) through their designated ticketing platforms. Always refer to the official event website first.

Types of Tickets Often Available:

  • Single-Event Tickets: For individual games, matches, or concerts.
  • Season Tickets: Available for resident teams like the Miami Dolphins and Miami Hurricanes, offering guaranteed seats for all home games and often benefits like playoff priority.
  • Ticket Packages: For tournaments like the Miami Open or the FIFA Club World Cup, multi-session or multi-match packages may be offered. For the Miami Grand Prix, multi-day passes, grandstand seats, and hospitality packages are typically available.
  • Premium Seating & Hospitality: Hard Rock Stadium offers various premium seating options, including suites, club seats, and hospitality packages that provide enhanced amenities, exclusive access, and catering. These are typically available directly through the stadium or team/event premium sales departments.
  • Accessible Seating: Hard Rock Stadium is committed to providing accessible seating for guests with disabilities. These tickets can generally be purchased through the same official channels and should be requested in advance.

Key Purchasing Tips:

  • Buy from Official Sources Only: To avoid fraudulent tickets, inflated prices, or issues with entry, always purchase tickets directly from the official team/event websites or their authorized ticketing partners (like Ticketmaster).
  • Beware of Unofficial Resellers: While secondary markets exist (e.g., StubHub, SeatGeek), there’s a higher risk of invalid tickets or overpaying. If you must use a secondary market, ensure it has a robust buyer guarantee and is clearly reputable.
  • Mobile Ticketing: Hard Rock Stadium operates primarily on a digital mobile ticketing system. You will usually need to download your tickets to your smartphone’s mobile wallet (Apple Wallet or Google Pay) for entry. Screenshots are typically not accepted. Ensure your phone is charged on event day.
  • Timing is Crucial: For high-demand events, tickets can sell out quickly. Sign up for team/event newsletters or alerts to be notified about presales and general public on-sale dates. For the Miami Grand Prix, tickets often go on sale many months in advance.
  • Review Stadium Policies: Before attending, always check Hard Rock Stadium’s official website for their current bag policy (they enforce a strict clear bag policy), re-entry policy (generally no re-entry for most events), prohibited items, and other guest guidelines.
  • Dynamic Pricing: Be aware that ticket prices can fluctuate based on demand, opponent, time of year, and other factors.

Stadium Tours at Hard Rock Stadium

While Hard Rock Stadium has previously offered insightful tours, please note that public stadium tours are currently not being offered.

Hard Rock Stadium periodically reassesses its tour offerings based on event schedules and operational needs. For the most up-to-date information regarding the resumption of public tours, including schedules and how to book, it is highly recommended to:

  • Visit the official Hard Rock Stadium website’s tours section: hardrockstadium.com/tours/
  • Sign up for notifications: The stadium website often provides an option to sign up for email alerts when tours become available again.

Where is the Hard Rock Stadium?

The Hard Rock Stadium is located in Miami Gardens in Florida, a city north of Miami. Here’s how to get there:

1. By Air:

  • Airport: South Florida’s primary airport is Miami International Airport (MIA), offering numerous flights to destinations across the Americas, Europe, Africa, and Western Asia. The airport is approximately 15 miles south of Hard Rock Stadium. A taxi or rideshare journey typically takes around 30 minutes, depending on traffic.

2. By Car & Parking:

  • The stadium is easily accessible by car. Major highways nearby include I-95 and the Florida Turnpike.
  • There is ample parking in the vicinity of the stadium, accommodating nearly 25,000 vehicles.
    • Pre-Paid Pass Parking (Miami Dolphins matches): $25
    • Game Day SunPass Parking: $35
    • Game Day Cash Parking: $50
    • For the most up-to-date parking information, including directions and potential changes in pricing, please visit the official Hard Rock Stadium website here.

3. Shuttle Bus Service:

  • An express shuttle bus service operates to and from Lot 14, costing $10 per person. The bus serves the following drop-off locations:
    • Miami/South Beach:
      • Bayside – 401 Biscayne Blvd.
      • Washington Ave. & 5th St.
      • Washington Ave. & 15th St.
    • Ft. Lauderdale:
      • Andrews Ave. & Las Olas
      • Las Olas & A1A
    • Pembroke Pines:
      • Shops of Pembroke Gardens (Pines Blvd & I-75)

4. Public Transportation (General):

While the shuttle bus provides specific routes, visitors should also investigate Miami-Dade County’s public transportation options, including Metrorail and Metrobus. While these may not offer direct service to the stadium, they can be a more affordable option for getting to the general vicinity. Check the Miami-Dade Transit website for routes and schedules.

Where to stay near Hard Rock Stadium

Finding the right accommodation near Hard Rock Stadium can significantly enhance your event experience. Located in Miami Gardens, the stadium isn’t in downtown Miami or directly on the beach, so planning your stay based on your priorities (proximity, budget, nightlife, beach access) is key.

1. Closest Options (Miami Gardens & immediate vicinity): For maximum convenience and the shortest commute to the stadium, consider hotels directly within Miami Gardens or the very closest surrounding areas. Options here tend to be more focused on functionality and accessibility to the stadium rather than extensive amenities or tourist attractions.

  • Stadium Hotel: This is often cited as the closest hotel to Hard Rock Stadium (just over a mile away), with some offering shuttle services to the venue on event days. It’s a popular choice for those prioritising proximity.
  • Other local hotels or extended-stay properties in Miami Gardens or northern Miami-Dade County may offer basic, comfortable stays.

2. Nearby Neighborhoods with Good Access:

Several vibrant areas within a short drive offer more diverse accommodation and dining options, balancing stadium access with other South Florida attractions.

  • Aventura (approx. 7-8 miles east): A more upscale area known for its shopping (Aventura Mall), dining, and golf. Hotels here range from mid-range to luxury resorts. This area offers a good balance for those wanting quality accommodation and dining, with a manageable drive to the stadium.
  • Miramar / Hollywood (North & West, approx. 4-8 miles): These areas in Broward County offer a range of hotel options, from budget-friendly to mid-range chains. They provide relatively easy access to the stadium via major roads like the Florida Turnpike or I-95. Hollywood also offers beach access further east.
  • North Miami Beach / Sunny Isles Beach (East, approx. 8-12 miles): These areas offer more beach-oriented accommodation. Sunny Isles Beach, in particular, has many high-rise condo-hotels and resorts with ocean access, suitable if you want to combine beach time with your event.

3. Miami & Fort Lauderdale City Centers (Further South/North):

  • Downtown Miami / Brickell / South Beach (approx. 15-20 miles south): While a longer drive, these areas are ideal if your primary interest is Miami’s vibrant city life, nightlife, diverse dining, or iconic beaches. Expect significantly more traffic on event days. Public transport to the stadium’s vicinity from these areas is possible but requires transfers.
  • Downtown Fort Lauderdale / Las Olas (approx. 15-20 miles north): Similar to Miami, Fort Lauderdale offers a lively city experience, beach access, and a broader range of hotels. If you’re flying into Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport (FLL), staying here might be convenient.

Types of Accommodation:

  • Hotels: Ranging from budget-friendly motels to luxury resorts, major chains are abundant.
  • Vacation Rentals (Airbnb, Vrbo, etc.): Excellent for groups or families, offering more space, kitchen facilities, and a localized experience. These are widely available in various neighborhoods.

Key Considerations for Your Stay:

  • Event Schedule: For major events like the Miami Grand Prix, Super Bowls, or the FIFA Club World Cup, hotels near the stadium and in surrounding areas will book up rapidly and prices will increase significantly. Book your accommodation as far in advance as possible.
  • Transportation: Evaluate how you plan to get to and from the stadium. If relying on rideshare, factor in potential surge pricing and wait times on event days. Consider hotels that might offer shuttle services or are close to the shuttle pick-up points mentioned in the “Getting to Hard Rock Stadium” section.
  • Budget: Prices will vary widely by location, amenities, and event demand.
  • Amenities: Decide what’s important to you – pool, fitness center, free breakfast, parking, in-room kitchen, etc.
  • Local Attractions: If you plan to explore beyond the stadium, consider hotels that offer easy access to beaches, shopping, dining, or other sights.

To find some great places to stay in Miami and surrounding areas, including options near Hard Rock Stadium, use a reliable travel booking platform:

  • Search & book your accommodation through TripAdvisor here.
  • You can also explore options on other popular booking sites like Booking.com, Expedia, or Hotels.com, often by searching specifically for “Hotels near Hard Rock Stadium.”
TripAdvisor

Helpful Links for Planning Your Visit to Hard Rock Stadium

To help you plan your visit and stay up-to-date with all things about Hard Rock Stadium and your trip to South Florida, here’s a collection of essential official resources:

Official Venue & Event Websites:

Ticketing & Visitor Information:

Local Tourism & Transportation:

Hard Rock Stadium Social Media:

Stay connected for real-time updates, event highlights, and behind-the-scenes content.

Last Updated on June 10, 2025 by Sports Tourist

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