Hard Rock Stadium Guide

Hard Rock Stadium holds 64,767 fans in Miami Gardens, Florida. Gates open two hours before kickoff. Parking lots open four hours before. The clear bag policy is strictly enforced. Arrive early, hydrate constantly, and expect to sweat. South Florida humidity does not care about your pregame plans.

Getting There: Directions and Traffic

Hard Rock Stadium sits at 347 Don Shula Drive in Miami Gardens, about 16 miles north of downtown Miami and 30 miles north of South Beach. There is no public transit option. Everyone drives or rideshares.

The stadium is accessible from I-95, the Florida Turnpike, and I-75. All three routes converge on NW 27th Avenue, which becomes a parking lot two hours before kickoff. I have attended over 50 games here since 2010. The pattern never changes.

From Downtown Miami or South Beach

Take I-95 North to exit 12B (NW 199th Street). Turn left onto NW 199th, then right onto NW 27th Avenue. The stadium is one mile ahead on your left. Expect 45-75 minutes of travel time on game day.

From Fort Lauderdale

Take I-95 South to exit 12B. The trip is shorter in distance but often worse in traffic. Fans from Broward County hit the same bottleneck on NW 27th Avenue.

Rideshare Drop-off

Uber and Lyft drop passengers at the designated zones on NW 27th Avenue. The walk to the gates takes 10-15 minutes. Expect surge pricing after the game. Budget $40-60 for the return trip.

Parking: Lots, Prices, and Strategy

Parking at Hard Rock Stadium costs between $40 and $150 depending on proximity to the stadium. The lots open four hours before kickoff.

The Yellow and Green lots sit across NW 27th Avenue from the stadium. They are the cheapest option but require crossing a busy highway on foot. The pedestrian bridge helps, but the walk takes 15-20 minutes.

Pro tip: Buy parking passes in advance through the Dolphins app. Prices rise $10-20 on game day. The app also shows real-time lot availability.

Tailgating Culture

Miami tailgating looks different from Green Bay or Buffalo. The South Florida heat limits the grilling enthusiasm. Most fans set up canopy tents, portable fans, and coolers filled with ice. Drinking starts early. Grilling happens, but not at the same intensity as cold-weather cities.

The Pink lots are the tailgating hub. Season ticket holders who have parked in the same spots for 20 years set up elaborate setups. TVs, satellite dishes, couches, and Cuban sandwich spreads. Wandering through these lots before the game is an experience worth arriving early to see.

Clear Bag Policy

• Clear plastic, vinyl, or PVC bags: 12" x 6" x 12" maximum
• One-gallon clear freezer bags: Permitted
• Small clutch purses: 4.5" x 6.5" maximum, any material
• Backpacks/Fanny Packs: Not Allowed

Seating Guide: Best Sections

Lower Bowl (100 Level)

The best views are between the 30-yard lines. Sections 117-123 and 137-143 offer the closest sightlines. The shade canopy covers most rows, but verify specifically for 1pm games.

Upper Deck (300 Level)

The budget option. Sections 333-343 (visitor side) get direct afternoon sun during 1pm games. Bring sunglasses and sunscreen. Sections 302-312 (home side) sit in the shade, which matters in September.

Food and Drinks

Local flavors shine here. Look for Cuban sandwiches, specialized grill areas, and craft beer options from Funky Buddha.

Pro tip: Eat before you enter. The tailgate food in the parking lots is better and cheaper. Load up on Cuban sandwiches and croquetas from the vendors walking the lots.