Miami Dolphins Hard Rock Stadium Fan Guide [2023 Info]


Sportsfanfocus.com has no affiliation with Hard Rock Stadium, the Miami Dolphins, or NFL (info)

This is a guide to the Miami Dolphins home stadium (Hard Rock Stadium). Going to a NFL game can be fun, but it is also a unique experience that you will want to plan for accordingly. There are certain policies and procedures you will want to be aware of beforehand, as well as stadium gate and parking lot locations for easy entrance.

Need Tickets or Parking Passes? – I like to use Vivid Seats because they show me what my view from the seat will look like prior to purchase. Click here to view Miami Dolphins tickets and parking passes available at VividSeats.com (affiliate link takes you to vividseats.com).

In this article we will discuss:

  • What to bring to a Dolphins Game
  • Miami Dolphins Ticket Information
  • Hard Rock Stadium Gate Information
  • Best Place to Park at Hard Rock Stadium
  • Does Hard Rock Stadium Take Cash?
  • How Long are Dolphins Games?
  • Where is the Dolphins Team Store at Hard Rock Stadium?

What to Bring to a Miami Dolphins Game?

If you are going to a Miami Dolphins game, planning ahead is always important. Below is a list of things you might need to bring, and you will want to make sure you are complying with any security protocols the stadium has:

  • Clear Stadium BagNFL stadiums have strict bag policies and recommend a clear stadium bag like this one available at Amazon (paid affiliate link takes you to Amazon.com). Make sure to verify the size dimensions meets the size standards for Hard Rock Stadium.
  • Parking Pass – Many stadiums recommend fans to pre-purchase parking passes if needed to help avoid the hassle and wait times associated with buying passes at the stadium. Click here to view the current prices of Miami Dolphins parking passes and tickets available at Vivid Seats (paid affiliate link takes you to VividSeats.com).
  • Weather and Sun ProtectionHard Rock Stadium has an open-roof canopy design, meaning the seating area has a canopy roof above it, but the roof itself is not enclosed. This canopy will provide some sun and weather protection. Miami temperatures are often pleasant, but checking the forecast is always wise.
  • Cashless Payment – Many stadiums are transitioning to cashless payments, so bringing a form of payment other than cash is a good idea.
  • Noise-Canceling Headphones – Stadiums can get very loud, and noise-canceling headphones may be needed for toddlers.

Can You Bring a Bag Into Hard Rock Stadium?

As an emphasis on security has increased in recent years, NFL stadiums have adjusted their bag policies. There are strict regulations regarding the types of bags allowed inside a stadium. The NFL recommends fans to use clear stadium bags like this one available at Amazon (paid affiliate link takes you to Amazon.com).

Clear stadium bags help with security at the gate, and not only make the stadium safer, but also help security lines move faster. But each stadium has its own safety guidelines, and may include certain exceptions. To read more, I would advise you to visit the Hard Rock Stadium information guide.

Can You Bring a Blanket Into Hard Rock Stadium?

Yes, you can bring a blanket into Miami Dolphins games at Hard Rock Stadium (source). However, the blanket will be subject to search for security reasons.


Miami Dolphins Ticket Information

Buying Dolphins Tickets

Yes, you can buy Dolphins tickets at the stadium, but only as long as supplies last. That said, because NFL game usually sellout, it is very difficult to buy tickets at the stadium on gameday. Buying in advance is almost always necessary.

You can buy your tickets directly from the team’s website, but once the game is sold-out, you will need to use the secondary ticket market, where you can buy Dolphins tickets that are being re-sold. For these types of tickets, I like to use Vivid Seats because they show me what my view from the seats will look like prior to purchase.

  • Click here to view Miami Dolphins tickets available at Vivid Seats (affiliate link takes you to VividSeats.com).

If you wish to speak to the ticket office in person, the Dolphins have box offices located near the SE, SW, and NW entry. Hours and availability may vary, so contacting them via phone is the best option.

To read more, visit our article about purchasing Dolphins tickets at the stadium.

Hard Rock Stadium Gate Information

Hard Rock Stadium gates open two hours prior to kickoff for Miami Dolphins games (source). However, it is important to note that your Miami Dolphins ticket will designate a specific gate an entry time window for your seat. The Dolphins used this as a method to reduce congestion near entrance gates. Gates will be open to all attendees 20 minutes prior to game time.

Best Place to Park at Hard Rock Stadium for Dolphins Games

  • Buy Prepaid Parking if Possible – Buying a parking permit in advance can help you avoid the hassle of buying at the stadium, and allows you to reserve a spot in a parking lot that makes the most sense for you. Prepaid lots are also closer to the stadium and reduce the distances you have to walk. Many prepaid passes are cheaper than purchasing parking on site.
  • Purchasing Parking at the Stadium – If you choose to buy parking on site, you will be using a Hard Rock Stadium Yellow Parking Lot. There are several of these, and you will want to research which lots make the most sense for your travel route. If you are coming from the Florida Turnpike, Yellow Lots 13-18 will make the most sense (these are on east and southeast sides of stadium). From the west, Yellow Lots 10 and 11 will make the most sense.
  • Hard Rock Stadium Free Parking – Yes, there are five free lots, and they are located on several different sides of the stadium. Here’s what you need to know: even though these are free, you still need to reserve a spot in advance through Hard Rock Stadium’s website. Expect to spend 20-30 minutes walking to the stadium from these lots. They are about a mile from the stadium.

Hard Rock Stadium prepaid parking is categorized by colors. When you buy a Hard Rock Stadium prepaid parking pass, the pass should tell you the color and lot area you are assigned to. These prepaid passes are within the main parking area, meaning you won’t have to cross a major street to reach the stadium.

If you don’t choose to prepay for a pass, then you have two options: pay for parking on gameday, or use a Hard Rock Stadium Free Parking Lot. If you buy parking at the stadium, you will be parking in one of the yellow lots. These lots will require a farther walk than the prepaid lots. They are distritbuted on a first-come, first-serve basis.

There are five free lots, and they are located on several different sides of the stadium. As we discussed above, even though these are free, you still need to reserve a spot in advance through Hard Rock Stadium’s website. Expect a longer walk from these lots.

To read more about lots and options, visit our Miami Dolphins Parking Guide.

How Long Do Miami Dolphins Games Last?

You can expect a Miami Dolphins game to last slightly over three hours on average, but it is worth noting that some games can last closer to 3.5 hours (or longer) depending on pace of play. In 2021, the average length of a Miami Dolphins game was 3 hours and 8 minutes.

In 2021, the longest Miami Dolphins game lasted 3 hours and 44 minutes, and the shortest Miami Dolphins game lasted 2 hours and 54 minutes. The main takeaway is most Miami Dolphins games last slightly over 3 hours, but there are exceptions both ways.

To read more, visit our article about the length of football games. 

SOURCE: Pro Football Reference Gamelogs

Where is the Dolphins Team Store at Hard Rock Stadium?

There are several retail shops located around Hard Rock Stadium, but the main Dolphins Team Store is located on the south side of the stadium near the South Gate entrance, and the Dan Marino stature. Their is a large video board located above this entrance.

If you are shopping for Dolphins fan gear, you can also do that online. This is where you can view Dolphins gear available at NFLShop.com (paid affiliate link takes you to NFLShop.com). If you want to read more about the different types of Dolphins fan jerseys, visit our Dolphins jersey guide.

Does Hard Rock Stadium Accept Cash Inside the Stadium?

Hard Rock Stadium does not accept cash inside the stadium. Guests who need to convert cash can use one of the several reverse-ATM’s located around the stadium where you can convert cash to prepaid cards (source).

Hard Rock Stadium Contact Info

This website (sportsfanfocus.com) has no affiliation with Hard Rock Stadium, the Miami Dolphins, the NFL, or any of the events hosted at this facility.

Any information is provided “as is” with no guarantee of completeness, meaning much of this information is subject to change, and although we do our best to keep these guides updated, we can’t guarantee accuracy at all times. For all official information, we urge you to contact the team or Hard Rock Stadium staff. Contact information is below:

  • Hard Rock StadiumView Contact Information
  • Miami DolphinsView Contact Information

Need Tickets or Parking Passes? – I like to use Vivid Seats because they show me what my view from the seat will look like prior to purchase. Click here to view Miami Dolphins tickets and parking passes available at VividSeats.com (affiliate link takes you to vividseats.com).

Paul Johnson

Paul has been with us from our beginnings. He focuses on a wide range of sports, including NFL, NBA, MLB and golf.

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