Sports Destination: Miami

While international tourism often grabs headlines, domestic travel is the real powerhouse of the U.S. tourism industry. In fact, domestic tourism accounts for about 80% of the country’s tourism revenue, with Americans spending approximately $100 billion annually. This figure far surpasses that of China and Germany, which follow with $80 billion and $30 billion, respectively. From theme parks and historic sites to sports stadiums and beach resorts, Americans have a deep-seated love for travel and exploration.

One of the hottest destinations for domestic travel is Miami, Florida. This chic melting pot is renowned for its vibrant culture and enticing vacation options. Among Miami's attractions, Hard Rock Stadium—a home base for the NFL’s Miami Dolphins—shines brightly.

Hard Rock Stadium

Hard Rock – It is a name that might have you seeing the lights of the Vegas strip, and honestly we love Vegas so you know there will be a write up (or 3) coming soon! But for this article I digress- The glamour of the Hard Rock name carries is easy to see in the Hard Rock Stadium. NFL’s week 2 started at the Hard Rock Stadium on September 12th, 2024 when Tua Tagovailoa and the Miami Dolphins take on division rival Josh Allen and the Buffalo Bills. This game is always a sight to see with the Bills having had the upper hand in recent years. This week 2 showdown continued the current trend with the Bills putting an impressive win together. The win was muddied by the 3rd quarter injury to Miami’s quarterback Tua Tagovailoa. As of Monday, September 16th, the Dolphins have reportedly picked up veteran quarterback Snoop Huntley off of the Ravens practice squad to compete with Skylar Thompson for the time being.

A History of Transformation

Opened in 1987 as Joe Robbie Stadium, Hard Rock Stadium has undergone significant renovations to enhance the fan experience. Between 2015 and 2016, the stadium underwent a major overhaul, culminating in its ability to host Super Bowl LIV in February 2020. The renovation process was carefully phased to avoid disrupting the football season:

• First Phase: Introduction of a new Field Club, North Sideline Club, updated seating, corner terraces, and the exclusive “Living Room” boxes featuring recliners, TVs, and the luxurious 72 Club lounge.

• Second Phase: Installation of a distinctive open-air canopy, designed to protect fans from the elements while amplifying crowd noise.

• Final Phase: Upgrades to the 200 Club and 200 Mezzanine Suite levels, including new sideline clubs and end zones, finalized the stadium's modernization and luxury enhancements.

If you want to watch a game in true style, Hard Rock Stadium is hard to beat- After all who else has a living room style box? In case you went to a game to get away from watching it in a living room setting, and in true Miami fashion, there are multiple premier seating options to choose from.

Luxury Seating

The Luxury Seating experience includes three separate levels. The Field Level which includes the Gallagher Club and Bud Light Touchdown Club. The 100 Level which includes The 72 Club Presented by Broxel and The 72 Club Living Room Boxes. And the 200 Level that includes the Bodega Lounge, Theater Box and the Loge Box.

Field Level: Featuring the Gallagher Club and Bud Light Touchdown Club, both offering exclusive four-person boxes with premium food, beverages, and express parking. Gallagher Club includes 14 boxes all located next to the home tunnel allowing great views of the Dolphin’s players as they enter and exit the field. Bud Light Touchdown Club has their 14 boxes behind the East End Zone providing a great view of the game. These clubs also come with a premium all-inclusive food and beverage experience and preferred parking. You will enjoy the express lane for easy entry and exit, which is especially appreciated if you have ever been stuck in the general admission parking lines.

100 Level: The 72 Club is located at the 35 yard line behind the Dolphins bench and is renowned for its luxurious amenities including in-seat service, extra legroom and wider seats.

The 72 Club Living Room Box offers additional comfort with padded recliners and private screens with access to highlights and replay action.

Both clubs include an all-inclusive food and beverage experience including beer, wine and spirits and the much coveted, preferred parking and express lane.

200 Level: The Bodega Lounge, operated by the local taco and club sensation Bodega, offers a lively atmosphere with live entertainment (other than the game), an open bar and suite-style seating. This climate-controlled lounge is found on at the Mezzanine Level End Zone.

The Theater Box and Loge Box provide luxurious suite experiences for smaller groups, complete with climate-controlled seating and VIP perks.

Suite Seating

In addition to the luxury seating, Hard Rock Stadium also offers various suite seating options. These follow the same levels as the luxury seating at the Field, 100 and 200 Levels, with the Field Suites, The Nine and the Club LIV Suites respectively.

The Field Suites on the Field Level are placed next to the away team tunnel and engulf you in the action. You will be able to watch plays happen in the end-zone just feet away. These suites include access to Grover Field Club Access for culinary delights. These Suites can host 20 people and blends luxury and proximity for an unrivaled atmosphere including VIP Express Lane Parking.

The Nine on the 100 Level allow for up to 20 people and come with comfortable seating, all-inclusive food and top-shelf beverages. Perfect for friends and family or even to host clients, The Nine comes with preferred parking and an express lane with complimentary valet parking and an in-suite concierge.

The Club LIV Suite on the 200 Level blends the energy of the iconic Club LIV in Miami Beach with live events in a semi-private suite experience. Club LIV Wait Staff from Miami Beach will provide top-notch service with sophistication with a custom culinary experience with exquisite catering options. This suite also comes with Mezzanine Club LIV access for up to 20 people and includes 5 parking passes. These Suites are available on a single game basis and so these do not need to be purchased for an entire season. Which is great for get togethers such as family reunions, bachelor parties, fantasy football meetups, and much more.

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Beyond Football

The Hard Rock Stadium is not only about the luxury and suite experiences. Dolphins’ owner Stephen Ross wanted his newly renovated stadium to be a work of art. So the Dolphins partnered with Goldman Global Arts to turn the stadium into a vibrant, monumental street art experience. This art experience features 19 murals and 17 fine art pieces by 18 artists from 10 different countries.

Hard Rock Stadium offers many other events not related to the NFL. They play host to big name concerts, such as a Taylor Swift’s The Eras Tour, running from October 18 – 20, 2024.

They also offer Formula 1 racing for the Miami Grand Prix, University of Miami games, the Miami Open for tennis and even hosting the FIFA World Cup in 2026.

A Complete Miami Experience

Hard Rock Stadium is one of the most exciting and luxurious stadiums for lovers of sports, art and fun. If you are looking for an unrivaled experience it will be hard to beat the Hard Rock Stadium.

Visiting Hard Rock Stadium also provides a perfect opportunity to explore Miami. Beyond the stadium, you can tour the Wynwood Walls, visit the Everglades National Park, or relax on South Beach. With so much to offer, Miami promises a vibrant and memorable vacation experience. You can read more about fun activities with kids plus great places to stay in our other Miami blogs.

Whether you're a sports enthusiast or simply looking for a fun getaway, Hard Rock Stadium and Miami deliver on all fronts. Happy travels and may the best team win!