History of Hard Rock Stadium in Timeline

Hard Rock Stadium, located in Miami Gardens, Florida, is a multi-purpose stadium serving as the home field for both the Miami Dolphins (NFL) and the Miami Hurricanes (University of Miami's NCAA football team). It's a major venue for sporting events.

1937: Miami Hurricanes played at Miami Orange Bowl

From 1937 until 2008, the Miami Hurricanes played their home games at the Miami Orange Bowl.

1948: 1948 World Series Attendance

In 1948, the Cleveland Stadium reached some of the highest post season attendance figures during the World Series.

1954: 1954 World Series Attendance

In 1954, the Cleveland Stadium reached some of the highest post season attendance figures during the World Series.

1959: 1959 World Series Attendance

In 1959, the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum reached some of the highest post season attendance figures during the World Series.

1976: City of Miami wanted to quadruple Miami Dolphin's rent

In 1976, the city of Miami wanted to quadruple the Miami Dolphin's rent at the Orange Bowl, leading Joe Robbie to seriously consider building a new stadium.

1977: Exhibition Stadium home to the Toronto Blue Jays

From 1977 to 1989, the Toronto Blue Jays played at Exhibition Stadium.

1983: Miami Hurricanes have won five national championships since 1983

The Miami Hurricanes college football team has won five national championships since 1983.

August 16, 1987: First preseason game at the stadium

On August 16, 1987, the first preseason game was played at the stadium between the Miami Dolphins and the Chicago Bears.

October 11, 1987: First regular season NFL game played at stadium

On October 11, 1987, the first regular season NFL game was played at the stadium, a 42–0 victory for the Miami Dolphins over the Kansas City Chiefs with replacement players due to the 1987 NFL strike.

1987: Joe Robbie Stadium located in unincorporated Miami-Dade County

In 1987, Joe Robbie Stadium was located in unincorporated Miami-Dade County, specifically in the Scott Lake census-designated place, with a Miami address.

1987: Facility opened as Joe Robbie Stadium

In 1987, the facility opened as Joe Robbie Stadium.

1988: Australian Rules Football Exhibition

In 1988, Hard Rock Stadium hosted an Australian rules football exhibition match between Collingwood and Geelong, played on the diagonal due to the stadium's shape.

1989: Exhibition Stadium home to the Toronto Blue Jays

From 1977 to 1989, the Toronto Blue Jays played at Exhibition Stadium.

1990: Blockbuster Bowl

In 1990, Hard Rock Stadium began hosting a bowl game known as the Blockbuster Bowl.

1990: Wayne Huizenga purchased 50% of Joe Robbie Stadium

In 1990, Wayne Huizenga purchased 50% of Joe Robbie Stadium and led the effort to bring Major League Baseball to South Florida.

July 1991: Miami area awarded MLB expansion franchise

In July 1991, the Miami area was awarded a Major League Baseball expansion franchise, which was named the Florida Marlins.

1992: 1992 AFC Championship Game

In 1992, the stadium hosted the AFC Championship Game, which the Dolphins lost to the Buffalo Bills 29–10.

1992: Land donation lawsuit blocked refurbishment

The family who originally owned the land filed a lawsuit in 1992 that blocked a $50 million refurbishment of the aging facility, including the addition of three permanent stadium courts.

April 5, 1993: First Marlins game at Joe Robbie Stadium

On April 5, 1993, the first Marlins game was played at Joe Robbie Stadium, resulting in a 6–3 victory over the Los Angeles Dodgers.

1993: Florida Marlins Home Field

From 1993, the stadium served as the home field to the Florida Marlins of Major League Baseball.

1993: Home field for the Florida Marlins

From 1993, the stadium was the home field of the Florida Marlins MLB team.

1993: Marlins Begin Play

In 1993, when the Marlins began play at Hard Rock Stadium, it was one of 14 stadiums hosting both an MLB and a professional football team.

January 24, 1994: Wayne Huizenga acquired 100% ownership of stadium

On January 24, 1994, Wayne Huizenga acquired the remaining 50% of the stadium to give him 100% ownership.

1994: Proposed 1994 FIFA World Cup matches could not be held at the stadium

Proposed 1994 FIFA World Cup matches could not be held at the stadium, as this June–July tournament conflicted directly with Marlins home games; Orlando's Citrus Bowl was used instead.

August 26, 1996: Stadium renamed Pro Player Park

On August 26, 1996, the stadium was renamed Pro Player Park after Wayne Huizenga sold the naming rights to Pro Player, the sports apparel division of Fruit of the Loom.

1996: Orange Bowl at the Stadium

Since 1996, Hard Rock Stadium has been the site of the Orange Bowl game.

1997: Marlins' World Series Appearance

During the Marlins' World Series appearance in 1997, sight lines for baseball at Hard Rock Stadium were not optimal due to the stadium's primary design for football.

1997: 1997 World Series

In 1997, the Marlins played before crowds of over 67,000 fans at Hard Rock Stadium during the World Series.

1997: Marlins won the World Series

The Florida Marlins won a World Series title in 1997.

1998: Mark McGwire's Home Run Record

In 1998, Mark McGwire hit his NL-record 57th home run at Hard Rock Stadium.

January 1999: Orange Bowl Relocation

In January 1999, the Orange Bowl game between Florida and Syracuse was moved from Hard Rock Stadium due to a conflict with a Miami Dolphins playoff game.

2000: MicronPC Bowl Moved

In 2000, the bowl game that had been known as the Blockbuster Bowl, CarQuest Bowl and MicronPC Bowl, was moved from Hard Rock Stadium to Orlando.

2001: Florida Atlantic Owls Home Field

In 2001, Hard Rock Stadium briefly became the home field for the Florida Atlantic Owls.

2001: Hosted 2001 BCS National Championship Game

In 2001, the stadium hosted a BCS National Championship Game.

2002: Florida Atlantic Owls Home Field

In 2002, Hard Rock Stadium briefly became the home field for the Florida Atlantic Owls.

May 13, 2003: Miami Gardens incorporated

On May 13, 2003, the city of Miami Gardens, where the stadium is located, was incorporated.

2003: Marlins' World Series Appearance

During the Marlins' World Series appearance in 2003, sight lines for baseball at Hard Rock Stadium were not optimal due to the stadium's primary design for football.

2003: Hosted 2003 World Series

In 2003, the stadium hosted the World Series.

2003: Marlins won the World Series

The Florida Marlins won a World Series title in 2003.

2004: Only National League park hosting MLB and NFL team

By 2004, renamed Pro Player Stadium was the only National League park that played host to both an MLB and an NFL team due to a wave of baseball-only parks.

January 2005: Stadium renamed Dolphins Stadium

In January 2005, the stadium was renamed Dolphins Stadium, coinciding with a renovation of the stadium.

2005: Hosted 2005 BCS National Championship Game

In 2005, the stadium hosted a BCS National Championship Game.

April 2006: New video boards unveiled

In April 2006, the stadium unveiled two Daktronics large video boards and a new LED ribbon board.

April 2006: Stadium renamed Dolphin Stadium

In April 2006, the stadium was renamed Dolphin Stadium in an update of graphics and logos.

2006: Dan Uggla Played for Marlins

From 2006, Dan Uggla played for the Marlins at Hard Rock Stadium.

2006: High School State Football Championships

In 2006, Hard Rock Stadium hosted the High School State Football Championships, sanctioned by the Florida High School Athletic Association (FHSAA).

2007: Super Bowl XLI marred by heavy rains

Super Bowl XLI in 2007 at Dolphin Stadium, when the Indianapolis Colts defeated the Chicago Bears 29–17, was marred by heavy rains, resulting in an estimated 30% of the lower-level seating being empty during the second half.

June 9, 2008: Ken Griffey Jr.'s 600th Home Run

On June 9, 2008, Ken Griffey Jr. hit his 600th career home run at Hard Rock Stadium off Mark Hendrickson of the Marlins.

2008: Miami Hurricanes move to Hard Rock Stadium

From 1937 until 2008, the Miami Hurricanes played their home games at the Miami Orange Bowl.

2008: Miami Hurricanes Home Field

Since 2008, Hard Rock Stadium has served as the home field for the Miami Hurricanes football team.

2008: Shula Bowl at the Stadium

Until 2008, Hard Rock Stadium hosted the Shula Bowl in even numbered years, when Florida Atlantic University (FAU) hosted Florida International University (FIU).

January 2009: Playoff loss to Baltimore Ravens

In January 2009, the Dolphins lost a playoff game against the Baltimore Ravens at the stadium.

May 8, 2009: Stadium renamed Land Shark Stadium

On May 8, 2009, the stadium's renaming to Land Shark Stadium was announced. This was after Stephen M. Ross partnered with Jimmy Buffett. The name came from a beer brewed for Buffett's Margaritaville restaurant chain.

2009: 2009 BCS National Championship Game

In 2009, Hard Rock Stadium hosted the BCS National Championship Game.

2009: Hosted 2009 BCS National Championship Game and World Baseball Classic

In 2009, the stadium hosted a BCS National Championship Game and the second round of the World Baseball Classic.

January 20, 2010: Stadium renamed Sun Life Stadium

On January 20, 2010, Sun Life Financial, a Canadian financial services company, announced that it had acquired the naming rights, renaming the stadium to Sun Life Stadium.

May 29, 2010: Roy Halladay's Perfect Game

On May 29, 2010, Roy Halladay of the Philadelphia Phillies pitched the 20th perfect game in Major League Baseball history at Hard Rock Stadium against the Marlins.

2010: NFL threatened to remove stadium from Super Bowl consideration

In 2010, the NFL threatened to take the stadium out of further consideration for a Super Bowl or Pro Bowl unless significant renovations were made.

2010: Shula Bowl moved to Lockhart Stadium

In 2010, the Shula Bowl game between Florida Atlantic University (FAU) and Florida International University (FIU) was moved to Lockhart Stadium in Fort Lauderdale.

2010: Hosted 2010 Pro Bowl

In 2010, the stadium also hosted the Pro Bowl.

2010: Sun Life Stadium

The stadium was renamed Sun Life Stadium in 2010.

2010: Dan Uggla Played for Marlins

Until 2010, Dan Uggla played for the Marlins at Hard Rock Stadium.

August 3, 2011: FC Barcelona vs. C.D. Guadalajara Match

On August 3, 2011, Hard Rock Stadium hosted a match between FC Barcelona and C.D. Guadalajara as part of the 2011 World Football Challenge, with Guadalajara winning 4–1 in front of 70,080 attendees.

2011: Last year as home field for the Florida Marlins

2011 was the last year that the stadium served as the home field for the Florida Marlins MLB team.

2011: FAU Opens Stadium

In 2011, Florida Atlantic University (FAU) opened FAU Stadium on its Boca Raton campus.

2011: Braves' Last Game at the Stadium

In 2011, when the Atlanta Braves played their last game at Hard Rock Stadium, Dan Uggla expressed that he was one of the few Braves players who would miss the stadium.

February 29, 2012: Colombia vs. Mexico Friendly

On February 29, 2012, Colombia beat Mexico 2–0 in a friendly international match at Hard Rock Stadium in front of 51,615 spectators.

April 1, 2012: WrestleMania XXVIII

On April 1, 2012, Hard Rock Stadium hosted WrestleMania XXVIII, a WWE event featuring The Rock defeating John Cena and The Undertaker defeating Triple H. The event had an attendance of 78,363 and grossed $67 million.

July 28, 2012: Milan vs. Chelsea Match

On July 28, 2012, Milan won against Chelsea with 1-0 in a match at Hard Rock Stadium, in front of 57,748 fans.

2012: FAU Hosts Shula Bowl

In 2012, Florida Atlantic University (FAU) began hosting the Shula Bowl biennially at FAU Stadium.

2012: Dolphins scrapped plans for partial stadium roof

In 2012, the Dolphins scrapped plans for pitching a $200 million hotel tax proposal that would have included a partial stadium roof.

2012: Florida Marlins move to LoanDepot Park

In 2012, the Florida Marlins moved to LoanDepot Park.

2012: Marlins left for Marlins Park

In 2012, the Marlins left the stadium for their own stadium, Marlins Park (now LoanDepot Park).

November 16, 2013: Brazil vs. Honduras Friendly

On November 16, 2013, Brazil beat Honduras 5–0 in a friendly match at Hard Rock Stadium, with an attendance of 71,124, which was the highest for a soccer match at the stadium.

2013: 2013 BCS National Championship Game

In 2013, the BCS National Championship Game between Alabama and Notre Dame was held at Hard Rock Stadium, setting a new attendance record of 80,120.

June 9, 2014: South Korea vs. Ghana Match

On June 9, 2014, South Korea played against Ghana at Hard Rock Stadium.

August 4, 2014: 2014 International Champions Cup Final

On August 4, 2014, the 2014 International Champions Cup preseason final was held at Hard Rock Stadium, with Manchester United defeating Liverpool 3–1.

September 5, 2014: Brazil vs. Colombia Match

On September 5, 2014, Brazil beat Colombia 1–0 at Hard Rock Stadium, setting a new attendance record for a soccer match at the stadium with 73,429 fans.

2014: England Soccer Matches

In 2014, England played Ecuador and Honduras at Hard Rock Stadium.

2014: $350 million stadium renovation project began after the 2014 Orange Bowl

In January 2015, a privately funded $350 million stadium renovation project began after the 2014 Orange Bowl.

January 2015: $350 million stadium renovation project began

In January 2015, a privately funded $350 million stadium renovation project began after the 2014 Orange Bowl.

February 2015: Preview center opened at the stadium

In February 2015, a preview center opened at the stadium to help current and prospective season ticket holders select their ticket packages.

August 14, 2015: Dolphins announce Sun Life deal expiration

On August 14, 2015, the Miami Dolphins announced that Sun Life's naming rights deal would expire in January 2016 and that they would not renew it, wanting to rebrand the renovated stadium.

2015: Last Monster Jam Show

In 2015, the last Monster Jam show was performed at Hard Rock Stadium.

August 2016: Naming rights sold to Hard Rock Cafe Inc.

In August 2016, the team sold the naming rights to Hard Rock Cafe Inc. for $250 million over 18 years, renaming the stadium Hard Rock Stadium.

August 17, 2016: Stadium renamed Hard Rock Stadium

On August 17, 2016, the Miami Dolphins announced that the naming rights had been sold to Hard Rock Cafe International, renaming the stadium Hard Rock Stadium. This was met with some ridicule.

September 2016: Renovations Completed

In September 2016, renovations at Hard Rock Stadium were completed, including the construction of an open-air canopy to protect the seating bowl from weather elements. The canopy has a football-field-sized opening, leaving the playing field exposed.

2016: $350 million stadium renovation project completed for the 2016 season

A privately funded $350 million stadium renovation project began in January 2015 and was completed for the 2016 season.

November 2017: Miami Open announced move to Hard Rock Stadium

In November 2017, the Miami Open tennis tournament announced that it would move from Crandon Park in Key Biscayne to Hard Rock Stadium in 2019.

2017: International Champions Cup and El Clásico

In 2017, Hard Rock Stadium hosted two International Champions Cup preseason matches, including El Clásico between Barcelona and Real Madrid, with Barcelona winning 3–2 in front of 66,014 people.

March 23, 2018: Peru vs. Croatia International Friendly

On March 23, 2018, the international friendly match between Peru and Croatia was played at Hard Rock Stadium, with Peru winning 2–0.

2018: Monster Jam Moved

In 2018, the Monster Jam shows were moved to Marlins Park (now LoanDepot Park).

2018: Miracle in Miami game against New England Patriots

In 2018, the stadium hosted the Miracle in Miami game against the New England Patriots, where the Dolphins scored on the last play of the game.

2018: Rolling Loud Music Festival

Since 2018, Hard Rock Stadium has hosted the Rolling Loud hip-hop music festival.

2019: Miami Open move to Hard Rock Stadium

In November 2017, the Miami Open tennis tournament announced that it would move from Crandon Park in Key Biscayne to Hard Rock Stadium in 2019.

January 2020: SkyView gondola opened

In January 2020, the stadium opened the SkyView gondola, which runs at the south side of the stadium complex and provides views of the grounds and the Miami skyline.

2020: COVID-19 Pandemic Adaptations

In 2020, during the COVID-19 pandemic, Hard Rock Stadium temporarily hosted an outdoor movie theater at the tennis campus and a drive-in theater in the stadium. The East Lot was also used as a COVID-19 testing site.

February 27, 2021: Canelo Álvarez vs. Avni Yildirim Boxing Match

On February 27, 2021, Canelo Álvarez beat Avni Yildirim at Hard Rock Stadium to defend his WBA (Super), WBC and The Ring super-middleweight titles.

April 18, 2021: Miami Grand Prix Announcement

On April 18, 2021, Formula 1 announced a 10-year deal to host the Miami Grand Prix at Hard Rock Stadium, utilizing the parking lots and service roads to create the Miami International Autodrome.

June 6, 2021: Floyd Mayweather Jr. vs. Logan Paul

On June 6, 2021, the stadium hosted the boxing event Bragging Rights between Floyd Mayweather Jr. and YouTube personality Logan Paul.

June 12, 2021: Social Gloves: YouTubers vs. TikTokers

On June 12, 2021, Hard Rock Stadium hosted the Social Gloves boxing event YouTubers vs. TikTokers, headlined by Austin McBroom and Bryce Hall.

2021: 2021 College Football Playoff National Championship Game

In 2021, Hard Rock Stadium hosted the College Football Playoff National Championship game.

2021: Baptist Health Training Complex Opens

In 2021, the Baptist Health Training Complex opened on the west side of Hard Rock Stadium. This state-of-the-art facility serves as the team headquarters for the Miami Dolphins and is a World Cup practice site.

2021: Hosted 2021 CFP National Championship

In 2021, the stadium hosted a CFP National Championship.

July 24, 2022: Rolling Loud Festival 2022

From July 22 to July 24, 2022, Hard Rock Stadium hosted the Rolling Loud festival, featuring headliners including Ye, Future, and Kendrick Lamar.

2022: 2022 College Football Playoff National Championship Semi-final Game

In 2022, Hard Rock Stadium hosted the College Football Playoff National Championship semi-final game as the Orange Bowl.

2022: Hosted Miami Grand Prix

Since 2022, the grounds of Hard Rock Stadium have hosted the Miami International Autodrome for Formula One's Miami Grand Prix.

July 14, 2024: Widespread damage reported during 2024 Copa América final

Widespread damage to the stadium was reported to have occurred during the 2024 Copa América final international soccer match which was held at Hard Rock Stadium on July 14, 2024.

2024: 2024 Copa América

In 2024, Hard Rock Stadium hosted several matches during the Copa América, including the final match of the tournament.

2024: Hosted 2024 Copa América matches

In 2024, the stadium hosted matches for the Copa América, including the final.

2025: 2025 FIFA Club World Cup

In 2025, Hard Rock Stadium is scheduled to host several matches during the FIFA Club World Cup.

January 19, 2026: 2026 College Football Playoff National Championship

Hard Rock Stadium is scheduled to host the 2026 College Football Playoff National Championship on January 19, 2026.

2026: 2026 FIFA World Cup Matches

In 2026, Hard Rock Stadium, temporarily renamed "Miami Stadium", is scheduled to host several matches during the FIFA World Cup, including four group stage matches, one Round of 32 match, one quarterfinal match, and the third place match.