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 two major sports teams. It hosts the NFL's Miami Dolphins and the University of Miami's Miami Hurricanes football team, which competes in NCAA Division I.

1937: Miami Hurricanes at the Miami Orange Bowl

The Miami Hurricanes played their home games at the Miami Orange Bowl from 1937 until their move to Hard Rock Stadium in 2008.

1976: Decision to Build a New Stadium

In 1976, the city of Miami's proposal to quadruple the rent for the Miami Dolphins at the Orange Bowl prompted team founder Joe Robbie to pursue the construction of a new stadium.

1983: Miami Hurricanes National Championships

Since 1983, the Miami Hurricanes, now playing at Hard Rock Stadium, have won five national championships, solidifying their status as a premier college football program.

August 16, 1987: First Preseason Game

The Miami Dolphins played their first preseason game at the stadium against the Chicago Bears on August 16, 1987.

October 11, 1987: First Regular Season NFL Game

The first regular season NFL game at the stadium took place on October 11, 1987, a 42–0 Dolphins victory over the Kansas City Chiefs during the 1987 NFL strike, played with replacement players.

1987: Stadium Opening

The facility, originally named Joe Robbie Stadium, opened in 1987.

1987: Stadium Opens in Unincorporated Miami-Dade County

When it opened in 1987, Joe Robbie Stadium was situated in unincorporated Miami-Dade County, despite having a Miami address.

1988: VFL Post-Season Exhibitions

In 1988, Hard Rock Stadium hosted two Victorian Football League (VFL) post-season exhibition matches, with the game played diagonally to accommodate the stadium's layout.

1990: Wayne Huizenga Purchases Stadium Stake

Wayne Huizenga acquired a 50% ownership stake in Joe Robbie Stadium in 1990 and spearheaded the effort to bring Major League Baseball to South Florida.

July 1991: Miami Awarded MLB Expansion Franchise

The Miami area was granted an MLB expansion franchise in July 1991, paving the way for the establishment of the Florida Marlins.

1992: AFC Championship Game

The stadium hosted the 1992 AFC Championship Game, where the Dolphins lost to the Buffalo Bills.

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

The Florida Marlins played their inaugural game at Joe Robbie Stadium on April 5, 1993, defeating the Los Angeles Dodgers with a score of 6-3.

1993: Florida Marlins Home Field

Hard Rock Stadium became the home field of the Florida Marlins of Major League Baseball (MLB) in 1993.

1993: Marlins' Inaugural Season

The Marlins began playing at Hard Rock Stadium, then known as Joe Robbie Stadium, in 1993, and the stadium's baseball capacity was reduced to create a more intimate atmosphere.

1993: Florida Marlins Begin Playing at Stadium

The stadium served as the home field for the Florida Marlins from 1993 until 2011.

1993: Multipurpose Stadium Trend

When the Marlins started playing at Hard Rock Stadium in 1993, it was one of 14 stadiums hosting both an MLB team and a professional football team, a trend that declined over time.

January 24, 1994: Huizenga Gains Full Ownership of Hard Rock Stadium

Wayne Huizenga purchased the remaining 50% stake in Hard Rock Stadium on January 24, 1994, giving him full ownership. This followed his earlier purchase of a portion of the stadium and subsequent renovations to accommodate a baseball team, a move that paved the way for the Florida Marlins' arrival in South Florida.

1994: FIFA World Cup Matches Relocated

Proposed 1994 FIFA World Cup matches intended for Joe Robbie Stadium were moved to Orlando's Citrus Bowl due to scheduling conflicts with Marlins home games in June and July.

August 26, 1996: Renamed to Pro Player Park

The stadium was renamed to Pro Player Park from Joe Robbie Stadium on August 26, 1996, under the ownership of Wayne Huizenga.

1996: Hard Rock Stadium Begins Hosting the Orange Bowl

Hard Rock Stadium began hosting the annual Orange Bowl game in 1996, marking the start of a long-standing tradition for the iconic college football game.

1997: Sightline Issues During World Series

During the Marlins' 1997 World Series appearance at what was then known as Pro Player Stadium, the stadium's limitations for baseball, such as poor sightlines for some seats, became apparent.

1997: World Series

Hard Rock Stadium hosted the 1997 World Series, marking a significant event for the stadium.

1997: Marlins' First World Series Appearance

In 1997, the Florida Marlins, playing at Hard Rock Stadium, then known as Pro Player Stadium, reached the World Series and opened the entire upper level of the stadium for the games, drawing large crowds.

1998: Mark McGwire's Record-Breaking Home Run

Mark McGwire broke the NL record for home runs in a single season at Hard Rock Stadium, then known as Pro Player Stadium, when he hit his 57th home run in 1998.

January 1999: Orange Bowl Game Relocated Due to Dolphins Playoff Game

The Orange Bowl game, typically held at Hard Rock Stadium, was moved from its usual venue in January 1999. The relocation was necessary due to a scheduling conflict with a Miami Dolphins playoff game, highlighting the stadium's importance as a multi-purpose venue.

1999: Fruit of the Loom Bankruptcy

Fruit of the Loom, the owner of the Pro Player brand, filed for bankruptcy in 1999.

2000: Bowl Game Moves from Hard Rock Stadium to Orlando

The bowl game previously held at Hard Rock Stadium, which went by various names including the Blockbuster Bowl, CarQuest Bowl, and MicronPC Bowl, relocated to Orlando after the 2000 game. The bowl game eventually became known as the Russell Athletic Bowl in its new location.

2001: BCS National Championship Game

The 2001 BCS National Championship Game, a major college football event, was held at the stadium.

2001: Pro Player Brand Liquidated

The Pro Player brand was liquidated in 2001.

May 13, 2003: Incorporation of Miami Gardens

While initially located in unincorporated Miami-Dade County, the stadium became part of the newly incorporated city of Miami Gardens on May 13, 2003.

2003: Marlins' Second World Series Title

The Florida Marlins clinched their second World Series championship in 2003, further solidifying their presence at Joe Robbie Stadium.

2003: Continued Sightline Problems During World Series

The sightline issues at Hard Rock Stadium, known as Pro Player Stadium at the time, persisted and were again highlighted during the Marlins' 2003 World Series games.

2003: World Series

The stadium hosted the 2003 World Series, its second time hosting the event.

2004: Pro Player Stadium as a Baseball Venue

By 2004, the stadium, then known as Pro Player Stadium, was the only National League park shared by both an MLB and an NFL team, highlighting the challenges of its multi-purpose design.

January 2005: Renamed to Dolphins Stadium

Following Pro Player's liquidation, the stadium was renamed to Dolphins Stadium in January 2005, coinciding with renovations.

2005: BCS National Championship Game

The stadium hosted the BCS National Championship Game in 2005.

April 2006: Hard Rock Stadium Unveils Largest Video Boards in Professional Sports

In April 2006, Hard Rock Stadium introduced two massive Daktronics video boards, the largest in professional sports at the time. The east display measured 50 feet high by 140 feet wide, while the west end zone display measured 50 feet high by 100 feet wide. Additionally, a new 2,118-foot-long LED ribbon board, also the world's largest at the time, was installed, further enhancing the stadium's visual experience.

April 2006: Renamed to Dolphin Stadium

The stadium underwent a graphics and logo update in April 2006 and was renamed Dolphin Stadium.

2006: High School State Football Championships

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

2007: Super Bowl XLI at Dolphin Stadium Impacted by Heavy Rain

Super Bowl XLI, held at Dolphin Stadium (now Hard Rock Stadium) in 2007, was significantly affected by heavy rain, leading to a substantial number of empty seats in the lower level during the second half. Despite the weather challenges, the Indianapolis Colts emerged victorious, defeating the Chicago Bears with a score of 29-17.

February 2008: Stephen M. Ross Begins Acquisition

Stephen M. Ross began gradually acquiring ownership of the stadium and surrounding land in February 2008.

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, known then as Dolphin Stadium, off Mark Hendrickson of the Marlins.

2008: Shula Bowl Moves from Hard Rock Stadium

After being hosted at Hard Rock Stadium in even-numbered years, the Shula Bowl, a college football rivalry game between the Florida Atlantic University Owls and the Florida International University Panthers, was moved from the stadium in 2008.

2008: Hard Rock Stadium Becomes Home to Miami Hurricanes Football

Hard Rock Stadium became the home field for the University of Miami Hurricanes football team in 2008, marking a significant moment for one of college football's most renowned programs.

2008: Miami Hurricanes Home Field

The Miami Hurricanes college football team began playing their home games at Hard Rock Stadium in 2008.

2008: Miami Hurricanes Move to Hard Rock Stadium

The Miami Hurricanes relocated their home games from the Miami Orange Bowl to Hard Rock Stadium in 2008.

January 2009: Stephen M. Ross Completes Acquisition

Stephen M. Ross completed the acquisition of 95% of the stadium and surrounding land by January 2009.

January 2009: Dolphins' Most Recent Playoff Loss

The Dolphins lost their most recent playoff game at the stadium in January 2009 against the Baltimore Ravens.

May 8, 2009: Renamed to Land Shark Stadium

The stadium's name changed to Land Shark Stadium on May 8, 2009, under the ownership of Stephen M. Ross and in partnership with Jimmy Buffett.

2009: BCS National Championship Game

The 2009 BCS National Championship Game was held at Hard Rock Stadium.

January 20, 2010: Sun Life Financial Acquires Naming Rights

Sun Life Financial acquired the naming rights to the stadium on January 20, 2010.

May 29, 2010: Roy Halladay's Perfect Game

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

2010: Hard Rock Stadium Hosts the 2010 Pro Bowl

Hard Rock Stadium hosted the 2010 Pro Bowl, showcasing the NFL's all-star game.

2010: Shula Bowl Moves to Lockhart Stadium

In 2010, the Shula Bowl, a college football rivalry game, was moved to Lockhart Stadium in Fort Lauderdale.

2010: Pro Bowl

The 2010 Pro Bowl, the NFL's all-star game, was held at Hard Rock Stadium.

2010: Land Shark Name Excluded from Pro Bowl and Super Bowl

The Land Shark naming deal, which did not include rights for the 2010 Pro Bowl and Super Bowl XLIV, ended.

2010: Sun Life Stadium and the Miami Marlins

The Miami Marlins played their games at Sun Life Stadium, but the stadium, built for football, was hot and humid, leading to low attendance. This was especially true when the team wasn't doing well, with crowds sometimes less than 5,000 people. Some players admitted they preferred playing away games due to the poor conditions and lack of fan support at Sun Life Stadium in 2010.

2010: NFL Pushes for Hard Rock Stadium Renovations, Including Roof

The NFL urged significant renovations to Hard Rock Stadium in 2010, including the addition of a roof to shield fans from the elements. This push for improvements aimed to secure the stadium's continued eligibility to host major events like the Super Bowl and Pro Bowl.

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

On August 3, 2011, Hard Rock Stadium, then Sun Life Stadium, hosted a match between FC Barcelona and C.D. Guadalajara as part of the 2011 World Football Challenge, which Guadalajara won 4-1.

2011: FAU Owls Open On-Campus Stadium

Florida Atlantic University (FAU) opened its own football stadium, FAU Stadium, on its Boca Raton campus in 2011. This development allowed the FAU Owls to host their home games, including the Shula Bowl, on campus.

2011: Florida Marlins Cease Playing at Stadium

The Florida Marlins played their final season at the stadium in 2011.

2011: Florida Marlins Relocate

The Florida Marlins played their last season at Hard Rock Stadium in 2011 before moving to LoanDepot Park in 2012.

2011: Atlanta Braves Final Game at Sun Life Stadium

When the Atlanta Braves played their last game at Hard Rock Stadium, then called Sun Life Stadium, in 2011, former Marlin Dan Uggla remarked that he might be the only Braves player who would miss playing there.

February 29, 2012: Colombia vs. Mexico Friendly Match

Colombia played a friendly international match against Mexico at Hard Rock Stadium, known then as Sun Life Stadium, on February 29, 2012, and won 2-0.

April 1, 2012: WrestleMania XXVIII

On April 1, 2012, Hard Rock Stadium, then known as Sun Life Stadium, hosted WrestleMania XXVIII, a flagship professional wrestling event. The event was headlined by the "Once in a Lifetime" match where The Rock defeated John Cena.

July 28, 2012: AC Milan vs. Chelsea FC Friendly Match

AC Milan and Chelsea FC played a friendly match at Hard Rock Stadium, then known as Sun Life Stadium, on July 28, 2012, with AC Milan winning 1-0.

2012: FAU Stadium Begins Hosting Shula Bowl Biennially

Starting in 2012, FAU Stadium, the on-campus football stadium for Florida Atlantic University, began hosting the Shula Bowl biennially. This marked a shift in the rivalry game's location, providing FAU with home-field advantage every other year.

2012: Sun Life Exits U.S. Annuity Business

Sun Life Financial announced its exit from the U.S. annuity business in 2012.

2012: Florida Marlins Move to LoanDepot Park

The Florida Marlins officially relocated to LoanDepot Park in 2012 after playing their home games at Hard Rock Stadium until the previous year.

2012: Dolphins Abandon Plans for Partial Roof at Hard Rock Stadium

The Miami Dolphins, facing financial hurdles, scrapped plans for a $200 million hotel tax proposal in 2012. This proposal would have partially funded various stadium upgrades, including the construction of a partial roof over Hard Rock Stadium. The decision reflected the ongoing challenges of financing major stadium renovations.

2012: Marlins Move to Marlins Park

The Miami Marlins left Hard Rock Stadium after the 2012 MLB season to play in their new home, Marlins Park (now known as LoanDepot Park).

November 16, 2013: Brazil vs. Honduras Friendly Match

Brazil played a friendly match against Honduras at Hard Rock Stadium, then known as Sun Life Stadium, on November 16, 2013, winning 5-0 and setting a new attendance record for a soccer match at the stadium.

2013: 2013 BCS National Championship Game at Hard Rock Stadium Sets Attendance Record

The 2013 BCS National Championship Game, held at Hard Rock Stadium, witnessed a thrilling matchup between the Alabama Crimson Tide and the Notre Dame Fighting Irish. The game drew a record crowd of 80,120 spectators, the highest attendance ever recorded at the facility, who witnessed Alabama secure their third BCS Championship title in four seasons.

2013: BCS National Championship Game

The stadium hosted the BCS National Championship Game in 2013.

June 9, 2014: South Korea vs. Ghana Friendly Match

South Korea played a friendly match against Ghana at Hard Rock Stadium, then known as Sun Life Stadium, on June 9, 2014, as part of their World Cup preparations.

August 4, 2014: International Champions Cup Final

The final of the 2014 International Champions Cup preseason tournament was held at Hard Rock Stadium, then called New Miami Stadium, where Manchester United defeated Liverpool 3-1.

September 5, 2014: Brazil vs. Colombia Friendly Match

On September 5, 2014, Brazil, seeking redemption after a World Cup defeat, played a friendly match against Colombia at Hard Rock Stadium, then called New Miami Stadium, and won 1-0, setting a new attendance record for the stadium.

2014: England's World Cup Preparation Matches

In preparation for the 2014 World Cup, England played friendly matches against Ecuador and Honduras at Hard Rock Stadium, then called Sun Life Stadium.

January 2015: Renovation Project Starts at Hard Rock Stadium

A privately funded $350 million renovation project began at Hard Rock Stadium in January 2015, aiming to modernize the facility while allowing for its continued use during the 2015 NFL season. The project, completed in 2016, included the addition of corner video boards, more suites, and an open-air canopy covering the main seating areas.

February 2015: Preview Center Opens at Hard Rock Stadium

A preview center was opened at Hard Rock Stadium in February 2015 to showcase the planned renovations and allow current and potential season ticket holders to choose their seating options. This move aimed to provide transparency and build excitement for the upcoming upgrades.

August 14, 2015: Sun Life Naming Rights Expire

The Dolphins announced on August 14, 2015, that Sun Life Financial's naming rights would expire in January 2016 and wouldn't be renewed.

2015: Final Monster Jam at Sun Life Stadium

Hard Rock Stadium, then called Sun Life Stadium, hosted the Monster Jam monster truck event annually until 2015.

January 2016: Sun Life Signage Removed

All Sun Life signage was removed from the stadium after their naming rights expired in January 2016.

August 2016: Naming Rights Sold to Hard Rock Cafe Inc.

In August 2016, the Miami Dolphins sold the naming rights of the stadium to Hard Rock Cafe Inc. for $250 million over 18 years, securing the name "Hard Rock Stadium" until 2034.

August 17, 2016: Hard Rock Stadium Name Announced

On August 17, 2016, the stadium was renamed Hard Rock Stadium after the Dolphins sold the naming rights to Hard Rock Cafe International.

September 2016: Open-Air Canopy Debuts at Hard Rock Stadium

An open-air canopy, designed to shield the seating bowl from rain and sun, was completed and unveiled at Hard Rock Stadium in time for the first Miami Dolphins pre-season home game in September 2016. However, the canopy's design, which featured a football-field-sized opening in the center, did not provide cover for the playing field itself.

2016: Hard Rock Stadium Renovations Completed

The extensive renovation project at Hard Rock Stadium, which began in January 2015, was completed in 2016, bringing significant upgrades to the facility. These included the addition of video boards, suites, and a canopy over the seating areas, enhancing the fan experience. Notably, the stadium's capacity was also reduced from 75,000 to 65,000 seats as part of the renovations.

November 2017: Miami Open Tennis Tournament Relocates to Hard Rock Stadium

In November 2017, the Miami Open tennis tournament announced its move from Crandon Park in Key Biscayne to Hard Rock Stadium starting in 2019. The tournament organizers had initially planned to refurbish the aging Crandon Park facility, but a lawsuit filed by the original landowners, citing a restriction in their 1992 land donation agreement with Miami-Dade County, prevented the construction of additional permanent stadium courts, prompting the relocation to Hard Rock Stadium.

2017: Barcelona vs. Real Madrid (El Clásico)

Hard Rock Stadium hosted two International Champions Cup matches in 2017, including the notable El Clásico match between Barcelona and Real Madrid, which Barcelona won 3-2.

March 23, 2018: Peru vs. Croatia Friendly Match

Peru and Croatia played an international friendly match at Hard Rock Stadium on March 23, 2018, with Peru winning 2-0.

2018: Monster Jam Moves to Marlins Park

In 2018, the Monster Jam event, previously held at Hard Rock Stadium, moved to Marlins Park, now known as LoanDepot Park.

2018: Rolling Loud Music Festival Begins

The Rolling Loud music festival began its tenure at Hard Rock Stadium in 2018.

2018: Miracle in Miami

The stadium was the site of the "Miracle in Miami" game in 2018, where the Dolphins secured a last-second victory against the New England Patriots.

2019: Miami Open Tennis Tournament Begins at Hard Rock Stadium

The Miami Open tennis tournament, after announcing its move from Crandon Park in Key Biscayne in 2017, officially began its tenure at Hard Rock Stadium in 2019. The relocation marked a significant shift for the tournament and brought a major sporting event to the renovated stadium.

January 2020: SkyView Gondola Opens at Hard Rock Stadium

In January 2020, Hard Rock Stadium added another attraction with the opening of the SkyView gondola. This attraction, situated on the south side of the stadium complex, provides visitors with panoramic views of the stadium grounds and the Miami skyline.

2020: Outdoor Movie Theater and Drive-In

In 2020, during the COVID-19 pandemic, Hard Rock Stadium adapted to host an outdoor movie theater and a drive-in theater. It also served as a COVID-19 testing site.

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

On February 27, 2021, Hard Rock Stadium hosted a boxing match where Canelo Álvarez defended his super-middleweight titles against Avni Yildirim, winning the fight.

April 18, 2021: Formula 1 Ten-Year Deal

On April 18, 2021, Formula 1 announced a 10-year agreement to host races around Hard Rock Stadium.

June 6, 2021: Bragging Rights

On June 6, 2021, Hard Rock Stadium hosted the boxing event "Bragging Rights" featuring Floyd Mayweather Jr. and Logan Paul.

June 12, 2021: YouTubers vs. TikTokers

On June 12, 2021, the Social Gloves boxing event "YouTubers vs. TikTokers" was held at Hard Rock Stadium, with Austin McBroom and Bryce Hall headlining.

2021: CFP National Championship

Hard Rock Stadium hosted the College Football Playoff (CFP) National Championship in 2021.

2021: College Football Playoff National Championship

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

2021: Baptist Health Training Complex Opens at Hard Rock Stadium

The Miami Dolphins opened the state-of-the-art Baptist Health Training Complex on the west side of the Hard Rock Stadium complex in 2021. This facility serves as the team's headquarters and is also designated as a World Cup practice facility site, further solidifying the stadium complex's status as a premier sports destination.

July 24, 2022: Rolling Loud Music Festival

Hard Rock Stadium hosted the Rolling Loud music festival for its fourth consecutive year, from July 22 to July 24, 2022, featuring headliners like Ye, Future, and Kendrick Lamar.

2022: College Football Playoff National Championship semi-final

Hard Rock Stadium hosted the College Football Playoff National Championship semi-final game in 2022.

2022: Miami International Autodrome

The grounds of Hard Rock Stadium began hosting the Miami International Autodrome, a temporary racing circuit for Formula 1's Miami Grand Prix, in 2022.