Not just wishful thinking: See why the Miami Dolphins are primed for the SOD\RIIS WKLS SHDSRQ
AS FOOTBALL SEASON KICKS OFF, MIAMI DOLPHINS FANS HAVE A LOT TO LOOK FORWARD TO—ON AND OFF THE FIELD.
Every football team looks like a sure winner in early September, but the high hopes of Miami Dolphins fans this year aren’t just wishful thinking. With a 10-6 record last season (ending with an incredible 9-2 run), a playoff berth for the first time in eight years, the return of Jay Ajayi and Jarvis Landry, and the late off-season signing of quarterback Jay Cutler, the Dolphins are poised to make waves in an AFC East that could be ripe for the taking.
With out-of-conference home games against the Oakland Raiders, Denver Broncos, Tennessee Titans, and Tampa Bay Buccaneers, this will undoubtedly be a fun season, says Jason Jenkins, senior vice president of communications and community affairs for the Dolphins and Hard Rock Stadium. “After our first playoff appearance since 2008, fans are excited about the upcoming season,” says Jenkins. “We have a great home schedule and a team that is supremely focused.” Adam Gase returns for his second season as head coach, joined by Mike Tannenbaum, executive vice president of football operations, and Chris Grier, general manager.
WHAT’S NEW Good Eats:
What’s a football game without stadium grub? New offerings include Coyo Taco, David Chang’s Fuku, Jackson Soul Food, and Shorty’s BBQ, as well as mouthwatering Hard Rock Stadium favorites like Grown and Shula Burger.
Power Players:
Fresh faces on the roster include tight end Julius Thomas, safety Nate Allen, defensive end William Hayes, and linebacker Lawrence Timmons.
Can’t-miss Events:
In addition to hosting the Dolphins, University of Miami football games, the Orange Bowl, and El Clásico Miami, Hard Rock Stadium will welcome Super Bowl LIV in 2020, marking the 100th anniversary of the NFL, plus an array of worldclass events.
But the action on the field won’t be the only thing generating excitement. After three years, Hard Rock Stadium is nearing completion of a massive $500 million renovation, funded by owner Stephen Ross. The biggest elements of Phase III are a complete redesign of the venue’s landscaping and parking lots, as well as modernized suites (147 of them to be exact), which were fully refurbished with a host of luxury amenities—creating the ultimate setting to watch not just football, but any event at the stadium. The executive suites have between 10 and 50 seats, along with air-conditioning, multifeed sound systems, refrigerators, ice makers, and private telephone services, while attendants provide personal service during the game.
Joining the suite life at Hard Rock Stadium is the luxury real estate firm G&G Business Developments, which has introduced an exclusive space called The Nine, Hosted by Aston Martin Residences at 300 Biscayne Boulevard Way. Featuring an open-air suite between the 30-yard lines, access to a private club designed by the Rockwell Group, complimentary car service, a private entrance, and a dedicated game-day concierge, The Nine offers guests a one-of-a-kind experience—and perhaps the swankiest way you’ll ever watch a football game. 347 Don Shula Dr., Miami Gardens, 305-9438000; hardrockstadium.com
“WE HAVE A GREAT HOME SCHEDULE AND A TEAM THAT IS SUPREMELY FOCUSED.” —JASON JENKINS