Stadium turning into drive-in

Dolphins turning stadium into drive-in theater

Finally, an upside to social distancing: The Miami Dolphins are responding to coronavirus concerns with an innovative plan to turn Hard Rock Stadium into a drive-in movie theater for up to 230 cars. The idea is a key part of The Outdoor Theaters at Hard Rock, a sports and entertainment complex that also includes an open-air venue on the property’s South Plaza for small groups to watch entertainment on a large screen.

The two venues, announced by the NFL team on Tuesday, will showcase classic Miami Dolphins content from the team’s 54-year history, as well as classic films, concerts, commencement ceremonies and other events.

The inside of the stadium has featured four massive, state-of-theart video screens since a major renovation five years ago. Renderings of the South Plaza venue show pairs of seats, separated by planters and walkways, facing a large screen on the side of the stadium.

The programming schedule is not yet available, but a spokesperson said the venue would be open “in the coming weeks.”

Miami Dolphins and Hard Rock Stadium Vice Chairman and CEO Tom Garfinkel said the team was responding to a need for entertainment spaces.

“We’ve spent several weeks planning this to be able to provide people with a safe option to go out and enjoy movies, classic Dolphins content, concerts, and celebrate 2020 graduates,” Garfinkel said in a statement.

“It’s a fundamental human need to physically experience and celebrate events and experiences together, and we’re trying to provide options for everyone, where they can be safely socially distant and socially present at the same time,” he said.

Food and beverage will be available at the complex through an online ordering and payment system, with delivery service. Restrooms also will be available. For information, visit HardRockStadium.com/ Theater.

ARTIST ILLUSTRATION/COURTESY You can park where the Dolphins play when the drive-in theater at The Outdoor Theaters opens.