Note: this guide was written before the venue name was changed to LandShark Stadium. The name is currently scheduled to revert in early 2010.
Dolphin Stadium is entering its 21st year of operation this year. The stadium was formerly known as Joe Robbie Stadium, and was the first stadium in its class to be constructed entirely from private funding. Joe Robbie led the financing committee for the stadium, overseeing the construction and completion of the structure. The stadium opened in 1987, and featured a Club Level, as well as Executive Suites. Season ticket holders basically became investors in the construction of the stadium, and received ample reward for their commitment in the first-class facilities and amenities housed at the stadium. Dolphin Stadium is still a model for stadium construction across the country.
The First football game was played at Dolphin Stadium in 1987, when the Miami Dolphins met the Chicago bears for a preseason game. Two years later, the stadium would host Super Bowl XXIII, which marked the return of the Super Bowl to South Florida after a 10-year hiatus. The Florida Marlins officially began their tenancy at the stadium in 1993, when the Marlins hosted the Los Angeles Dodgers for the first ever baseball game at Dolphin Stadium.
In 1997, Dolphin Stadium hosted four World Series games between the Marlins and the Cleveland Indians. The Marlins won in game seven, which was hosted at the stadium, marking their first ever World Championship in baseball. The Dolphin Stadium is the home of the Orange Bowl Classic game, a football bowl match-up between the ACC champion and another college team. In 2008, Dolphin Stadium will be the site of the BCS National Championship Game, which will determine the FBS Division-I NCAA football National Champion. Currently, the stadium is undergoing a face lift to make it one of the most innovative stadiums in the world.
The FedEx Orange Bowl will be played at Dolphin Stadium on January 1, 2009.
The BCS National Championship game will be played at Dolphin Stadium on January 8, 2009.
Dolphin Stadium
2269 Dan Marino Blvd.
Miami, FL 33056
Parking passes for the Orange Bowl are currently available at TicketCity. It is recommended all in attendance should arrive early to the Orange Bowl game or the BCS National Championship game to beat the traffic, which is expected to be congested.
Dolphin Stadium does not permit the following items in the stadium at any time:
- Bags and large purses
- Backpacks
- Plastic containers with the seal broken
- Glass bottles
- Alcoholic beverages, drugs
- Thermoses, cans, coolers or hard containers
- Whistles, horns or noisemaking devices
- Weapons
- Strollers
- Baseball bats (regulation size)
- Poles or brooms
- Laser pointers
- Beach balls
- Umbrellas
- All hard fruits
Budweiser Tailgate Party:
The 2009 Budweiser Orange Bowl Tailgate party is going to get you pumped for one of the most exciting annual bowl games. The party is going to be held Thursday, January 1, 2009 at 11:30 a.m., and will last right up until the start of the 2009 FedEx Orange Bowl game. The party will be located at Dolphin Stadium, in the NW Bus Parking Lot in Miami Gardens.
The tailgate will feature plenty of top musical talent, games, sports memorabilia, Orange Bowl Memory Lane, contests, food, drinks, and much, much more. Be sure to get your tickets to the Budweiser Orange Bowl Tailgate party and live the tradition of one of the oldest college football games. This event is one of the hottest tickets each year, so get your friends to this out-of-this-world party located on 150,000 square feet of asphalt for a day of fun and celebration!
WaMu Orange Bowl Fan Fest:
After the game, if you're still in Miami, check out the WaMu Orange Bowl Fan Fest. This is a downtown party presented by the city of Miami, and is an excellent opportunity to mingle with the locals for food, fun and excitement. Former Orange Bowl players will be there, as well as band members, cheerleaders, coaches and mascots. The celebration will start on Wednesday, January 7, 2009, just one day before the BCS National Championship game at Dolphin Stadium. The festival will be held at Bicentennial Park in downtown Miami from 1 p.m. to 7 p.m.
Orange Bowl Swimming Classic:
The nation's finest collegiate swimmers will meet in Key Largo for a day of swimming and fun. The fifth annual Orange Bowl Swimming Classic will start at 10 a.m. Saturday, January 3 at the Jacobs Aquatic Center in Key Largo. There will be two dozen swimming events over the course of the entire day, and best of all, it's free. Come discover the beauty of Key Largo and watch some of the finest swimmers compete at this celebration of community pride and competition!
Pre-Game Restaurants:
Monty's Raw Bar:
2550 S Bayshore Dr
Miami, FL 33133-4743
Phone: (305) 856-3992
Watch the boats sail by from your picnic table, and chow on the freshest shrimp and stone crabs Miami has to offer. There are also less fishy fares available, including burgers and pizzas, which are just as scrumptious. Just watch out for the seagulls, they will beg for your fare. Hit happy hour for your favorite drinks on special: Weekdays 4-8 p.m.
Kebab India:
514 NE 167th St
Miami Beach, FL 33162-3910
Phone: (305) 940-6309
Located on a street full of the best cuisine around, this spot is not an exception. Kebab boasts dark, exotic interiors that will make you feel like you are dining with a prince. Try their crispy flatbreads with an array of dipping sauces to start, then hit your favorite dishes: shrimp vindaloo, tandoori chicken, and curries of all kinds. Relax to the beautiful drone of sitar and tabla in your private, curtained booth for a truly dreamy experience. There are plenty of veggie options for the non-meat eater in your party.
The Mahogany Grille:
2190 NW 183rd St
Miami Gardens, FL 33056
Phone: (305) 626-8100
Baseball legend Andre Dawson is part owner of this excellent establishment, and it does not disappoint. This Miami eatery serves soul food at its best, including chicken and waffles, fried catfish on a bed of grits, and a salmon filet paired with mashers and collard greens. Check out their conch fritters and jerk chicken wings. Décor is very casual, and a full bar is available.
Post-Game Drinks:
The Clevelander:
1020 Ocean Dr
Miami Beach, FL 33139
Phone: (305) 531-3485
This is a South Beach hotspot, located right outside the Clevelander Hotel. The outdoor deco-style attracts spring breakers, football-goers and locals alike, and cools them off with rum runners and an outdoor pool. This is a bar that may remind you of your favorite college hotspot, but is a little more mature. How many bars do you know have an outdoor pool? Be aware, there is a cover.
Hooligan's Pub & Oyster Bar:
9555 S Dixie Hwy
Miami, FL 33156
Phone: (305) 667-9673
Hooligan's boasts 41 TV's, including 5 big screens, this is the ultimate sports fan drink paradise. Beer prices are a little high, but karaoke, DJ's and constant football tube may change your mind. The food is cheap and good, and there are 2 for 1 drink specials every day. Party.
HipHopSodaShop:
2701 NW 167 St
Miami Gardens, FL 33056
Phone: (305) 430-8436
Video game fans get their XBOX on at this awesome concept bar. There are 35 XBOXes for play on 40 plasma screens, amping your before or post-game experience. True to its name, the place serves almost any kind of soda or milkshake you can conjure, and more potent potables for those who need a stiff one. DJ-spun hip-hop will get your booty shakin' at this exciting drink spot.