Miami Dolphins newly renovated home to now be called Hard Rock Stadium

Since it was opened in 1987, the Miami Dolphins home stadium has been known as Joe Robbie Stadium, Pro Player Stadium, Dolphin Stadium, Dolphins Stadium, Land Shark Stadium, Sun Life Stadium and most recently New Miami Stadium. For the next 18 years, the building will now be known as Hard Rock Stadium.

The Dolphins and Hard Rock International announced an 18-year agreement on Wednesday afternoon to name the newly renovated facility Hard Rock Stadium. The venue will serve as the home of the Dolphins, University of Miami football team, Orange Bowl, Super Bowl LIV and the 100^th anniversary of the NFL, 2018 College Football Playoff Semifinals, international soccer and a host of other world-class events. Additionally, Hard Rock will become the official Miami Dolphins hotel and resort, restaurant partner and hospitality sponsor.

“Hard Rock Stadium will be a global entertainment destination and we are excited to enter this long-term partnership with Hard Rock International, an iconic worldwide brand that continues to grow,” Miami Dolphins President & CEO Tom Garfinkel said. “They are synonymous with music and entertainment and have a rich history of philanthropy and community engagement.”

“Hard Rock International, along with our owners, the Seminole Tribe of Florida, is extremely proud to see our name go up on this stadium. This deal is not only a naming rights program, but it is designed to be a true partnership between two companies dedicated to providing world-class entertainment on a global level,” Hard Rock International Chairman Jim Allen said.

The official press conference was full of stars as it was emceed by former Miami Dolphins tight end and 560 WQAM morning host Joe Rose. International music act Pitbull, University of Miami Athletic Director Blake James, former Hurricanes quarterback Bernie Kosar, former Dolphins quarterback Dan Marino and a number of current Dolphins players made this a star-studded event.

“It’s just a great day,” Garfinkel said. “I’m just proud of Stephen Ross (Dolphins owner) and the commitment he made to put this stadium in such a way that we could get out and get a partner like Hard Rock for the long term like this — 18 years is a long time. It’s a great partner for us.

It was also announced on Wednesday that Hard Rock Stadium has secured rights to host the Brazil Men’s National Soccer Team for a series of matches starting in 2017. In addition, Real Madrid will be returning to Miami in 2017 to launch play in the International Champions Cup.

As part of the partnership, the newly renovated Hard Rock Stadium will feature the shade canopy, which will cover approximately 92 percent of fans. Hard Rock Stadium will also feature four 1,472-inch screens in each corner of the stadium for a total of 22,400 square feet, which is the largest in the AFC East. The main thoroughfare of fan activities pregame along the South Gate will be renamed the Grand Plaza presented by Hard Rock.

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(Images provided by the Miami Dolphins)