Sun Life Stadium History
Sun Life Stadium was the home for the Miami Dolphins of the National Football League and the Florida Marlins of Major League Baseball. This stadium was originally designed as a football only venue. The stadium’s initial construction in 1987 included dimensions and seating arrangements that could also accommodate a professional baseball team. This allowed the Marlins to use the stadium as their home field when they joined the MLB as an expansion team in 1993.
Sun Life Stadium, originally known as Joe Robbie Stadium. It was built in Miami Gardens, Florida, and named after Dolphins founder Joe Robbie, who privately funded the stadium’s construction. The Florida Marlins played at the stadium from their inaugural season in 1993 until 2011, when they moved to their own baseball-specific venue, Marlins Park (now known as LoanDepot Park). The Miami Dolphins, on the other hand, have continued to play at the stadium since its opening and remain its primary tenant.
Throughout its history, the stadium has undergone several name changes reflecting various sponsorship deals. It was initially called Joe Robbie Stadium until 1996, when it became Pro Player Stadium following a sponsorship agreement with the sports apparel company. Over the next two decades, the venue’s name continued to evolve, being rebranded as Dolphin Stadium, Land Shark Stadium, and Sun Life Stadium from 2010 to 2015.
In 2015, the stadium underwent extensive renovations. It cost approximately $500 million. This included the installation of a state-of-the-art canopy for enhanced shade and weather protection, upgraded seating, modernized luxury suites, and advanced video boards. Once the renovations were completed, the venue was renamed Hard Rock Stadium in 2016 after a sponsorship deal with Hard Rock International was made.
Today, Hard Rock Stadium remains the home of the Miami Dolphins and has become a versatile venue hosting a wide range of major events. Many such events include the Miami Open tennis tournament, international soccer matches, concerts, and the annual NCAA Orange Bowl college football game. The stadium also served as the host for multiple Super Bowls, cementing its legacy as one of the premier sports and entertainment stadiums in the country.