These two AFC East rivals have been going at it since the Dolphins joined the AFL in 1966. Recently the Patriots have gotten the better of everyone in the AFC East having won every AFC East title since 2003 with the lone exception of 2008, which was won by the Dolphins. Come prepared for a hard fought matchup whenever the Patriots are in town, as the Fins-Pats games are among some of the most competitive in the NFL.
The Jets and Dolphins have been divisional rivals since 1966 when the Dolphins entered the AFL. Throughout the history of this rivalry, the Jets and Dolphins had played many great games including the Monday Night Miracle when the Jets scored 30 points in the fourth quarter to force overtime and win on a John Hall field goal. The Jets hold a 53-46-1 all-time lead, but the Dolphins are nipping right at their heels.
The rivalry between the Bills and the Miami Dolphins is one of the biggest in the NFL. The rivalry between these two AFC East rivals was at its zenith in the 90s when the Bills and Dolphins traded off division titles and met in the playoffs four times in nine years. These games are great for fans as no matter where these two teams are in the standings there is always bragging rights on the line.
Dolphins Tailgate Guide
Atmosphere
The warm and sunny weather in Miami makes it the perfect tailgating destination for visiting fans looking to escape the cold winters of the northern US. You can’t go wrong tailgating at a Dolphins game late in the season, as you’ll find some of the best weather in the country for tailgating here in Miami.
Tailgating kicks off four hours before the game at Hard Rock Stadium, so head on down to the stadium early to get in a full day of tailgating fun. Dolphins fans, or Dol-fans, like fans all throughout the NFL, are big on tailgating and setting up large tailgates that show off their dedication to the team. All around the lots, you’ll see plenty of aqua and orange as everyone prepares for an exciting day of Fins football.
The food at a Miami Dolphins tailgate has a uniquely Latin flair to it, with Cuban being especially prevalent. In fact, when tailgating before a Dolphins game one of the most common sights is someone grilling up a churrasco-style steak. Whether it’s a churrasco steak or a Cuban sandwich you’ll find plenty of delicious Cuban food outside Hard Rock Stadium to ensure you won’t head into the stadium hungry.
Outside Hard Rock Stadium is a statue of arguably the greatest quarterback in NFL history, Dan Marino. The life-size bronze statue is a must see for any football fan attending a game in Miami, so stop by and snag a picture with this statue of one of the greatest to ever lace them up.
Located near Gate C, the Hall of Fame and Walk of Fame allow diehard Dolphins fans the chance to explore the team’s rich history. You’ll find many a tribute to Dolphins greats like Dan Marino and Don Shula here, so make sure to stop by and check it out.
The AT&T Grand Plaza is home to the Dolphins official pre-game experience. Here you’ll be able to live music and take part in various games and activities. You may even be able to meet Dolphins Cheerleaders, TD, and former Dolphins players her as well.
The Don Shula Plaza, located at Gate E, is the place to be for kids and families. At the Shula Plaza, you’ll find a wealth of football-related games and activities for kids. Come prepared to run the 40-yard dash or tackle the Under Armour obstacle course when heading to Don Shula Plaza.
Where to tailgate
AT&T Grand PlazaThe AT&T Grand Plaza is home to the Dolphins official pre-game experience. Here you’ll be able to live music and take part in various games and activities. You may even be able to meet Dolphins Cheerleaders, TD, and former Dolphins players her as well.
Don Shula PlazaThe Don Shula Plaza, located at Gate E, is the place to be for kids and families. At the Shula Plaza, you’ll find a wealth of football-related games and activities for kids. Come prepared to run the 40-yard dash or tackle the Under Armour obstacle course when heading to Don Shula Plaza.
Hard Rock Stadium LotsThe parking lots around Hard Rock Stadium offer fans plenty of space to set up tailgate parties for all their friends and family. There several cash lots for fans to park in meaning you won’t need to have a permit to set up your tailgate here like at many other stadiums throughout the league. Finally, while you’ll pay a premium, the green lots are the place to be for those of you wanting to get a head start on tailgating since they open up five hours before kickoff rather than the usual four.
Dolphins Stadium Guide
In Game
It should come to no surprise that Miami is a favorite destination of visiting fans particularly those from cold climates. The beautiful weather ensures you’ll always have a great time taking in a Dolphins game at Hard Rock Stadium. You’ll find plenty of support for the visiting team when attending a game in Miami, so don’t be afraid to come and show off your colors to try and flip the home field advantage in your team’s favor.
While there may be a lot of support for visiting teams making the trip to Miami that doesn’t mean you won’t find plenty of diehard Fins fans in the stands. The Deep End, located in the east end zone, in particular, get loud and proud in their support of the Dolphins. Throughout the stadium, you’ll find plenty of support for both the Dolphins and the visitors creating an electric atmosphere with lots of back and forth between fans.
Hard Rock Stadium is currently undergoing some renovations in an attempt to continue to provide fans with the best in-game experience possible. The renovations will add a shaded canopy over the fans to help keep you cool during the early months, and the seats in the lower bowl are being moved closer to the field.
A trip to Miami is always a can’t miss for NFL fans from colder climates, so don’t hesitate to come down to Miami and take in a Dolphins game.
Around the second tier of the stadium you’ll see the Honor Roll, which honors all the greatest players, coaches, and front office personnel in Dolphins history. Take a moment to soak in the names of those who have been deemed worthy of being immortalized by one of the best franchises in NFL history to get the most out of your Dolphins game day experience.
T.D., which stands for The Dolphin, is the official mascot of the Miami Dolphins. During Dolphins games T.D. entertains the crowd and keeps everyone on their feet and cheering the Dolphins to victory. Keep on the lookout for him during games as you’ll never know what kind of stunt he’ll pull off next.
Seated in the east end zone of Hard Rock Stadium are some of the most diehard and passionate fans in all the NFL. The Deep End as they call themselves cheer loudly for the Dolphins throughout the game winner or lose. If you want to truly experience the atmosphere of Hard Rock Stadium, then make sure to secure tickets in The Deep End.
The Dolphins cheerleaders have been showing their support for the team since its inception in 1966. Over the years the uniforms may have changed, but the squad’s support the Dolphins has remained eternal. Get up on your feet and cheer on the squad and the team when attending your next Dolphins game.
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