ATP Masters 1000 | Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens: A Bold New Era for the Miami Open

In 2019, the Miami Open presented by Itaú entered a bold new chapter in its history with a high-profile relocation to Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens. What was once a tournament known for its laid-back charm on the island of Key Biscayne was reimagined within the infrastructure of a world-class NFL stadium. The move marked a dramatic reinvention of the event’s identity—and with it, the tournament embraced a new standard of comfort, accessibility, and ambition.

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From Key Biscayne to Miami Gardens: A Strategic Shift

The move to Miami Gardens came after years of infrastructure and development limitations at the previous venue, the Crandon Park Tennis Center. Despite its scenic location and strong sentimental value, Crandon Park could no longer support the growing demands of a combined ATP and WTA Masters 1000 event. Legal disputes prevented the necessary renovations, and tournament organizers—led by IMG and with the support of billionaire investor Stephen Ross—sought a solution that would ensure long-term sustainability.

Hard Rock Stadium, the home of the NFL’s Miami Dolphins and the University of Miami football team, offered a blank canvas. Though unconventional as a tennis setting, the stadium’s size, accessibility, and adaptability made it an ideal candidate for transformation. In partnership with the City of Miami Gardens and with substantial investment, the Miami Open was reimagined as a hybrid sporting festival inside a football venue.

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The Stadium Transformation: A Tennis Oasis in a Sports Cathedral

To accommodate tennis at Hard Rock Stadium, engineers and designers constructed a custom-built tennis court inside the stadium’s main bowl. A 14,000-seat temporary center court was installed within the football field footprint, delivering an arena-scale tennis experience while preserving the intimacy of a championship match.

Surrounding the Hard Rock Stadium, over 30 permanent and temporary courts were installed, including match courts, practice courts, and fan viewing areas. The concourse levels were reconfigured to include restaurants, sponsor activations, luxury lounges, and shaded gathering areas, creating a festival-like atmosphere. What was once a gridiron became a walkable village of tennis, entertainment, and hospitality.

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A Fan-First Experience

One of the defining features of the Miami Open at Hard Rock Stadium is its focus on the fan experience. The venue is laid out to encourage movement, exploration, and social engagement. From luxury suites and shaded seating areas to food courts featuring gourmet vendors, guests are offered a full-day experience, not just a few hours of tennis.

Large video boards, digital wayfinding, and real-time match updates make navigating the grounds seamless. Fans can stroll from the main stadium to outer courts with ease, often catching top players on the practice courts or mid-tier matches in more intimate arenas. The design allows for a constant sense of proximity—to the sport, the players, and the action.

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Premium Hospitality and Club Access

Hard Rock Stadium’s pre-existing hospitality infrastructure made it possible for the Miami Open to offer some of the most advanced premium experiences in tennis. Packages include access to The 72 Club, Casa Tua Courtside Club, and private Living Room Boxes and Courtside Boxes. These premium areas feature padded seating, private restrooms, and gourmet catering with all-inclusive food and drink options.

Hospitality offerings are not limited to high-end ticket holders. The venue features shaded seating zones, beer gardens, and VIP-style lounges available for all fans, democratizing access to an upscale tennis experience. The goal: bring comfort and flexibility to every guest, whether they’re attending for a single match or spending a full day courtside.

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Accessibility and Transportation

Located in Miami Gardens, approximately 15 miles northwest of downtown Miami, Hard Rock Stadium is well-positioned for both local and international visitors. The venue is easily accessible from Miami International Airport (MIA) and Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport (FLL). Parking is ample, with designated VIP lots and general access areas supported by shuttle services.

Unlike the limited parking options at Key Biscayne, Miami Gardens provides visitors with reliable entry and exit, reducing one of the longstanding frustrations fans previously faced. For those using rideshare services or public transportation, designated drop-off points and ride zones streamline the arrival process.

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Community Impact and Year-Round Use

The tournament’s relocation to Miami Gardens was not only about expanding facilities but also about investing in the local community. As one of the few elite tennis events located in a predominantly urban, multicultural area, the Miami Open has brought global sport directly into the heart of a diverse community.

Hard Rock Stadium also serves as a year-round venue for multiple sports and entertainment events, including the Super Bowl, international soccer matches, concerts, and festivals. By hosting the Miami Open within this broader context, the event gains access to world-class operations, security, and infrastructure—benefiting players, fans, and organizers alike.

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A New Identity with Grand Ambitions

Since moving to Hard Rock Stadium, the Miami Open has solidified its place as one of the premier tournaments outside the Grand Slams. The expanded venue has enabled larger draws, more spectators, and a broader international profile. Critics who once questioned the wisdom of hosting tennis in a football stadium have largely been won over by the event’s energy, execution, and comfort.

With continued investment in facilities, technology, and hospitality, Hard Rock Stadium is poised to host the Miami Open for years to come. The venue represents not just a physical shift, but a symbolic one—where tennis embraces entertainment, architecture, and fan accessibility at the highest level.

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Where Tennis Meets Innovation

The Miami Open’s move to Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens is more than a relocation—it’s a redefinition of what a tennis tournament can be. By blending the sport’s traditions with forward-thinking design and amenities, the venue reflects the evolving expectations of modern audiences. It’s where tennis meets festival, where sport meets culture, and where a stadium once built for football now sets the stage for some of the most compelling moments in tennis each spring.