Game Day
Bengals vs. Dolphins on Carnival Sunday: Your Hard Rock Stadium Game Day Guide
The Dolphins look for their first win of the season at home on Sunday.
The Miami Dolphins are back at Hard Rock Stadium on Sunday, still searching for their first win. The Cincinnati Bengals come to town at 1:00 p.m., on a weekend when Carnival is also pulling big crowds across South Florida. Here is how to plan your Sunday.
Cincinnati Bengals at Miami Dolphins: Sunday, October 11, 2026, 1:00 p.m., Hard Rock Stadium, 347 Don Shula Drive. Parking opens: 9:00 a.m. Stadium gates open: 11:00 a.m.
Where things stand
It has been a rough start for the Dolphins under first-year coach Jeff Hafley. Miami is 0-4 after a 15-10 loss at Minnesota, its closest game of the season. Cincinnati arrives at 2-2. Sunday is only the Dolphins' second home game of the year, and the only one in October, so it is a big chance to turn things around in front of the home crowd.
Know before you go
Buy parking ahead of time
Parking for Dolphins games cannot be purchased on-site. Buy your pass before you leave home. See our Hard Rock Stadium parking guide for options.
Clear bags and cashless
Hard Rock Stadium enforces a clear bag policy, is cashless for concessions, retail, and parking, and does not allow re-entry once you leave.
Beat the heat
A 1:00 p.m. kickoff in October still means strong sun in the lots. Drink water throughout the day, use sunscreen, and take breaks in the shade.
It's also Carnival Sunday
The Miami Broward Carnival Day Parade and Fete takes place the same day at Central Broward Park in Lauderhill, drawing large crowds north on Florida's Turnpike and I-95. If you are heading to the game, leave extra time, especially if you are coming from Broward. If you are heading to the parade, leave Miami Gardens early, before stadium traffic peaks in the late morning. Our Carnival weekend guide has the full schedule.
If you live nearby
Expect heavier traffic around the stadium from about 9:00 a.m. until early evening. Monday is Columbus Day, so some offices and schools may be closed and Sunday night traffic could run later than usual. Before or after the game, check out our list of restaurants near Hard Rock Stadium.
The stadium switches to college football the following Saturday, when Florida State visits the unbeaten Canes at 7:00 p.m. Read our FSU vs. Miami guide.
Frequently asked questions
What time is the Dolphins vs Bengals game on October 11, 2026?
The Cincinnati Bengals play the Miami Dolphins at 1:00 p.m. on Sunday, October 11, 2026, at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens.
What time does parking open for the Dolphins game?
Parking at Hard Rock Stadium opens four hours before Dolphins games, so 9:00 a.m. for the 1:00 p.m. kickoff. Stadium gates open two hours before kickoff, at 11:00 a.m.
Can I buy parking at Hard Rock Stadium on Dolphins game day?
No. Parking for Dolphins games must be purchased in advance and cannot be bought on-site.
What is the Dolphins record in 2026?
The Miami Dolphins are 0-4 entering their October 11, 2026, home game against the Cincinnati Bengals.
Game details are based on published schedules as of October 7, 2026, and may change. Confirm tickets, parking, and policies with Hard Rock Stadium before you go. Published: October 7, 2026.
