Game Weekend
Canes Tonight, Dolphins Tomorrow: Your Hard Rock Stadium Game Weekend Guide
Hard Rock Stadium hosts two football games in less than a day this weekend.
Game weekend is here. The Miami Hurricanes play tonight, the Miami Dolphins play their home opener tomorrow afternoon, and only about 19 hours separate the two kickoffs. Whether you have tickets or just live nearby, here is what you need to know.
Tonight, Saturday, September 26: Central Michigan at No. 6 Miami, 6:30 p.m., Hard Rock Stadium, on The CW. Tomorrow, Sunday, September 27: Kansas City Chiefs at Miami Dolphins, 1:00 p.m., Hard Rock Stadium, on CBS. Hard Rock Stadium is at 347 Don Shula Drive.
Tonight: the Canes keep rolling
The Hurricanes come home at 3-0 and ranked sixth in the AP poll after a 33-20 win at Wake Forest on September 18. Tonight's nonconference game against Central Michigan is their second home game of the season, following the 77-7 opener against Florida A&M on September 10. With a 6:30 p.m. kickoff, parking lots open at 1:30 p.m. and traffic around the stadium will build through the afternoon.
After tonight, the Canes head to Clemson on October 3 and then come back for the big one: Florida State at Hard Rock Stadium on October 17.
Tomorrow: the Dolphins' home opener
The Dolphins open their home schedule under first-year head coach Jeff Hafley, and they need a win. Miami is 0-2 after two road games, while Kansas City arrives at 2-0. Kickoff is 1:00 p.m. on CBS. Parking gates open at 9:00 a.m. and stadium gates at 11:00 a.m.
Know before you go
Parking must be bought ahead of time
For Dolphins games, parking cannot be purchased on-site, so buy your pass before you leave home. Parking gates open four hours before a Dolphins kickoff and five hours before a University of Miami kickoff. See our Hard Rock Stadium parking guide for lots and options.
Bring a clear bag, or no bag
The stadium enforces a clear bag policy. Approved bags are clear plastic, vinyl, or PVC up to 12 by 6 by 12 inches, or a small clutch. If your bag doesn't qualify, you will have to take it back to the car or pay to check it near Gates 3, 5, 8, and 14, with fees from $12 to $20 by credit card.
Leave the cash at home
Hard Rock Stadium is cashless for concessions, retail, and parking. Tickets are mobile, and there is no re-entry once your ticket is scanned and you leave.
Plan for the heat
The forecast calls for highs in the upper 80s both days, with only a small chance of rain tonight and even less on Sunday. That means sun and heat in the lots, especially for tomorrow's early afternoon kickoff. Drink water throughout the day and use shade where you can.
If you live nearby
Residents in the neighborhoods around the stadium know the drill, but this weekend packs two game days into one. Expect heavier traffic on the roads leading to the stadium from this afternoon into late tonight, and again Sunday from the morning through the evening. If you have errands, get them done early or wait until Sunday night.
It is also a great weekend to eat local. Game crowds mean steady business for Miami Gardens restaurants, and our guide to restaurants near Hard Rock Stadium is a good place to start, whether you want to grab something before kickoff or wait out the post-game traffic over dinner.
The stadium doesn't slow down. Karol G brings her tour to Hard Rock Stadium on October 2 and 3. Read our Karol G guide to plan ahead.
Frequently asked questions
What games are at Hard Rock Stadium this weekend?
The Miami Hurricanes host Central Michigan on Saturday, September 26, 2026, at 6:30 p.m., and the Miami Dolphins host the Kansas City Chiefs on Sunday, September 27, 2026, at 1:00 p.m. Both games are at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens.
What time do parking lots open for the Dolphins vs Chiefs game?
Parking gates open four hours before Dolphins kickoffs, so 9:00 a.m. for the 1:00 p.m. game on September 27. Stadium gates open two hours before kickoff, at 11:00 a.m. Parking must be purchased in advance.
What bags are allowed at Hard Rock Stadium?
Hard Rock Stadium enforces a clear bag policy. Clear plastic, vinyl, or PVC bags up to 12 by 6 by 12 inches, or a small clutch, are allowed. Bag check is available near Gates 3, 5, 8, and 14 for a fee of $12 to $20, payable by credit card.
Is Hard Rock Stadium cashless?
Yes. Hard Rock Stadium is cashless for concessions, retail, and parking, so bring a card or mobile payment.
Game times, broadcast details, and the weather forecast are based on published information as of this morning and may change. Confirm tickets, parking, and policies with Hard Rock Stadium before you go. Published: September 26, 2026.
