HOK details modernization of miami's hard rock stadium ahead of super bowl LIV

on february 2, 2020, miami’s hard rock stadium will host the super bowl for the sixth time. however, the arena will look very different to the last time it hosted the showpiece NFL event in 2010. the venue’s phased modernization, documented in the video below, was carried out by HOK, who sought to transform the fan experience and create a world-class destination for marquee events. to learn more about the stadium’s renovation, we spoke with micheal day, principal and senior project manager at HOK, who led the project team. read his thoughts, and more details about the arena’s redevelopment, below.

image by christy radecic (also main image)

HOK completed the renovation of the hard rock stadium over three off-seasons, ensuring that the primary tenant — the miami dolphins — did not miss any home games. the project’s first phase saw every seat in the three-decade-old facility replaced. this overhaul included the addition of two field-side clubs and corner terraces. meanwhile, new ‘living room’ boxes were installed, offering recliners, programmable high-definition TVs, and access to an indoor lounge called the 72 club.

image by christy radecic

the renovation continued the next year with the addition of an open-air canopy as the stadium’s signature architectural element. this elegant structure was designed to offer weather protection and sun shading while amplifying crowd noise. the final phase included comprehensive updates to all premium spaces on the 200 club and 200 mezzanine suite levels. for this part of the project, HOK teamed up with rockwell group to design two distinct new types of sideline clubs and and zone suites.

 

 

 

 

 

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A post shared by Hard Rock Stadium (@hardrockstadium) on Jan 26, 2020 at 7:00am PST

designboom (DB): what was your brief for the stadium’s modernization?

micheal day (MD): we were tasked with creating an entirely new experience for every single ticket holder. this meant renovating every aspect of the stadium, adding a canopy to provide shelter from the miami sun and rain, completing site improvements and dramatically improving the fan experience. we were very strategic in our approach to accomplish all of that within budget, and while working around the miami dolphins’ schedule so they could continue to play in the venue between the phased renovations each off season.

image by christy radecic

DB: what features of the stadium should fans look out for this sunday?

MD: if you saw the venue 10 years ago — the last time it hosted a super bowl — you’ll notice just how dramatic the renovations were. fans should take note of the video boards — which are vastly improved and sit in the four corners of the stadium. in addition, the roof is one of the signature design features, improving the experience for every single fan, while also providing an elegant, airy signature architectural element. it was carefully designed to ensure the natural grass field would get the sun and rain it needed to thrive.

local art is integrated throughout, helping make the stadium unique to miami and engaging the community in the process. the seating bowl itself brought every single seat in the original stadium 20 feet closer to the field to create a much more intimate experience. every single seat was replaced, and premium seating has been greatly diversified so there’s something for every patron. finally, the food and beverage experience not only now includes local favorites and elevated offerings, but we included spots nearby concessions where people can gather, congregate, eat and enjoy.

image by christy radecic

DB: what are the challenges of adapting an existing stadium, compared to designing a new arena from scratch?

MD: when renovating a stadium, you’re working within the confines of a massive existing structure. yet, you have the same ambitions and lofty goals for the project as you would if you were building new. you have to be willing to problem solve; to understand how to accomplish the client’s goals while working with the elements of the venue you plan to keep. on hard rock stadium, designing a roof structure on top of the existing building infrastructure was a unique challenge. we constructed it similar to a suspension bridge, allowing us to work around that infrastructure.

image by christy radecic

project info:

name: hard rock stadium modernization
location: miami, FL
architect: HOK
size: 1.2 million sqf / 111,480 sqm
status: complete