The Miami Dolphins went a full decade without having the chance to host a Super Bowl. And yet despite the drought, Miami is now set to host their NFL best 11th Super Bowl this weekend when the Kansas City Chiefs and San Francisco 49ers square off. How did we get here? It took significant upgrades to Hard Rock Stadium and Miami’s surrounding complex to clinch a Super Bowl bid — to the tune of $700M out of Dolphins owner Stephen Ross’ pocket to seal the deal.
And with the Super Bowl on our doorstep and the football and business worlds colliding in Miami, NFL commissioner Roger Goodell is able to see the fruits of Ross’s labor up close and in person. He’s liked what he’s seen.
“Miami, there’s a reason why it’s hosting its 11th Super Bowl, the most in NFL history,” said Goodell. “They are a great community. They know how to put on big events. With a new stadium like Hard Rock Stadium — I call it a new stadium because of the work that has been done here by Stephen Ross and his team — to make this into a high-profile stadium and I think everyone here is anxious to showcase it as well as this great community.”
Indeed, Miami has spared no expense for this weekend’s big game — and the payout should be to see Miami back in the Super Bowl queue sooner rather than later. The next available year for hosting duties is 2025, as the NFL will travel to Tampa, Los Angeles, Phoenix and New Orleans after this year’s game in South Florida.
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