MIAMI GARDENS, Fla. – As Miami Dolphins fans get ready for Sunday's game, Sun Life Stadium staff is gearing up for phase two of stadium renovations and the building of its new canopy.
"As you drive to the stadium from any vantage point and any direction, this iconic assembly will be the first thing you see," Bill Senn, SVP of stadium construction, said.
The canopy is a massive structure and will be constructed on site over the next several months right in the middle of football season.
"In conjunction as the steel is arriving here, we expect more steel to arrive here in the next two months so that it will be installed after the football season is completed," SVP of stadium operations Todd Boyan said.
The renovations will affect fans who will be rerouted to five off-site parking lots. The parking lots will open four hours before game time and are free of charge.
Most of the parking lots are close enough to walk to the stadium, but do come with some restrictions like a strict no tailgating policy.
"Some of our lots are on government sites, which have a no alcohol policy so there is no tailgating there," Boyan said.
In all, there will be more than 2,000 parking spots available on a first come first serve basis. Paid parking at the stadium is still available but also limited.
Officials said limited parking is available in stadium lots for $25 in advance and $40 on the day of the game.
Routes to the free off-site parking lots are as follows:
From downtown Miami:
Turnpike NB to Exit 4X. Follow signs to Exit 47 to NW 27th Avenue south. Calder Race Track will be on the left and Lots 19 and 20 on the right. A free shuttle is available from Calder.
From Broward and Palm Beach
Turnpike SB to Exit 47. Follow signs to Exit 47 to NW 27th Avenue south. Calder Race Track will be on the left and Lots 19 and 20 on right. A free shuttle is available from Calder.
From Homestead & Florida Keys
Turnpike NB to Exit 43. Take NW 57th Ave. south to NW 202nd St. Left on NW 202nd St. Turn right on to NW 32nd Ave. Entrance to Betty T. Ferguson will be on left.
From I-95
I-95 to Exit 16. Take Ives Dairy Rd. West to NW 14th Ct. Turn left into Norwood Elementary School on right.
From University Drive
University Drive SB to Calder on left and Lots 19 and 20 on right. A free shuttle is available from Calder.
From 826/Palmetto Expressway
826 to NW 27th Ave Exit NB. Left on NW 191st St. and turn right on to NW 32nd Ave. Betty T. Ferguson on right.
VIEW: Stadium Parking Map
To help with the first game day traffic flow, the Dolphins have set up a parking hotline as well as maps to help people get around.
For more information about game-day parking email parking@dolphins.com or call their hotline at 305-943-PARK.