SHADE AS STRATEGY

Hard Rock Stadium Renovation 2020

Hard Rock Stadium, which has had numerous names throughout the years, is located in Miami Gardens, Florida. The stadium has served as the home to the Miami Dolphins since their relocation. The structure used to have no overhead enclosure which made the spectator and player experience miserable as one would have to endure the blistering sun and pouring rain throughout the duration of the game. In 2017, the owner announced an extensive renovation to the stadium including an intensive and expansive external shading system. This system, since completion in 2020, has become notorious for providing shade only to the home team’s sideline while the opponents are left to suffer in nearly triple digit temperatures. This has led to a plethora of cases where opposing players have had to leave games early due to cramps induced by extreme heat and dehydration.

Hard Rock Stadium’s new shade addition almost perfectly places the visiting team’s sideline and fans directly within a territory of extreme sun exposure. This is due to the opponents bench and seating being placed on the eastern face of the stadium; so as the sun begins to occupy the West during the game, the East gets engulfed in harsh sunlight and heat. It has not been disclosed whether this detail was purposeful, but it can be assumed that it was not done without some consideration.