Miami Open

For over three decades, the Miami Open was held at the Tennis Center at Crandon Park in Key Biscayne, but by 2017, the event had outgrown its long-time home. Seeking to elevate the tournament experience and secure its long-term future, the Miami Open partnered with the Miami Dolphins to create a world-class tennis campus at Hard Rock Stadium. This move not only brought tennis to a larger venue but also positioned Hard Rock Stadium as a multi-sport destination, reinforcing its role in hosting Formula One, concerts, and other premier events throughout the year. Given ROSSETTI’s expertise in designing dynamic guest experiences, the firm was selected to develop a master plan and architectural strategy to transform Hard Rock Stadium and its surroundings into a one-of-a-kind tennis venue.

Inspired by Miami’s vibrant social and cultural scene, the tennis campus was designed to create a festival-like atmosphere while maintaining seamless connectivity to Hard Rock Stadium. The plan transformed former parking lots into lushly landscaped event spaces, featuring a permanent Grandstand Stadium, along with tournament and practice courts equipped with temporary grandstands and full broadcast capability. At the heart of the experience, Dolphin Plaza serves as the central circulation spine, linking the courts to two public squares and six themed neighborhoods that celebrate Miami’s art, music, and culinary culture. Throughout the site, bold murals, curated gallery installations, and live entertainment create a distinctive guest experience that blends tennis, luxury, and Miami’s signature energy.

At the center of the transformation is the temporary stadium court inside Hard Rock Stadium, designed to deliver a premium fan experience while seamlessly integrating into the existing venue. This industry-first, horseshoe-shaped grandstand, designed in collaboration with Seating Solutions, is the largest temporary grandstand ever built inside a stadium. Though temporary, it features multi-level concourses, luxury seating, and hospitality suites, ensuring top-tier guest comfort and event operations. The modular suites, inspired by Miami’s nightlife, provide an exclusive VIP experience, while the 47,200-square-foot confetti scrim draped over the stadium’s upper deck creates a more intimate, tennis-focused setting.

The reimagined Miami Open has set new benchmarks for attendance and fan engagement, drawing over 395,000 attendees in 2024 and solidifying its place as one of the largest tennis tournaments outside the Grand Slams. Since relocating to Hard Rock Stadium, the tournament has consistently broken attendance records, with 380,000 fans attending its inaugural year in 2019—a 25% increase from previous years at Crandon Park. By seamlessly blending sport, entertainment, and hospitality, the tournament has redefined the guest experience for professional tennis while solidifying Hard Rock Stadium as a leading multi-sport and entertainment destination. Through innovative planning, architecture, and modular design, the Miami Open now delivers a world-class experience, capturing the spirit of South Florida and ensuring continued growth and success.