Game day in South Florida is more than just a few hours in the stands. It’s an all-day celebration. Fans pack the lots for Miami Dolphins matchups, fill the seats for Hurricanes football, and bring plenty of energy to Inter Miami and Fort Lauderdale United FC games. The excitement starts long before kickoff and often lasts well after the final whistle.

For locals, tailgating is second nature. Out-of-towners, on the other hand, may find themselves asking where to set up, how to dodge the parking crunch, and how to squeeze in some fun beyond the game itself.

 

Planning Your Tailgate in Fort Lauderdale

With a little planning, you can make the most of every moment. Here’s how to structure your day, no matter the local team you’re cheering for.

 

Pre-Tailgate: Fuel Up or Start Early at Your RV Site

On game day, there’s a buzz in the air that spreads across the city. Many fans head to local restaurants and sports bars around town to get the energy flowing, enjoy a meal, and soak up the atmosphere with fellow supporters.

And this is where a benefit of RVing comes in: If you’re RVing, you don’t need to wait for the crowd to start celebrating. Fire up the grill, hang out by the water, and ease into the day at your own pace before heading toward the stadium.

 

Stay for the Community or Head to the Stadium Lots

Some fans prefer to keep the fun going at their RV site, where there’s more space, fewer crowds, and all the comforts of home. But for many, tailgating or joining the fan zones at the stadium is part of the tradition.

 

• Beyond Bancard Field at NSU (Fort Lauderdale United FC): Supporters get their own designated space. The Supporters Group Lot is the place for flags, chants, and tailgating before matches. It’s a passionate, smaller-scale community gathering where local fans make plenty of noise.
• Hard Rock Stadium (Miami Dolphins & Hurricanes): Massive lots open hours before kickoff, and tents, coolers, and games take over. To keep things organized, tailgating is only allowed in marked areas. Arrive early if you want a prime spot—it fills up fast.
• Chase Stadium (Inter Miami CF): Instead of typical tailgating, Inter Miami fans are invited to the Fan Zone, located just south of the stadium on 53rd Avenue. It opens three hours before kickoff and runs right up until game time. Expect sponsor booths, interactive games, giveaways, and a festive fútbol atmosphere. While you won’t see rows of grills here, the energy is high and family-friendly.

 

No matter which stadium you’re heading to, the pre-game rituals bring fans together and build the buzz that makes Fort Lauderdale and Miami sports so unforgettable.

 

Tips for Stadium Tailgating

If you’re tailgating at the stadium, a little prep can make your day smoother and a lot more fun. Here are a few things to keep in mind:

 

1. Plan parking or transportation ahead of time.

Parking lots at both Hard Rock Stadium and Chase Stadium can fill up hours before kickoff. If you plan to drive, arrive early so you don’t end up stuck in a far-off spot. Rideshare services are a smart alternative, especially for night games when post-game traffic can drag on. If you’re staying at an RV site or resort, you can also coordinate with fellow fans to carpool.

2. Pack smart.

Game day in South Florida often means long stretches outdoors. Bring foldable chairs, a portable cooler, and plenty of ice to keep drinks cold. Sunscreen is a must, and it’s worth tossing in a hat or pop-up tent for shade. Staying hydrated makes all the difference, so stock up on water alongside your game-day beverages. A small speaker, cornhole set, or football can also turn downtime into fun between grilling sessions.

3. Know the rules.

Each stadium has its own policies, and they can vary from season to season. Bag sizes, prohibited items, alcohol guidelines, and ticket requirements often differ between venues, so it’s best to check the official team or stadium website before you go. Reviewing the rules ahead of time helps you avoid surprises at the gate and ensures your game day starts off smoothly.

4. Think beyond the game.

One of the best parts of traveling for a game is that it can turn into a mini-vacation. Fort Lauderdale has plenty to offer before and after sports weekends, from beautiful beaches and lively nightlife to laid-back waterfront dining. 

 

Tailgate in Fort Lauderdale This Season

Game day isn’t just about the action on the field. It’s the food, the friends, and the celebrations that happen before and after. Planning ahead means you can soak up every part of the experience, from the pre-tailgate buzz to the post-game wind down.

 

For fans coming in from out of town, having a comfortable base that keeps the party going can make all the difference. At Yacht Haven Park & Marina, you can turn a single game into a mini-vacation. 

 

You’ll never even have to leave the resort to get in on the game-day excitement. The Hungry Dutchman food boat is docked onsite every Friday & Saturday from 8am to 2pm, so fueling up before the game is easy. Plus, the Tiki Bar TV streams every Dolphins and Hurricanes matchup. Just remember it’s BYOB, so don’t forget your favorite sips!

 

No matter which team you’re cheering for, Yacht Haven is the perfect home base for an unforgettable tailgating weekend.