​Today marks the penultimate FIFA World Cup game to be held in Miami. This Florida matchup features fan favorites Norway and England. The global tournament, which began on June 11, is the largest in history, spanning 104 matches across 16 cities in three countries: Mexico, Canada, and the United States. In the United States, Miami is one of several host cities, joined by Seattle, San Francisco, Los Angeles, Houston, Dallas, Kansas City, Atlanta, Boston, Philadelphia, and East Rutherford, New Jersey.
Here’s a quick guide to stadium rules. Hard Rock Stadium, which has been renamed Miami Stadium for the World Cup, sits at 347 Don Shula Drive in Miami Gardens, Florida. Gates open three hours before kickoff to give fans ample time to enter and settle in. Each attendee may bring one clear bag and one clutch-sized bag into the venue. Security will conduct bag searches using X-ray machines or by hand.
Bag requirements for Hard Rock Stadium are as follows: bags must be clear plastic, vinyl, or PVC and must not exceed 12 inches by 6 inches by 6 inches. Diaper bags are permitted but subject to search. In addition to a clear bag, fans may carry a small clutch bag or purse no larger than 4.5 inches by 6.5 inches. Any bag that exceeds 12″ x 6″ x 12″ or non-clear bags larger than 4.5″ x 6.5″ are prohibited. For bags that don’t meet these requirements, guests may return the item to their vehicle or use a “Guest Experience Bag Check Location” near select entry gates. Bag check fees range from $15 to $20, with no exceptions, and check services close 60 minutes after gates close. Guests should retrieve checked items promptly after leaving the campus, as Hard Rock Stadium is not responsible for items left behind after the daily window.
Following FIFA’s initial June 4 decision to ban outside water bottles, the organization later reversed course and announced that each fan may bring in one soft, sealed, 20-ounce disposable water bottle for summer matches. Hard Rock Stadium, however, is a cashless venue. Permitted items include smartphones, binoculars, 20-ounce or smaller plastic water bottles, and cameras. The stadium’s “FIFA World Cup” section lists items that are not allowed inside, including umbrellas, strollers, noise-making devices such as air horns, bells, bullhorns, thundersticks, and whistles, as well as briefcases, bags, luggage, purses larger than a clutch, or non-clear bags. Weapons of any kind—guns, ammunition, knives of any size, tasers, pepper spray or mace, etc.—are prohibited, and this rule also covers off-duty law enforcement officers.
As you plan to attend, remember to check Hard Rock Stadium’s website for any updates to bag policies, prohibited items, and gate procedures before you head to the game.