Friday, October 9, 2026
  • -
    days
  • -
    hours
  • -
    minutes
  • -
    seconds

Dolphins Plan For Fewer Fans

  • The Miami Dolphins are released initial plans to bring fans back, including scaling back to 15,000 fans inside the 65,000-seat Hard Rock Stadium.
  • SI reports teams would lose $100 million each in local revenue if season is played without fans.
Dolphins stands
Photo Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports

Want more from Front Office Sports
in your search results?

Add Front Office Sports on Google

As the return of live sports draws closer, teams and leagues are figuring out how to eventually welcome back fans. For the Miami Dolphins that will mean a drastic reduction in stadium capacity and several new guidelines to keep fans safe.

Miami Dolphins President and CEO Tom Garfinkel made an appearance on “Good Morning America” to showcase Hard Rock Stadium’s social distancing guidelines including:

– A maximum of 15,000 fans rather than 65,000

– Different time slots for entry

– A row-by-row exit process

– Fans having to wear masks

– Fans required to order concessions in their seats before picking up in the concourse

The Dolphins plan comes at a time when concerns around potential financial losses of games without fans are growing. Sports Illustrated reported that teams could lose $100M in local revenue if games are played without fans. A team exec told SI that if fans could be in the stands by pushing the season back that it’s “not even a question.”

Fans, however, aren’t as concerned about the team’s finances – an ESPN survey found 65% would prefer to watch televised games without fans rather than waiting for people to return to stadiums.

Download the FOS App

The business of sports, in your pocket.

QR code to download the app

Scan the QR code to get the app now.

Linkedin
Whatsapp
Copy Link
Link Copied
Link Copied

What to Read

Sep 27, 2026; Rio De Janeiro, BRA; (Editors Notes: Caption Correction) A view of the NFL logo and the Baltimore Ravens and Dallas Cowboys during the game at Maracana Stadium.

NFL Urges Supreme Court to Hear Prediction-Markets Case

“It is critical for the Court to act as soon as possible,” a league source says.

Titans Fire Three Business Execs Amid Another Ugly Start

The moves are just the latest high-level exits and shifts in recent years. 
podcast thumbnail mobile
Front Office Sports Today

10/9/26 – MLB’s 154-Game Pitch, NFL Bets on SCOTUS, Shaq Says Barkley Isn’t Leaving

0:00

Featured Today

Action Images/Peter Cziborra

Is Leicester City’s $264 Million Price Tag Too Rich for Hungry Investors?

After falling from grace, how much is a former top club worth?
Oct 3, 2026; Starkville, Mississippi, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide head coach Kalen DeBoer waits to run onto the field prior to the game against the Mississippi State Bulldogs at Davis Wade Stadium at Scott Field. Mandatory Credit: Petre Thomas-Imagn Images
October 7, 2026

Who Is Alabama Football in Year 3 Under Kalen DeBoer?

The No. 6 Crimson Tide host No. 2 Georgia on Saturday.
Cubs behind the scenes
October 6, 2026

Hollywood and TikTok: Sports Media’s New ‘Blueprint’

Teams and leagues are pouring money into the quest for fans.
October 2, 2026

How the Baseball Cap Became a ‘Behemoth’

The hat has become essential for athletes, fans, and the sports-agnostic.
Morishita-Sato-homerun-celebration-at-Meiji-Jingu-Baseball-Staidum-2025
September 28, 2026

Japanese Baseball Is Fighting Back Against MLB Talent Drain

Nippon Professional Baseball is reimagining how to be a global juggernaut.
Sponsored

Olympic Hockey Betting Preview: USA and Canada Take Center Ice

Olympic hockey betting odds shift as USA and Canada dominate early action, per BetMGM’s 2026 Winter Games preview.
Sponsored

Baseball Is Back: MLB Opening Day Prices Soar

MLB Opening Day ticket prices are at record highs. TickPick data breaks down demand, pricing trends, and where fans are paying the most.
Sponsored

Beyond the Scorecard: How Dow Is Putting Purpose at the Center of Women’s Golf

Discover how Dow and the LPGA are building a partnership with lasting impact.
Sponsored

Paying a Premium: Super Bowl LX Is a Hot Ticket

Super Bowl LX ticket prices are among the highest of the decade. TickPick data breaks down demand, pricing trends, and where fans are buying.
February 6, 2026

The Killers and a Seat on the 50: Super Bowl’s Priciest Packages

On Location offers packages ranging from less than $1,000 to over $300,000.
Sponsored

The Hidden Tech Behind Every Touchdown

Nearly two-thirds of NFL stadiums already rely on Cisco networks, and the Super Bowl will showcase the full scale of the partnership.
Sponsored

TNT Sports and Bleacher Report Head to College

TNT Sports is going all-in on college athletics—bringing fans closer and giving brands a powerful new way to connect.