Hard Rock Stadium transforms into premier tennis venue for Miami Open

Hundreds of thousands of tennis fans will converge on the unique, first of its kind event, the Miami Open, as the Dolphins home field is transformed into a 13,800-seat Centre Court this week.

The Miami Open has a new home that will elevate the experience for fans, players and sponsors. Developed by the Miami Dolphins and event owner IMG, the project includes 31,000sqft of improvement in and around Hard Rock Stadium. Hosting over 30% more spectators than in previous years at its new location, Miami Open fans will get the opportunity to experience a game-changing event.

ROSSETTI is the design architect and site planner for the new tennis campus, which uses an innovative combination of permanent and high-end temporary structures in and around Hard Rock Stadium to create a new world-class experience for the annual event. The tennis campus and stadium features a variety of themed neighbourhoods and hospitality concepts. They also designed a new modular suite concept as part of the demountable structures to be installed within the stadium. The suites having been designed specifically for the Miami Open, reflecting the event’s design themes.

The 13,800-seat temporary Stadium Court has been built specifically to host the marquee matches for the two-week long tournament, which got underway yesterday, March 18. This is the first extensive, multi-level, multi-concourse temporary stadium in tennis.

Seating Solutions, the best-in-class sports and entertainment customised seating company providing innovative temporary and permanent structures to organisations, colleges, professional sports and other venues, was retained by Moss Construction to create a best-in-class, custom free-standing modular structure elevating the overall fan experience at the tournament. 

This “Modular Spectator Super Structure” referred to as the MS³, has transformed the stadium into an intimate, premium fan experience, featuring a 13,800-seat centre court, with general admission, VIP seats, press boxes, radio and luxury suites connected via the concourse.

The patent pending MS³ structure, which does not require concrete or permanent anchors, comes with electrical and lighting and can be installed in four weeks, uninstalled in ten days, and stored easily for future use. Additionally, Seating Solutions erected all the temporary seating for the peripheral courts and a permanent 6,000-seat grandstand.

ROSSETTI recommended Seating Solutions to fulfill the vision of Stephen M. Ross, owner of the Miami Dolphins and Hard Rock Stadium, and IMG World to build the premium superstructure for the Miami Open.

Matt Rossetti, Chief Architect of Serious Fun for ROSSETTI, said:

When ROSSETTI was hired to develop the new Miami Open tennis campus within the Hard Rock Stadium and site, we turned to Seating Solutions for the multiple varieties of seating configurations. We wanted to work with a wildly creative group for innovative ideas as this is a ‘never been done before’ type of project. Seating Solutions and their MS³ created opportunities to raise the fan experience and present more value than a permanent tennis facility. The Miami Open collaboration between ROSSETTI and Seating Solutions has been a resounding success and we look forward to replicating this formula for both temporary and permanent projects in the future with our eye on changing how our clients plan and invest in their events and venues.  

Scott Suprina, Chairman of Seating Solutions and inventor of the MS³, said:

I am grateful for this opportunity provided by Stephen Ross and ROSSETTI to create a major innovation for stadium design and construction. Whether it is a short-term event or a semi-permanent stadium, Seating Solutions MS³ provides the building blocks for future cost effective stadium and entertainment venue construction. MS³ installs at a fraction of the cost and reduces construction time by nearly 75 percent.

Stephen Ross, owner of the Miami Dolphins and Hard Rock Stadium said:

Seating Solutions is on the cutting-edge with this new modular, affordable seating structure in an unparalleled way. Scott’s innovative and professional style has made this into a remarkable venue, one that will rival any seating structure in the sports world, both professional and collegiate.

FF&E for the Miami Open project at Hard Rock Stadium was provided by The Parker Company, a global leader in the space, having worked on a huge number of major sports projects in North America. Parker is in fact currently working on such signature projects as the new Los Angeles Stadium for the Chargers and the Rams, and Allianz Field for Minnesota United FC.

The Parker Company is a sponsor for both the ALSD Conference & Tradeshow and ALSD International. The 2019 ALSD Conference & Tradeshow is being held in Chicago, IL, United States, this June 30 to July 3, and the 2019 edition of ALSD International is being held at Croke Park Stadium in Dublin, Ireland, this October 28-29. Click on the relevant banner below to secure your place at one, or indeed both, of these industry-leading events for the Premium Seat & Hospitality sector…

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