Climate Central’s Portfolio Analysis Tool (PAT) estimates future coastal flood threat to Hard Rock Stadium
Image: Climate Central/Nickolay Lamm
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The image above illustrates what Hard Rock Stadium could look like under 1.5 feet of water during a flood event at 6 feet above the local high tide line. The stadium property is relatively flat, with elevations only about 4 to 6 feet above sea level. Water could reach this level through a combination of sea level rise, tide, and storm surge. If emissions continue unabated and sea level rises at a mid-range pace, analysis shows the Miami Gardens area with a 3% risk of experiencing at least one 6 foot or higher flood between today and 2050; that risk jumps to a 16% chance by 2100. Others have projected that sea level rise will expose the area to flood risk sooner.
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Using Climate Central’s proprietary Portfolio Analysis Tool (PAT) to estimate future coastal flood threat to the stadium, we found that almost all areas of the stadium property may experience occasional flood risk by 2070. Climate Central examined 105 locations on the local access roads, the new $135 million training complex currently under construction, the tennis center, and 100+ acres of parking lots. The northern and southern perimeters of the property, including major entrance and exit routes to the stadium, are estimated to experience occasional flood risk by 2070 and frequent flood risk by 2090.
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At 34 years old, the Hard Rock stadium is a relatively older stadium, with the average age of its peers about 23 years old. However, $500 million in renovations since 2015 have made it a more modern facility. The new open-air canopy, which now provides shade to a majority of the stadium’s seating, potentially lowers the temperature by 30 degrees. Before the canopy was installed, the heat issue was so problematic that the team owners petitioned the NFL to have all early season home games start at 4 pm or later.