The Hard Rock Stadium will host college’s biggest event.
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All eyes of the sports world will be on Miami, Florida on Monday, January 19, 2026, as the city’s Hard Rock Stadium hosts the College Football Playoff National Championship in Miami Gardens. As an added bonus for the city, the Hurricanes of Miami University have earned their way to the championship game against the Hoosiers of Indiana University, which will surely have the town bursting with wild energy.
Over 60,000 fans are expected at the game.
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“Greater Miami and Miami Beach have been at the epicenter of international sports, and this year raises the bar even higher,” says David Whitaker, President & CEO of the Greater Miami Convention & Visitors Bureau (GMCVB). “As we prepare to host the College Football Playoff National Championship, we’re showcasing once again why the world’s biggest stages choose Miami. From marquee staples like the Capital One Orange Bowl, Miami Open, Formula 1 Crypto.com Miami Grand Prix and Miami Marathon – alongside global tournaments such as the NHL Winter Classic, World Baseball Classic and NASCAR Championship – few destinations can match this breadth of world-class competition. And hosting major events helps build a strong and experienced bench of skill in hosting these events as well.”
All in all, Miami thrives on tourism and is continually ranked among the most preferred tourist destinations in the world. Tourists can discover a wide array of attractions and activities, along with some of the best dining options and music to be found anywhere.
Here are some recommendations for must-see attractions and activities during your stay for the Collegiate National Football Championship in Miami.
South Beach attracts visitors from all over the world.
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Outdoors and recreation:
South Beach: Enjoy the iconic white sand, Art Deco architecture and vibrant atmosphere. Experience the area’s diverse culture while taking advantage of its walkable destination within a wide variety of restaurants, bars, shopping and hotels. Ocean Drive: Walk or drive along this famous strip for people-watching and to see the Art Deco Historic District. It’s a hub for tourists and locals, known for its energetic atmosphere, neon lights, historic hotels and lively bars and restaurants that spill onto the sidewalks, making it a quintessential Miami experience. Lummus Park: A beachfront park in Miami Beach, often seen in movies and TV shows, featuring a playground, paved paths for walking or biking and 9 Street Muscle Beach. South Pointe Park Pier: Offers scenic views of the water and the city skyline, and is a great spot for watching cruise ships depart. The 450-foot pier is a popular gathering spot for visitors and locals to fish and watch kayakers, surfers and jet skiers. Tours and Excursions: From walking tours focusing on art, architecture or local cuisine, to Biscayne Bay cruises or an Everglades excursion, this destination offers something for every traveler. Everglades National Park: Take a short trip to see unique wildlife, including alligators, on an airboat tour. Everglades National Park protects the southern 20% of the original Everglades in Florida. The park is the largest tropical wilderness in the United States and the largest wilderness of any kind east of the Mississippi River.
Miami’s vibrant food scene includes succulent crab claws.
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Food and shopping:
Bayside Marketplace: A great place to grab a bite while enjoying the waterfront and catching a sunset cruise. Savor a wide assortment of delicacies at this culinary haven, where waterfront cafes, gourmet eateries and cozy bistros await to tantalize your palate with flavors from around the world. Lincoln Road: A pedestrian-only street with numerous restaurants, shops and cafes. Known as Miami Beach’s world-famous pedestrian promenade — a place where history, culture, and community meet. Dolphin Mall: Miami’s largest outlet mall, located near the airport for those who want to shop before flying out. Brickell City Centre: Offers three levels of unparalleled shopping, dining and entertainment anchored by a 107,000-square-foot, ultra-modern Saks Fifth Avenue.Immerse yourself in Cuban American culture with music, food, and cigar shops along Calle Ocho with a Miami Culinary Tour in Little Havana. Tours provide a non-touristy, local experience so attendees get the opportunity to immerse themselves into the local culture and feel and eat like a native. The tours blend a historical, architectural and cultural experience together with an intimate, behind-the-scenes culinary introduction to savor the best cuisine the area has to offer.
Explore high-end fashion stores and eclectic art galleries.
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Art and Culture:
Visit the Wynwood Walls an outdoor museum showcasing large-scale murals and street art in the vibrant Wynwood neighborhood or Explore high-end fashion, art galleries, and unique public art installations in the Miami Design District Vizcaya Museum and Gardens: A historic estate with beautiful European-inspired architecture and gardens. Check out these museums located next to each other in Downtown Miami: Pérez Art Museum Miami (PAMM): Features modern and contemporary art collections and Frost Science a popular destination with an aquarium and planetarium.
Where to stay during your visit:
Loews Miami Beach Hotel and Loews Coral Gables Fontainebleau Miami Beach Eden Roc Miami Beach The Elser Hotel & Residences Intercontinental Miami
A Bucket List Experience
A visit to Miami for the National Collegiate Football Championship is an experience that transcends a sporting event. It offers visitors the opportunity to feel the palpable buzz and excitement of one of the world’s greatest cities as it rolls out the red carpet for sports fans and tourists alike.