Miami’s J. Wakefield Brewing expands at Hard Rock Stadium, begins construction on new beer garden

This football season, Miami’s Hard Rock Stadium will more than double the volume of beer it will pour from J. Wakefield Brewing, Wynwood’s 100 percent independently owned craft beer brewery. JWB’s core and specialty beers will be featured on over 40 taps, up from four, last season.

Hard Rock Stadium, located in Miami Gardens, Fla., is the home of the Miami Dolphins of the NFL and the Miami Hurricanes of the NCAA. The 65,326-seat stadium, which opened in 1987, underwent a $350 million renovation two years ago and features numerous food and beverage outlets, several of which feature craft beer.

The dramatic expansion in number and volume of JWB’s offerings is based on increased demand for their locally crafted beers, at last year’s football games. El Jefe, JWB’s popular coconut Hefeweizen will be poured throughout the entire stadium. Hops 4 Teacher, JWB’s citrusy India pale ale will be poured in the premium lounges. A rotation of JWB’s specialty beers, including a special run of JWB’s

Chains northeast-style India pale ale, will be poured in the tap rooms located midfield on the 100 level. JWB beers will also be available during other events at the stadium, including concerts, such as Beyoncé & Jay-Z’s On the Run II Tour, later this month.

“We are beyond excited about the increased presence at Hard Rock Stadium, this season. We are huge football fans, especially of the Canes. My grandfather used to take me to games at the Orange Bowl, as a boy. We feel privileged to represent Miami’s craft beer scene to fans at the stadium. It will be the largest footprint that we’ve had at any sporting venue, which means a lot to an independent brewery like ours, especially because we are proudly ‘Made in Dade,’” said JWB owner and Brew Master Johnathan Wakefield.

J. Wakefield begins construction on new beer garden

JWB has also begun construction of a new beer garden in front of its Wynwood taproom. The perimeter of the over 600-sq-ft beer garden will be defined by one steel divider and one steel planter, which will include bar tops made from western red cedar, for guests to set their beers on. The walls can be detached and moved if the space is needed for special events. The space will accommodate 50 people, sitting and standing, and will include four matching steel and red cedar table/bench combos with four large, burgundy umbrellas, to provide protection from the sun. In true JWB style, the umbrella poles will be fashioned to resemble lightsabers. The planter will also feature lightsaber-styled trellises.

“We are excited to provide a more comfortable outdoor space for our guests to enjoy our beers, especially during the cooler months ahead. The new bar tops and tables will also give guests a place to enjoy food from the visiting food trucks that we host weekly and for special events,” said Brand Director and Community Manager Alex Gutierrez, Certified Cicerone.

The beer garden was designed and is being constructed by Stardrive Industries, based in Brickell. It’s expected to be completed by Miami Madness Day on September 29.