The 2026 NFL season is almost here, and Miami Dolphins fans have a great reason to start the year with a trip. Instead of opening the regular season at home, the Dolphins will travel west to face the Las Vegas Raiders in Week 1.
The game is scheduled for Sunday, September 13, 2026, at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas. Kickoff is set for 4:25 p.m. ET, with the game scheduled to air on FOX.
For Dolphins fans, this is more than just a football game. A trip to Las Vegas can turn the season opener into a full weekend of football, entertainment, food and sightseeing.
When Do the Miami Dolphins Play the Raiders in 2026?
The Miami Dolphins will play the Las Vegas Raiders on Sunday, September 13, 2026.
The game will be played at Allegiant Stadium, the Raiders’ home stadium in Las Vegas. Kickoff is scheduled for 4:25 p.m. Eastern Time and 1:25 p.m. local Pacific Time.
This game is especially interesting because it will be the Dolphins’ first visit to Las Vegas since 2021. Miami’s official schedule notes that the Dolphins have won nine of their last 11 overall games against the Raiders, including their previous two meetings.
Why Las Vegas Is a Great Dolphins Road-Trip Destination
Las Vegas is one of the easiest cities for sports fans to turn a game into a vacation.
The city offers much more than casinos. Visitors can enjoy restaurants, live entertainment, shopping, shows, attractions and famous hotels along the Las Vegas Strip.
For Dolphins fans traveling from Miami or another part of the country, the weekend can become a mini vacation before the NFL season gets busy.
A simple plan could include arriving on Friday, exploring Las Vegas on Saturday, attending the game on Sunday and flying home Monday.
What Dolphins Fans Can Do Before the Game
A football weekend in Las Vegas gives fans plenty of options.
Explore the Las Vegas Strip
The Strip is the center of the city’s famous hotel, restaurant and entertainment scene. Fans can walk around, enjoy the sights and take photos while wearing their Dolphins colors.
Enjoy a Great Meal
Las Vegas has restaurants ranging from casual food spots to high-end dining. Fans can plan a pre-game meal or enjoy dinner after the game.
See a Show
Las Vegas is known for concerts, comedy, magic, theater and other live entertainment. Checking the event calendar before traveling can help fans find something interesting for Saturday night.
Visit Attractions
Travelers who have extra time can explore attractions around the city or take a short trip outside Las Vegas.
How to Plan a Dolphins Game-Day Trip
Planning early can make the trip easier.
First, fans should decide how many nights they want to stay. A two- or three-night trip may be enough for the season opener.
Next, compare flights and hotel prices. Game weekends can become more expensive as demand increases, so checking several options can help travelers find a better deal.
Fans should also think about transportation. Some visitors may prefer to stay near the Strip and use rideshare services, while others may want a rental car for exploring beyond central Las Vegas.
The Miami Dolphins have identified Skyscanner as the team’s official travel partner for 2026, and the partnership includes travel-planning tools for fans looking at flights, hotels and car rentals.
What Should Dolphins Fans Wear in Las Vegas?
The answer is simple: wear your Dolphins colors.
Aqua, orange and white can help Miami fans stand out among the Raiders’ silver and black.
Fans can wear:
- Miami Dolphins jerseys
- Team T-shirts
- Caps and hats
- Aqua or orange accessories
- Comfortable shoes for walking around Las Vegas
Because Las Vegas can still be very warm in September, lightweight clothing can be a smart choice during daytime activities.
For the stadium, fans should also check the latest Allegiant Stadium rules before arriving, especially regarding bags and prohibited items.
The Game Is Only the Beginning
The Las Vegas matchup is important because it is the first regular-season game of the Dolphins’ 2026 campaign.
It is also the beginning of a difficult opening road stretch. After playing the Raiders in Las Vegas, Miami will travel to California to face the San Francisco 49ers in Week 2 on September 20. The Dolphins will then return to South Florida for their home opener against the Kansas City Chiefs on September 27.
That makes the Las Vegas trip an especially attractive opportunity for fans who want to see the team at the beginning of the season.
Tips for a Better Las Vegas Football Weekend
Here are a few simple tips for Dolphins fans:
Book early: Flights and hotels can change in price as game day approaches.
Stay flexible: Compare different hotels and travel dates.
Arrive early: Give yourself enough time to get to Allegiant Stadium.
Plan transportation: Decide in advance whether you will use rideshare, public transportation or a rental car.
Keep the weather in mind: September in Las Vegas can be hot, especially during daytime activities.
Leave time for fun: Do not plan the entire trip around the game. Las Vegas has plenty to explore.
A New Season, a New Adventure
For Miami Dolphins fans, the 2026 season begins on the road. That does not have to be a disadvantage for supporters.
Instead, it can be an opportunity to combine football with a memorable vacation.
A September trip to Las Vegas gives fans the chance to watch Miami open the season against the Raiders, experience Allegiant Stadium and enjoy one of America’s most famous entertainment destinations.
The Dolphins’ 2026 schedule includes nine road games, but Las Vegas is the first.
For fans who love following the team beyond Hard Rock Stadium, this could be the perfect way to kick off the new NFL season.
