
Florida
Inducted: November 9, 2008
Captain: Dave Buchler, Gino Vitale
Location: Miami, Florida
Dave Buchler, Gino Vitale
Learn More About Our Tailgate
The Finatics have been setting the gold standard for Miami Dolphins tailgating since long before the team called Dolphin Stadium "home." What began in 1992 with a small circle of friends working at a software company quickly evolved into one of the most respected fan groups in South Florida. Each game day, they stake their claim near East 12 at Hard Rock Stadium, flying their iconic Finatics flag under the Florida sun—a beacon to veterans and newcomers alike.
Stepping into the Finatics tailgate is like entering a living, breathing clubhouse for Dolphins die-hards. Their camaraderie of decades of gatherings with the promise of new memories in the making are what makes the tailgate what it is. Here, conversations flow easily: reflections on the team’s latest performance on the field, speculation about draft picks, and spirited debate over classic jerseys. Owner-operated since before social media was invented, Finatics.com stands as their digital archive—sharing everything from playful rivalry banter to heartfelt support for the Dolfan community.
But what truly elevates the Finatics experience isn't flash or gimmickry—it’s their unwavering devotion to quality and tradition. Their game-day spread is second-to-none. Imagine grilling lobster tails traded in for fresh fish and shellfish one week, then pivoting to succulent ribs and thick-cut steaks the next. Several times a season, they’ll roast a whole pig, the coals crackling in tribute to South Florida’s Cuban influences. At the heart of it all? Finatic Dave and Gino, Alan, Glenn, Laz, Bryan, Chris, Bob, Bob and Jay orchestrating the feast and pouring signature “First Downs” for friends new and old. They greet every visitor with a cold local beer in hand—always an invitation to stay, eat and talk Dolphins—even when results on the field don't go their way.
In a world where true homegrown fan bases are rare, the Finatics stand as a shining example of what tailgating is meant to be—a celebration of community, cuisine, and shared passion. As the sun sets on another Sunday in Miami, it’s clear: their tailgate isn’t just about football—it’s about belonging. And there’s no better place to belong than at the heart of Finatics lore.
Lastly – if there was a Finatics slogan, it would most definitely be this – No matter what happens on the field, we will ALWAYS have the tailgate!