Getting There
Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport (FLL) is the primary gateway for Boca Raton, sitting roughly 25 miles south of the city. The fastest option is a rideshare or rental car, which covers the distance in about 35-40 minutes via I-95 for around $50-$60 on Uber. Budget travelers can take the Tri-Rail commuter train from the Fort Lauderdale Airport Station north to the Boca Raton station for around $3–$6, though the trip including the free airport shuttle connection takes approximately 75 minutes.
Getting Around
A car is strongly recommended for most sports fans, as Flagler Credit Union Stadium sits on the Florida Atlantic University campus west of US-1 and is not easily walkable from downtown hotels. Uber and Lyft are widely available throughout the city and are the best car-free option for getting to and from game day. Downtown Boca Raton is served by the BocaConnect Circuit Shuttle, an on-demand electric shuttle with free rides within the core downtown red service area and $2 rides into surrounding areas, but its coverage does not reliably reach the FAU campus.
Where to Stay
The downtown Mizner Park area along Federal Highway (US-1) is the best base for visiting sports fans, putting you within a short rideshare of Flagler Credit Union Stadium and close to pre- and post-game dining and bars. Midrange hotels in the downtown corridor run roughly $150-$250 per night on standard weekends, though rates spike significantly during FAU home game weekends and the busy fall football season. Fans on a tighter budget should look at options in nearby Deerfield Beach or Delray Beach just off I-95, where rates can run $20-$50 cheaper per night with easy highway access back to the stadium. Book early for rivalry games and homecoming, as Boca Raton is a small market and quality hotel inventory near the university fills up fast.
Sports Fan Notes
Boca Raton is a single-team college football town, and the FAU Owls faithful take serious pride in their program, which plays in Conference USA and has produced NFL talent including a brief but memorable Howard Schnellenberger era. The atmosphere at Flagler Credit Union Stadium is intimate and fan-friendly, making it an ideal stop for visiting fans who want an authentic college football experience without navigating a massive Big Ten or SEC footprint. Day-trippers can easily combine a trip here with a visit to nearby South Florida pro sports venues, as Miami Dolphins games at Hard Rock Stadium (about 45 miles south via I-95), Miami Heat and Miami Marlins games in downtown Miami, and Florida Panthers games in Sunrise are all reachable the same weekend. Boca Raton also sits in a strong college football corridor, and tailgate culture on the FAU campus is a genuine community event worth arriving early for.
Venues in Boca Raton
Abessinio Court at Eleanor R. Baldwin Arena
Flagler Credit Union Stadium
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I get from FLL to downtown Boca Raton?
The quickest option is a rideshare (Uber or Lyft), which takes about 35-40 minutes via I-95 and costs roughly $50-$60. For a budget option, take the free Tri-Rail shuttle bus from FLL's baggage claim level to the Dania Beach Tri-Rail station, then ride the Tri-Rail commuter train north to the Boca Raton Yamato Road station for around $10 total; plan for about 75-90 minutes including the transfer. Car rentals are available at FLL and are recommended if you plan to drive to Flagler Credit Union Stadium or explore the area independently.
What is the best neighborhood to stay in Boca Raton for a sports trip?
Stay in the downtown Mizner Park corridor along Federal Highway (US-1). It offers the best concentration of sports bars, restaurants, and nightlife for pre- and post-game activities, and a short rideshare puts you at Flagler Credit Union Stadium in under 15 minutes. It also keeps you near the Brightline and Tri-Rail stations if you want to make day trips to Fort Lauderdale or Miami to catch additional games.
Which sports teams play in Boca Raton?
The Florida Atlantic Owls (NCAAF) are Boca Raton's home team, playing at Flagler Credit Union Stadium on the Florida Atlantic University campus. The Owls compete in Conference USA, and home games in the fall are the primary live sports draw for visitors to the city.
Is Boca Raton a World Cup 2026 host city?
No, Boca Raton is not hosting any 2026 FIFA World Cup matches. The nearest host city is Miami, approximately 45 miles south via I-95, where games will be played at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens.
Sports cities near Boca Raton
Close enough to pair with a Boca Raton trip — or to catch a game on the drive in.