Dominic Bartolo, 61, of Fort Lauderdale, grills burgers before the first-round NFL playoff game at Dolphins Stadium. (Daniel Belis/NYT INSTITUTE)

By MARIO AGUIRRE

Miami Dolphins fans endured a dismal 1-15 record last season, but in return for their loyalty this past year, they were able to do something they had not done since 2002: tailgate at Dolphins Stadium before a playoff game.

The pre-game camaraderie was in full effect, particularly among longtime season-ticket holders who waited until close to the start of the game to enter the stadium. Many lingered in the parking lot, slumped in lawn chairs chatting or devouring hot dogs and hamburgers with other fans.

“I think building friendships are important — spending good times and enjoying the years together,” said Dominic Bartolo, 61, a season-ticket holder since 1977.

Adam Kropkouski, 26, of Dundalk, Maryland, left, and Castle Raley, 30, of Gaithersburg, Maryland, were among the Ravens fans that who tailgated before their team’s 27-9 win against the Dolphins' first-round NFL playoff game, on Jan. 4, at Dolphin Stadium. (Photo by Daniel Belis/NYT INSTITUTE)

Between the aisles of parked vehicles outside the stadium in Miami Gardens, Bartolo gathered fellow tailgaters and offered a rendition of a Dolphins chant. The group often recites the tune in a raucous manner, but Sunday’s postseason appearance against the Baltimore Ravens gave fans incentive to deliver the chant more authentically.

“It’s a festive, good time,” Bartolo said. “Even if we lose, we have a real good time supporting our team.”

Last season, Bartolo and other fans had their patience tested after the Dolphins nearly posted the second winless season in N.F.L. history. So fans have had to look for other ways to enjoy Dolphins games.

“You drink, throw around a football and show up at 9:30 a.m. to heckle the opposing team,” said Frank Enriquez, a season-ticket holder since 1989. “It’s a fun experience.”

That wasn’t the case on Sunday after the Baltimore Ravens dispatched the Dolphins, 27-9, in an AFC wildcard match.

Still, fans continued to pledge their loyalty without regrets. Gene Henry, who was tailgating near Bartolo, was a prime example.

A season-ticket holder since 1993, Henry embarks on a three-hour, 250-mile trip from his Orlando home to Dolphins Stadium for each home game. He has a Dolphins logo tattooed on his upper right arm, which he has had since 1995, two years after he bought season tickets.

About 10 miles away, a sports bar inside Don Shula’s Hotel in Miami Lakes offered the same type of devotion, with droves of people crowding the restaurant for the Dolphins game.

Most sat confined to their seats, cheering and applauding. From time to time, fans expressed displeasure by gesturing at the television monitors.

A Miami Dolphins fan at Don Shula’s sports bar tips his hat at the screen at Don Shulas sports bar on Jan. 4, as time ran runs out for the Dolphins in their playoff game against the Baltimore Ravens. (Daniel Belis/NYT INSTITUTE)

Eliu Lima of Miami Lakes left his seat momentarily and took off his Dolphins cap in disgust during the grueling final minutes of the game.

“It didn’t look too good in the end, but maybe next year,” said Lima, 34. “When the game was ending, that’s what we were saying to each other.”

Regardless, Lima enjoyed the experience at Shula’s, something he and 28 friends and family members have done regularly for Dolphins games since 1996. “It’s the best,” Lima said. “That what’s you got to do, dedicate time to the family and friends — watch the game together.”

Bartolo understands that type of kinship. Each week, he says, he meets new season-ticket holders who tailgate near his spot.

As he flipped a hamburger patty, Henry welcomed acquaintances and poured beer into plastic cups.

Bartolo took notice and hurriedly joined Henry as the group declared, “A toast for a newfound friendship.”

Win or lose, Dolphins fans leave with at least that much.