Biscayne Blvd. (between NE 8th and 9th
Sts.),
(305) 577-HEAT
Click
Here For A 360 Degree Picture of American Airlines
Arena
Located
in downtown Miami on the waterfront of Biscayne Bay,
the 20,000-seat American Airlines Arena is the
city’s newest landmark.
Opened
in January 2000, the stunning arena is home to the NBA's
Miami Heat and the WNBA's Miami Sol. The
multipurpose sports and entertainment complex also
hosts ice shows, wrestling, boxing,
gymnastics, magic shows, circuses, and
star-studded concerts.
Built
by the world-renowned Miami-based avant-garde firm
Arquitectonica, the arena fashions the company’s
famed non-Art Deco style of architecture. Part
of the city’s bayfront renewal, the arena links to
Bayside Marketplace (see shopping)
via a pedestrian bridge.
Specifically designed for views of the city skyline
and the bay from all concourses, the arena provides
superior acoustics and sight-lines from every seat.
There are public terraces and balconies off all
concourses and private terraces with center-court suites. The multiple purpose practice court
has sweeping views of beautiful Biscayne Bay.
Great sports events and great food go
together. You’ll find plenty of taste
delights at the arena. For a splendid blend of
authentic Cuban cuisine and the culture of Old
Havana, try Bongos Cuban Cafe, owned by Gloria
and Emilio Estefan. Rising two stories at the plaza
level, the 16,000-square-foot club is a
restaurant by day and disco by night. A
62-foot pineapple serves as a beacon on the outside
to passing boaters and motorists; inside it reveals
a huge dance floor that comes alive with
tropical salsa music every night.
Premium
ticket-holders can enjoy watching hoops while dining
on rosemary garlic leg of lamb or crab cakes,
courtesy of Levy Catering. An outdoor cafe and
bar offers treats on a bayside terrace. The
privately-financed arena features 12 acres of onsite
covered parking, as well as lots of offsite
parking nearby. There is direct access from
parking to skyboxes and courtside lounge
seats. The official team store and
information center, Heat, of the Miami Heat is open at the
adjacent Bayside Marketplace.
