If you’re a sports fan, Miami has something for you. Become a “Dolfan,” feel the HEAT, or enjoy a game of Jai-Alai, just to name a few of the many sporting events that can quickly fill your itinerary with peanuts, nachos, and cold beers.
BASKETBALL
Catch a professional game: In this city, Miami Heat It reigns above the sports scene and social gatherings. The games are held downtown at the state-of-the-art AmericanAirlines Arena , also known as the AAA in Biscayne Bay. A glitzy social scene for celebrities, wealthy Miamians and fans from around the world fill the arena to see superstars like Dwyane Wade and Chris Bosh rule the court.
Play for fun : Test your skills on the court and play an outdoor pickup game in Jose Marti Park on the edge of Brickell and Little Havana, Flamingo Park in the heart of South Beach, Alice C. Wainwright Park on the boardwalk in Coconut Grove and Margaret Pace Park in the downtown Edgewater neighborhood. Or if you book a room at the JW Marriott Marquis Miami , you’ll have access to its NBA-sized indoor basketball court.
FOOTBALL
Catch a professional game: The Miami Dolphins, the city’s oldest sports franchise, was founded in 1966 and still holds the record for the only undefeated team in American professional sports. Dolphins games are packed with energy and action. Fans will soon be able to enjoy the newly renovated Hard Rock Stadium with amenities such as an outdoor canopy to provide shade, new seating and a new range of concession options.
Play for fun : Throw the ball in any of the public areas, parks or beaches . During the offseason it’s not uncommon to find NFL players training on the football field at South Beach’s Flamingo Park.
BASEBALL
Catch a Pro Game: The Miami Marlins Stadium is located in the heart of Little Havana and has a retractable roof. Beat the heat and watch summer baseball games in a fun-filled, air-conditioned atmosphere. For a party-style viewing experience, head to Clevelander at Marlins Park , where you’ll find a swimming pool and a DJ playing hits during the game. In 2017, Marlins Park will host the MLB All-Star Game, a gathering of the sports elite, including a Home Run Derby, Futures Games and Fan Fest at the Miami Beach Convention Center.
Play for fun : Practice your swing at one of the following batting cage facilities in Miami: Tamiami Park, Hitter’s Hangout, Line Drive Performance, Slugger’s Inc. o Extra Innings Softball Baseball and Baseball Training Center.
FOOTBALL
Catch a professional game: The rumor is that Miami may be landing a Major League Soccer expansion team at some point in the near future. Former professional soccer player David Beckham has received an option to own an MLS franchise and the superstar has his eye on the Magic City. Nothing has been finalized and negotiations are ongoing.
Miami FC began its inaugural season in the North American Soccer League (NASL) in April 2016. Miami’s newest professional club will play its home games at FIU Stadium. Miami also has two teams competing in the Premier National Football League (NPSL). the Miami Fusion play their home games at Ted Hendricks Stadium at Milander Park in Hialeah and Miami United plays at Flamingo Park in South Beach.
Play for fun : Rent an entire soccer field for you and your friends, or join a pickup game in Miami at Play Soccer Miami with locations in Palm Park (South Miami), Armbrister Park (Coconut Grove) and Kendall Soccer Park . Amelia Earhart Park recently renovated its soccer facility and now has six regulation soccer fields for rent in leagues and tournaments. Or take a look Soccer Town Miami’s course located in Midtown. There’s also a rooftop urban soccer field in Brickell at 444 Brickell Avenue, but you’re better off checking it out while it lasts; A new high-rise building will take the place of the current structure soon.
ICE HOCKEY
Catch a Pro Game: Winter sports may not be the first thing that comes to mind when you think of Miami’s sunny sports, but the Florida Panthersis a professional ice hockey team based in Sunrise. Watch the professional duke players on the frigid ice.
Play for fun : Buckle up and put on some skates in the Kendall Ice Arena located in the suburbs of Miami. There are also ice hockey and ice skating classes.
RACING CARS
Catch a pro game: Miami’s 80-degree weather each fall makes it an ideal escape for NASCAR enthusiasts right on the cusp of winter. Homestead-Miami Speedway , host to the Ford 400 (the final race of the NASCAR season) and Ford Championship Weekend, is an oval-shaped track that seats 65,000 people. Grab a cooler, some sunscreen and you’ll be ready to race. The track also hosts over 200 events throughout the year, so be sure to check out their event calendar for fun things to do on asphalt!
Play for fun : Not only does Homestead-Miami Speedway host events where you can drive like the pros, but other local companies offer the opportunity to drive the care of your dreams on a professional race track. Redline Xperience offers a unique approach to exotic athletics racing by providing access to two international racing champions and a team of professional in-car instructors. Located near the airport, Velocidad K1 brings the thrill of go-kart racing to Miami with an indoor and professionally designed track and electric karts.
OTHER PRO SPORTS
The Miami Tridents play action-packed rugby games at Ben Franklin Park in North Miami .
Gulfstream Park Racetrack and Casino in Aventura is one of the nation’s premier thoroughbred racetracks offering championship races year-round. Experience soulful action from the stands or be pampered like royalty as you enjoy the views from a private luxury suite.
Jai Alai , the fast-paced main attraction in the 50’s and 60’s in Miami, is still alive and well in the Magic City. For just a dollar you can enjoy a game of Jai-Alai in a place that still looks and feels like it did in 1955 and enjoy a beer for just a dollar.
COLLEGE SPORTS
College sports fans love cheering on the University of Miami Hurricanes, who have won national titles in football, baseball, and many other sports over the decades.
There’s also plenty of sports excitement at Florida International University, whose Panthers compete in Conference USA.
Other Miami varsity sports teams include: ASA College Silver Storm, Barry University Buccaneers, Florida Memorial University Fighting Lions, Florida National University Conquistadors, Johnson & Wales University Wildcats, Miami Dade College Sharks and St. Thomas University Bobcats.
HELD ANNUALLY SPORTING EVENTS
Capital One Orange Bowl : Since 1935, Miami has hosted the Orange Bowl , crowning many college football champions. Now played at New Miami Stadium, the Capital One Orange Bowl is one of the prestigious college football games of the postseason.
World Golf Championships – Cadillac Championships: Held annually in March at Trump National Doral, the Cadillac Championship tournament showcases the best players from around the world. While it’s all about golf, the event also features food, fashion, music, celebrities and nightlife.
Miami Open presented by Itau : The world’s best tennis players descend on the tropical island of Key Biscayne for the Miami Open tennis tournament every year in the spring.
Miami Beach Polo World Cup: They don’t call it the “sport of kings” for nothing; the Miami Beach Polo World Cup returns to the sands of South Beach every year. The event features an international line-up of teams from around the world and matches are held directly on the beach.
NASCAR Ford Championship Weekend: Every November during Ford Championship Weekend NASCAR crowns champions at three of its highest levels: the Sprint Cup series, the Xfinity series and the Camping World Truck series.
Miami Marathon & Half Marathon: Join 25,000 fellow runners per mile after mile of tropical sights and sounds! Enjoy Miami’s fabulous hot spots along our beautiful course that have been featured in hit TV shows and movies. Friends, family and thousands of screaming fans will line up along the 26.2 miles of roads filled with inspiring sights and sounds. Also, join our Half Marathon or Tropical 5K and find out why so many opt for RUN MIAMI.
Miami Beach Bowl: The Miami Beach Bowl is an annual college football game played at Marlins Park and features a team from the American Athletic Conference against a team from Conference USA, the Mid-American Conference or the Sun Belt Conference.
MIAMI SPORTS & WELLNESS MONTH
Happening during the month of April and highlighting active ways to enjoy spring, Miami Sports & Wellness Month is all about getting out and staying active. For more money-saving ideas and deals.
