Marlins Park is a stadium located in Miami, Florida. Marlins Park is currently home to the MLB team the Miami Marlins. The stadium opened on April 4, 2012 with the construction taking just over two years at a cost of just over $630 million. It was built to provide a home for the Marlins who previously played at Sun Life Stadium.
The Miami Marlins are two time World Series Champions and are members of the East Division of the National League within MLB. They are known by their team colors consisting of black, orange and white. The current owner of the Marlins is Jeffrey Loria.
The stadium currently holds 36,742 fans. There are numerous luxury suites and thousands seats at the club level. Currently, it is the third smallest stadium in MLB in terms of seating capacity.
In terms of parking there are several options: the Home Plate Garage, First Base Garage, Center Base Garage and the Third Base Garage are the closest to the stadium is for VIP and Preferred Parking. Surface lots W1, W2, W3, E1, E2 and E3 are for general parking. There is also disabled parking available.
Home of the championship-winning NBA team Miami Heat, American Airlines Arena (AAA) is centrally located on Biscayne Boulevard in downtown Miami. In addition to hosting the Heat, AAA is the venue of choice for the most celebrated international pop stars and comedians, including Madonna, Lady Gaga, Marc Anthony, Chayanne, Sam Smith, Kevin Hart and more. In the Heat off-season, the Arena also presents shows from Disney on Ice, the WWE and the Harlem Globetrotters, among others.
American Airlines Arena Parking
The American Airlines Arena (AAA) has an underground parking lot, but it's usually reserved for VIP parking. In general, lots around the Arena are easy to find. The general rule of thumb is that the closer you park to the venue, the more expensive the parking. If you wish to book parking in select lots in advance, visit the AAA website or download its partner ParkJockey's app for directions and purchase. The Arena has six gates, and you can find out which gate is closest to your lot or seat by visiting the website.
Hotels near American Airlines Arena
Miami Heat partner hotels the InterContinental Miami and the EPIC Miami – A Kimpton Hotel are located only blocks away from the Arena, and frequently host Heat game specials and events (check the website for discounts). The JW Marriott Marquis Miami, located across the street from the EPIC, is also within walking distance. A range of luxury and mid-price hotels is a short taxi ride away on Brickell Avenue and all over the downtown region.
Seating at American Airlines Arena
For basketball games, a variety of seating, from courtside to premium suites to the 400 level, suits every taste and pocketbook. For concerts and shows, be sure to check the stage arrangement on the website to find out where seats are located before purchase. Concert and show tickets can be purchased online, by phone or through Ticketmaster. The box office numbers for Heat season or group plan tickets are available on the AAA website. Regular Heat tickets can be purchased on the official Heat website. The Ticket Office Window for Will Call is located near Gate 3.
Food at American Airlines Arena
Level 100 features delicacies from local restaurants and what the Arena calls "supercarts." Among these, the barbecue joint Pride and Joy's Brisket Cheese Sandwich and the 24-hour-marinated Buttermilk Chicken Tenders from Biscayne Tavern (also located on Level 300) are some of the tastiest. The Latin Flavor Cart, featuring sandwiches from 100 Montaditos, is also a popular spot, as is the Blue Moon Bar in Section 319, where you can sit down to slurp up Miami Mofongo, smashed plantains topped with Mojo Chicken or Pork and garnished with jicama slaw.
Beer at American Airlines Arena
AAA doesn't take beer lightly. Along with the familiar international selections, the Arena Concourse bars offer local and craft beers provided by the Florida Beer Company, Concrete Beach Brewing, Goose Island and Miami Brewing Company. The biggest selection, including some gluten-free beverages, are at Sections 120 and 123. (And if you want something fizzy that's not a brewski, check out the Champagne Bar preceding Section 120.)
Parking alternatives at American Airlines Arena
TheMetroMover and MetroBus deposit passengers within a short walking distance of the arena. For the first, take the MetroRail to Government Center Station, transfer to the MetroMover's Omni Loop and disembark at Park West Station. For the MetroBus as well as taxis and limos, drop-off is at at gate 3 on NE 8th Street on the north side of the arena.
What to bring to American Airlines Arena
Purses, phones and small, personal cameras are allowed within the Arena. Bags bigger than an average purse, large umbrellas and outside food and beverages are prohibited. Expect any bag or purse to be extensively searched, and smaller bags (such as cosmetic cases) within purses will also be opened.
Insider tip for American Airlines Arena
Always hang on to your Heat ticket stubs for after-game discounts, especially if you intend to have dinner and/or drinks in downtown lounges or South Beach hotspots, where they frequently offer specials. If the Heat win, you might even spot players partying at the nightclubs afterwards.
Author's bio: Jen Karetnick has been living in and writing about Miami since 1992. She is the author of 12 books, including the cookbook, Mango (University Press of Florida, 2014) and the poetry collection, Brie Season (White Violet Press, 2014).