Miami haters often say things like, “Miami isn’t a real sports town.” But that couldn’t be further from the truth. Our city’s ideal weather and active spirit make it a natural sports haven. We have professional teams in baseball, basketball, football, hockey, soccer, tennis, NASCAR, and F1. Our sports culture goes beyond spectator sports, with year-round venues for various activities. And while we may not jump through tables or sit shirtless in freezing stadiums, our love for sports is just as passionate. South Florida is a sports mecca, and tickets are easy to come by. So, next time someone tries to claim Miami isn’t a sports town, show them around and let them see for themselves.
Photo courtesy of Inter Miami CF
DRV PNK Stadium
Fort Lauderdale
This small stadium in the outskirts of Fort Lauderdale wasn’t given much attention for decades. It was home to failed pro soccer teams and the University of Miami spring game. But that all changed when Lionel Messi signed with Inter Miami CF last summer. Now, DRV PNK Stadium is the soccer hotspot in South Florida, attracting fans from around the world to see the world’s greatest footballer up close. It’s a must-visit for soccer enthusiasts.
Photo courtesy of Dania Amateur Jai Alai
Dania Jai Alai
Dania Beach
Jai Alai may not be as popular as it once was, but it’s still going strong at the Dania Beach fronton. For those unfamiliar, the game involves players throwing a ball at a wall using a special basket. It was a big hit in the 1980s, and you could even place bets and potentially walk away with a fortune. While the crowds may be smaller now, the venue has added a casino and showroom for added entertainment. It’s a unique experience that shouldn’t be missed.
Photo courtesy of Amerant Bank Arena
Amerant Bank Arena
Sunrise
Not many people in South Florida knew we had an NHL hockey team until a few years ago. But the Florida Panthers’ run to the Stanley Cup Finals in 2023 made Miami catch the hockey fever. The games at Amerant Bank Arena are affordable by NHL standards, and you can often get tickets for under $30 and seats between the blue lines for under $100. It’s a great way to experience the excitement of NHL hockey in Miami.
Markham Park
Sunrise
If you’re into shooting sports, Markham Park Trap and Skeet range is the place to be. You can practice target shooting at the 100-yard pistol and rifle ranges, and there are also skeet, trap, and sporting clay ranges nearby. Mountain bikers can enjoy a mini biathlon and explore the park’s trails after shooting. The ranges are open to the public, but hours may be limited during the week. So, it’s best to check before you go.
Photo courtesy of Weekley Brothers Davie Pro Rodeo
Bergeron Rodeo Grounds
Davie
<pSouth Florida may not be known as a Cowboy Town, but in Davie, you'll find the Round Up country bar as the social hub and the Bergeron Rodeo Grounds. The rodeo offers all the excitement of bull and buck riding, just like in Wyoming or Las Vegas. Whether you're a western sports fan or just looking for a unique experience, a trip to the rodeo in Davie is an adventure unlike any other in South Florida.
Photo courtesy of Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino
Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino
Hollywood
Watching sports is fun, but it’s even more exciting when you have a bet to root for. That’s what you’ll find at the cavernous sports book at Seminole Hard Rock. You can watch dozens of games at once and add some extra excitement to every match. In addition to betting, the Hard Rock also hosts live combat sports events, from MMA to bare-knuckle boxing. It’s a one-stop destination for sports and entertainment.
Photo courtesy of The Villages at Gulfstream Park
Gulfstream Park Racing and Casino
Hallandale
Miami is one of the few places outside Kentucky where thoroughbred horse racing is still a major sport. The beautiful Mediterranean-revival racetrack at Gulfstream Park hosts some of the world’s top horses throughout the year, and each weekend offers the chance to experience the thrill of horse racing. The track also goes the extra mile with themed events and delicious food.
Photo courtesy of Hard Rock Stadium
Hard Rock Stadium
Miami Gardens
Hard Rock Stadium is Miami’s most recognizable sports venue, home to six Super Bowls, the Miami Dolphins, and the Miami Hurricanes. Tailgating a football game in December in balmy weather is a Miami tradition. The stadium also hosts the F1 Miami Grand Prix, and in the spring, it transforms into a tennis venue for the Miami Open. It’s a sports mecca that has seen it all.
Photo courtesy of Nike
Nathaniel ‘Traz’ Powell Stadium
West Little River
If you know football, you know some of the best talent comes from Miami. And if you want to see the future stars, head to Traz Powell Stadium on a Friday night. Legendary high school football programs like Miami Northwestern, Miami Central, and Miami Norland take the field, and college scouts are in the stands. NFL legends like Antonio Bryant, Dalvin Cook, Amari Cooper, and Teddy Bridgewater have all played at Traz Powell. It’s a showcase of Miami’s football talent and a must-visit for football fans.
Miami Stadium
Allapattah
Bobby Maduro Stadium was the longtime home of baseball in Miami, hosting the original minor-league Miami Marlins and spring training for the Brooklyn Dodgers and Baltimore Orioles. The cantilevered gem met its end in the late 1990s, but a plaque marks the spot. The old ballpark also inspired a social media page dedicated to South Florida sports history, filled with pictures and news clippings. It’s a reminder of Miami’s baseball past.
Photo courtesy of Ultra Club
Ultra Club
Little Haiti
Ultra Club in Little Haiti is Miami’s largest padel and pickleball court. Pro padel player Fernando Alacron designed the space with indoor and lighted courts for all weather. Ultra also offers matchmaking services to help you find compatible players. The courts are open to the public and can be reserved starting at $25 per 90 minutes.
Photo courtesy of loanDepot Park
loanDepot park
Little Havana
Loan Depot Park is now the home of the Miami Marlins on the grounds of the Miami Orange Bowl. The stadium has a retractable roof that rarely opens after April, so you don’t have to worry about rain ruining your day. Inside, you can visit the left field museum to relive the Marlins’ glory days and enjoy a beer at the Budweiser bar. Tickets are affordable, and there are often special events on weekends.
Photo courtesy of Battle Court Jai Alai
Battle Court Jai Alai
Little Havana
The Magic City Casino has brought back the glamour of Jai Alai with VIP tables and celebrity team owners. Battle Court Jai Alai has a different set of rules, but it still offers a thrilling experience. You can’t bet on the games yet, but you might see team owners like Udonis Haslem, Pitbull, and Ray Lewis enjoying the action. It’s a unique sports and entertainment venue in Miami.
Photo courtesy of Puttery
Puttery
Wynwood
Puttery in Wynwood is more than just a mini golf course. It’s a social hub with immersive courses and a dining room filled with chandeliers. You can take breaks between tee times to enjoy elevated bar food and craft cocktails. The courses are detailed and themed, making it a fun and unique experience. It’s a great place to spend an afternoon with friends or family.
Photo courtesy of Grails Miami
Grails Miami – Restaurant & Sports Bar
Wynwood
Grails Miami is not your typical sports bar. The walls are lined with framed, rare and collectible sneakers, making it a sports bar and sneakerhead museum. You can peruse the ultra-rare Jordans and Yeezys during timeouts and then relax on the back patio and enjoy the game. It’s the perfect place to combine your love for sports and sneakers. And if you want to enjoy a cocktail out of a ceramic sneaker, Grails is the place to be.
Photo by Omar Vega for Reserve
Reserve Padel
Watson Island
No other sports venue in Miami offers a more scenic location than Reserve Padel on Watson Island. The club’s six courts provide a stunning backdrop for padel games, and you can cool off in one of the two cold plunge tubs after. The onsite Pura Vida offers fresh fruit smoothies and light bites to reward you for your workout. Reserve sells memberships, but nonmembers can also reserve court space. And the stadium lights ensure you can keep playing until late at night.
Photo courtesy of Black Market
Black Market Miami
Downtown
Black Market in Downtown Miami is a tribute to Miami’s football glory days. The walls are decorated with memories of the Canes’ winning era, and you can watch current games while reliving the past. The original location has the most nostalgia, but the Bayside location offers a sprawling waterfront view and some of the coolest bathrooms in Miami. It’s a great place to watch sports and soak up the Miami atmosphere.
Photo courtesy of Miami Heat
Kaseya Center
Downtown
Kaseya Center, formerly known as the AAA, is home to the Miami Heat from October to June. It has seen six NBA Finals and three championship parades, making it one of the most championship-winning local teams. The arena has impressive architecture and offers panoramic views of Biscayne Bay. It also hosts concerts and the sixth largest-grossing UFC event in history.
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