Kaseya Center

Lore & Background

The arena opened as the American Airlines Arena on December 31, 1999, with a construction cost of $213 million. It was designed by Arquitectonica and 360 Architecture. The arena's opening was inaugurated with a concert by Gloria Estefan. Two days later, on January 2, 2000, the Miami Heat played its first game in the new arena by defeating the Orlando Magic 111–103. The arena is known for its unusual scoreboard, designed by artist Christopher Janney and installed in 1998 as part of the original construction. In October 2024, it was announced that the court would be dedicated to longtime coach and executive Pat Riley, who led the Heat to three championships and helped the team acquire LeBron James and Chris Bosh in 2010.

Reader's Guide

The arena has capacity for 19,500 people, including 2,105 club seats, 80 luxury suites, and 76 private boxes. The Waterfront Theater, the largest indoor theater in Florida, is within the arena complex, seating between 3,000 and 5,800 patrons. The arena is directly served by the Miami Metrorail at Government Center station via free transfers to Metromover Omni Loop, providing direct service to Freedom Tower station and Park West station stations, within walking distance. It is also within walking distance from the Historic Overtown/Lyric Theatre station. The arena has 939 parking spaces, with those spaces reserved for premium seat and Dewar's 12 Clubhouse ticket holders during Heat games. ParkJockey manages the arena's on-site parking.

Did You Know?

• The official name of the arena's basketball court is Pat Riley Court at Kaseya Center.
• The arena hosted the 2006, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, and 2023 NBA Finals.
• The arena hosted the first Ultimate Fighting Championship event in Florida, UFC 42: Sudden Impact, on April 25, 2003.
• The arena features a regulation NHL ice rink, though the arena has never hosted the sport.