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American Airlines Arena
Home of the Miami Heat
The American Airlines Arena, which is located in Miami, Florida along the famous Biscayne Boulevard, is a multi-purpose facility used for both sports and entertainment. It was originally constructed as a replacement venue for the former Miami Arena, but has since taken on a whole new life of it's own. Through a series of unique characteristics, modern amenities, attention to detail and fan accommodations, American Airlines Arena has generated much additional revenue for the city of Miami and it's local business owners.
Home to the NBA franchise team of Miami Heat, American Airlines Arena also hosted the WNBA's Miami Sol from it's inception in 2000 until the team's early demise in 2002.
Despite a construction delay in 1998 due to a fire, American Airlines Arena opened the following year in December 1999 at a construction cost of $175 million. The inaugural event was a concert, which was performed by pop music icon, Gloria Estefan. In January 2000, basketball fans were in for a treat as Miami Heat competed in their first game at the new facility. Thousands of cheering spectators packed the arena to enjoy an evening of basketball.
American Airlines, who was named as sponsor for the facility, ordered a large aircraft be painted on top of the arena's roof as part of their arrangement. The American Airlines logo is featured in the center and is visible by airplanes as they come and go from nearby Miami International Airport.
Among the amenities at American Airlines Center is an unusual scoreboard that changes colors based on the condition of the atmosphere. In addition, The Waterfront Theater is located inside the arena and can set anywhere from 3,000 to 5,800 fans. Flagship Lounges, which are the arena's luxury skyboxes, are located for special ticket holders. This facility is used for a variety of entertainment shows, including concerts, broadway and other family shows. And of course, basketball games are a big part of American Airlines Arena.
Among the many large scale events held here, American Airlines Arena was home to the 2004 MTV Video Music Awards, which brought millions of dollars in revenue to the local economy.
American Airlines Arena is owned by the Miami Sports and Entertainment Authority. It was designed under the architectural guidance of Arquitectonica and is managed by Leisure Entertainment International. Home to the NBA's Miami Heat, seating capacity for various events range from 16,000 to 19,000 spectators. This modern venue has the flexibility to be configured in five different ways in order to conform to the activity.
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