The multi-purpose arena in Miami, Florida along Biscayne Bay called the FTX Arena (previously American Airlines Arena) was designed by Arquitectonica and 360 Architecture and began construction in 1998 to replace the old Miami Arena and is now used by the Miami Heat NBA team who play their home games at this arena.
From Government Center station on the Miami Metrorail, riders can take a free transfer to the Metromover Omni Loop for service to Freedom Tower and Park West stations, which are both within walking distance to FTX Arena. The Historic Overtown/Lyric Theatre Metrorail station is also just a few blocks away from the Arena.
A total of 2,105 club seats, 80 premium suites and 76 private boxes are available in the FTX Arena and there are 3,000 to 5,800 seats in the Waterfront Theater, which is Florida’s largest theatre and located inside the FTX arena.
There are a variety of entertainment options within the arena including live concerts, family activities and events, stage musicals and many other productions that can all be accommodated inside the arena. The FTX Arena Travel Center is used and maintained by American Airlines, which has it’s own hub at Miami International Airport.
FTX paid $135 million for the naming rights to the arena in March 2021 and on April 1 of that year, the NBA gave its approval to the deal and two months later on June 1, 2021, the building was officially renamed FTX Arena.
Top Tips When Visiting The FTX Arena
But how do you make the most of your time in the air-conditioned confines of the arena? Here are a few tips that could help you have an awesome time without breaking the bank:
1. Plan Your Trip Wisely
If you have friends who enjoy going to shows, consider booking groups so everyone can attend together. It will also be helpful if you book early as capacity varies for each event and some of them sell out within minutes.
2. Security Measures
When planning your visit, it’s important to take into account security measures in place such as bag and ticket checks. These will be done at the entrance to the arena and maybe also inside before entering certain areas.
Arrive Early At The FTX Arena To Secure A Good Spot
One of the most important things you can do is arrive early. The earlier you get there, the more likely you are to get a good spot. If possible, try to arrive at least 45 minutes before show time because capacity is limited and there are only a certain number of seats available for any given show.
High Prices At The FTX Arena
Prices can be high at the FTX Arena so if you’re on a budget you could always bring your own food or consider eating at a nearby establishment. Better still, make sure you have a good meal before leaving for the venue as this could save you a good chunk of money.
What To Expect During Your FTX Arena Miami Trip
Like most large events, you’re likely to get more than your fair share of excitement so here are a few things to expect during your visit to FTX where it often get extremely crowded with limited space to move around the arena.
Admission tickets are probably the biggest expense you’ll have and the prices will vary depending on the show you’re watching. The price of a Miami Heat NBA game will be vastly different to a huge music act performing live so make sure that whatever you’re going to see, you are well aware you’ll be charged premium prices.
Dinner and a Show – There’s no denying it, eating a high end dinner during a show is an unforgettable experience and you can opt for a show-only ticket or purchase a ticket that includes dinner. You get the opportunity to see the performance in its entirety while you sample some of the best tasting food around.
Get To Know Your Way Around The Arena
Before you sit down in the stands for your first performance, it’s a good idea to check out the front-of-the-house (FOH) layout. This will help you get a general idea of where you’ll be during the show. When you’re in the arena, scan the room the instant you get inside to see if there is anything you can do to help prevent missing out on anything.
Your first step toward having an awesome time at FTX is to familiarize yourself with the different areas of the arena. Whether you need a visual to help you out or want to explore on your own, the following are a few areas you might want to check out:
The Atrium – This is the largest area of the arena and is the spot for photos and selfies. The Main Floor – This is the heart of the arena and is where most of the events take place. The Uptown area – This is the upper level of the arena and is popular with families.
Have A Guide To Help Navigate The Venue
On your first visit to the FTX Arena, you’re going to be surrounded by thousands of staff and customers coming from all directions heading to various parts of the arena, making it easy to get confused as to which show you’re supposed to be watching, so keep your eyes and ears open for announcements that might help you make the right choice.
Concluding Thoughts
Your visit to FTX Arena Miami is certain to be an exciting one and whether you’re a first-time visitor or a seasoned traveller, you’re sure to have a blast.