Make the Most of Miami’s Sports Scene: Support Your Team Like a Local

Miami sports and professional sports teams have seen a variety of changes over the years. From changing ownership to new stadiums and events, the city has always remained energized thanks to its beloved teams. For sports fans in the area, there is a lot to discover when it comes to supporting sports.

Here, we look at everything related to Miami sports – from the up-and-coming Formula 1 Grand Prix of Miami to established teams like the Miami Heat and Florida Panthers. We also take a look at events like the 2023 Miami Marathon and Homestead-Miami Speedway. Read on to learn more about why supporting teams in this unique city is a must for any sports fan!

1. The Formula 1 Grand Prix of Miami

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Anticipation is building for the Grand Prix of the 2023 Formula 1 season in Miami! The event will take place from 05 to 07 May 2023 on a 3.36-mile track around the Hard Rock Stadium. Fans of fast cars and energetic racing shouldn’t miss this event!

In addition to tickets to the Grand Prix, there are also packages that provide access to exclusive events and parties around Hard Rock Stadium, Wynwood and Miami Beach. The F1 Crypto.com Grand Prix, entering its second season, makes Miami the world’s only venue for NBA, MLB, NFL, MLS, NASCAR and F1 racing.

This world-class race is sure to be an exciting event full of speed, thrills and good cheer.

2. The Miami Marathon & Half Marathon 2023

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The 2023 season marks a special milestone for one of Miami’s most beloved running events – The Miami Marathon & Half! This year marks the 20th anniversary of the race – which means more than 25,000 people have crossed the finish line of this epic journey on January 29. The course takes runners through downtown Miami, across Biscayne Bay and along Ocean Drive. This race isn’t only a road race, but also a sightseeing excursion that shows the spirit and charm of the city.

Plus, avid runners can sign up for a VIP package that includes special access to parking, free admission to the awards ceremony and party at Bayfront Park, exclusive goodie bags from sponsors and more! Whether you’re a beginner or a pro, The Miami Marathon & Half 2023 will be an unforgettable experience for all.

3. Inter Miami CF

Inter Miami CF – or Club Internacional de Futbol – is the newest professional soccer team in South Florida and is making a splash both on and off the field! The club was founded in 2018 by superstar David Beckham and his partners Jorge Mas and Jose Mas. Their mission is simple: to create something special with their passion for soccer while inspiring communities in South Florida.

Since then, Inter Miami CF has made its MLS debut at DRV PNK Stadium in Fort Lauderdale in 2020 and fans love it. Inter Miami CF not only plays rival Orlando City SC, but also strives to give back through its charitable foundation Mission 2020, which works with local youth programs to provide educational opportunities to those in need. It’s clear that Inter Miami CF is here to stay!

4. Homestead-Miami Speedway

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Just outside of Homestead and only a few miles from Florida City is the iconic Homestead-Miami Speedway – home to some of America’s most popular motorsports events, including NASCAR Cup Series, the IndyCar Series, the WeatherTech SportsCar Championship Series and the Championship Cup Series! The track has hosted some of the most exciting races in motorsports – from memorable battles between legends like Dale Earnhardt Jr, Jeff Gordon and Tony Stewart to thrilling finishes by today’s stars like Chase Elliott and Denny Hamlin.

In addition to NASCAR racing, Homestead-Miami Speedway hosts other events each season such as the Baptist Health 200 (NASCAR CRAFTSMAN Truck Series), Fast Lane Friday, truck rallies and much more! Racing fans can attend all of these action-packed events without leaving South Florida – making Homestead-Miami Speedway one of the best destinations for all racing fans.

5. The Florida Panthers

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Founded in 1993 as part of the NHL’s expansion program, the Florida Panthers are one of the top professional sports teams in South Florida, quickly building a loyal fan base in the region and across the country. Under the direction of former head coach Gerard Gallant, the Panthers reached the second round of the Stanley Cup Playoffs in 2016 and have been working hard ever since to bring home Lord Stanley’s Cup for their loyal South Florida fans.

From big events like the “Panthers Rush Hour’ before games, where fans get discounted food and drinks, to exciting giveaways like free t-shirts and bobbleheads, there’s never a dull moment when it comes to supporting the Ice Cats. Even if you can’t be at the games, you can follow them on social media or stream them on NHLTV to keep up with what’s happening in Panther Nation!

6. The Miami Heat

 Photo by Felix Mizioznikov / Shutterstock.com

The Heat – or three-time NBA champions, as they’re commonly known – have been one of the most recognizable sports teams in South Florida since they teamed up with superstars LeBron James and Dwyane Wade in 2010. Since then, South Florida has been in the throes of “White Hot Heat” fever, with season ticket waiting lists stretching far beyond capacity! Whether you’re watching the game from home or securing a seat at American Airlines Arena downtown, it’s hard not to be there when the game kicks off!

Off the court, the Heat are also actively involved in their community, such as with Heat Week, which includes fundraisers and community service in Homestead and other areas near Miami Arena (the old FTX Arena). When you put all that passion and energy together, it’s clear why so many people in South Florida are proud to wear their red and black jerseys nonstop whenever they can!

7. The Miami Dolphins

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From the 1972 “Perfect Season” under Don Shula to the recent successes under Brian Flores, the Dolphins have filled Sundays across America with excitement since 1966! With fan-friendly initiatives like Dolphin Nation Rewards offering members exclusive access and benefits, there’s something for every fan when it’s time to kickoff! And if you can’t make it to Hard Rock Stadium, you can also watch Dolphins games live on CBS or NFL Network, depending on availability.

But even beyond Soccer Sundays, the Dolphins are involved in their community through initiatives like “Fins Weekend’ – an event organized by current players where Dolphins Nation fights hunger in South Florida by volunteering to help with food deliveries around town or even visiting children in hospitals on game days during the season! The Dolphins strive to make every Sunday (or Monday) night game special, no matter what happens on the field!

8. The Miami Marlins

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The Marlins, who have been in the National League since 1993, have become synonymous with exciting baseball and have brought joy back to South Florida by winning two World Series championships (1997 and 2003). After nearly three decades, however, fans took another hard hit when ownership decided to cut several key players during the 2017 season, causing an uproar among those attending games at LoanDepot Park in Little Havana and near downtown.

Despite these setbacks, ownership has since launched many new initiatives, such as ‘Marlins Saturdays,” which rewards loyal Marlins fans with exclusive giveaways and discounts at every home game of the season! With new additions like Jesus Aguilar bolstering the team each season, it doesn’t look like things will be quiet in Marlins Nation anytime soon…

9. Things To Do Around Town When Supporting Your Favorite Teams In Miami

If you’re looking for ways to spend your free time in the city, and not just attending your favorite teams’ games, downtown is the place to be: Miami. There’s something to do on every corner here! With exciting cultural experiences like festivals like Carnaval on Calle Ocho (Greater Miami Hispanic Parade) – great restaurants like La Carreta Cuban Restaurant near Little Havana or Casablanca Seafood Bar & Grill near Bayside Marketplace – or lively nightlife hotspots like Fat Tuesday’s near Downtown, as well as some of the best nightclubs in Miami like E11EVEN, Club Space and Floyd Miami, just steps away from the Miami Heat Arena (the old FTX Arena) – there’s always something fun and exciting to do when you visit or live in Downtown Miami.