Miami is a city that loves its sports, with something for everyone to enjoy throughout the year. If you’re a sports enthusiast, Miami offers plenty of thrilling events and activities, from motor and horse racing to dog, jai-alai, golf, football, baseball, and even speedboat racing.
One of the biggest events in Miami’s sporting calendar is the Miami Grand Prix in February, which attracts the best drivers from around the world. The race is run on the six-lane sweep of Biscayne Boulevard and in Bicentennial Park downtown. This high-octane race is sure to get your heart racing and is a must-see for any motor racing fan.
If you prefer the thrill of horse racing, Miami has you covered with Hialeah Park and Gulfstream sharing winter dates on a rotating basis. The North Miami’s Calder track opens for the summer season. Established in the 1920s, Hialeah has a thoroughly patrician air. Calder, by contrast, is newer and more functional, but the track can still produce champions. In fact, a recent Kentucky Derby winner, Spend-a-Buck, started out at Calder.
For those who enjoy the excitement of dog racing, there are plenty of options in Miami. The Biscayne Kennel Club in Miami Shores and Flagler Dog Track in Miami both offer dog races every evening, in addition to several matinées a week.
Jai-alai is another popular spectator sport in Miami. At the Miami Jai-Alai Fronton near the airport on N. W. 37th Avenue, you can watch or put bets on this exciting, fast-paced ball game from Spain’s Basque country. Helmeted players use long-handled, scooped, basket-like castes to hurl and catch the ball as it ricochets at fantastic speed around the three-walled court. Games take place every night except Sunday, and on certain afternoons in the winter and summer seasons.
If golf is your game, Miami is a paradise for golf enthusiasts. Don’t miss the Doral-Ryder PGA Open at the Doral Hotel and Country Club or the Elizabeth Arden Classic held at Turnberry Isle in January or February. This golf course is located the North of Miami Beach, just in front of the Aventura Mall. If you are looking for hotels in this area, we suggest the Trump International Hotels or the amazing Acqualina Spa Resort.
For football fans, Miami Dolphins is the team to watch out for. The professional champions play to capacity crowds in the Dolphin Stadium in north Dade. Fans also turn out in the Orange Bowl – famous for the Junior Tennis Championship also – for that winning varsity team, the University of Miami Hurricanes. Go for the experience, if not the game.
Finally, baseball lovers can catch the Baltimore Orioles at the Miami Stadium (2301 N. W. 10th Avenue) during the spring training in March and April. See them play teams based elsewhere in Florida in the “Grapefruit League” games, a prelude to the summer season.
Miami is also known for its speedboat racing events that take place all year round at the bayfront Miami Marine Stadium. The high-speed power boats churn up the foam, creating an exhilarating atmosphere for spectators. If you’re planning to attend these races and looking for very good hotels in the area, we suggest Four Seasons Hotels, Mandarin, and Epic Hotel in Miami Downtown.
InsideMiamiBeach.com, is like no other.
