Amerant Bank Arena is in Miami, Florida, home to the NBA's Heat
Amerant Bank Arena sits at 601 Biscayne Boulevard in downtown Miami, Florida. It is the home venue of the Miami Heat, the city's National Basketball Association team. The arena opened in 1999 under a different name and was renamed Amerant Bank Arena in 2021 when Amerant Bank, a Miami-based bank, purchased the naming rights.
The arena is located on Biscayne Bay, near the waterfront and within walking distance of Miami's downtown financial district. If you are looking for the building itself, it sits between the bay and the downtown core, making it visible from major roads and easily accessible by car or public transit. The location has made it one of Miami's most recognizable landmarks for over two decades.
Key Takeaways
- Amerant Bank Arena is located at 601 Biscayne Boulevard in downtown Miami, Florida, on the waterfront near Biscayne Bay.
- The arena is the home of the Miami Heat NBA team and hosts basketball games, concerts, professional wrestling, and other large events throughout the year.
- Amerant Bank, a regional bank headquartered in Miami, purchased the naming rights in 2021 after the building operated under other names for 22 years.
- The venue is accessible by car via Biscayne Boulevard and Interstate 95, and by public transit through Metrorail and Metromover stations within walking distance.
- Paid parking garages operate within one to two blocks of the arena, with prices varying by event and time of day.
Why the name changed in 2021
The arena operated under several names over its 22-year history before Amerant Bank purchased the naming rights. Previous names included Miami Arena, American Airlines Center, and American Airlines Arena. The 2021 naming deal reflected Amerant Bank's growth and visibility in South Florida, and the bank paid for the right to have its name on one of Miami's most recognizable buildings.
Naming rights agreements like this one are standard in professional sports and large venues. A company pays a set amount over a defined period—often 10 to 20 years—to have its name on the building. The revenue helps the team or venue owner cover operating costs, maintenance, and facility improvements. For Amerant Bank, the deal was a marketing investment to increase brand recognition in the Miami market.
The previous naming rights holder, American Airlines, had held the name for many years before that agreement ended. When naming rights change, the building itself does not move or change physically—only the signage and official name are updated.
What events happen at the arena
Amerant Bank Arena primarily hosts Miami Heat games during the NBA season, which runs from October through April, with playoffs extending into June. The arena holds roughly 19,600 people for basketball. Beyond basketball, the venue hosts concerts, professional wrestling, college sports, and other large events that draw crowds to downtown Miami.
The arena's calendar fills throughout the year with different types of events. During the NBA off-season from July through September, the building hosts concerts, wrestling events, and other entertainment. You can find the complete schedule on the Miami Heat's official website or through the arena's event calendar. Event times, ticket prices, and parking information are typically listed on these sites before each event.
If you are planning to attend an event, checking the official schedule in advance helps you plan transportation and parking. Parking is available in nearby garages and lots, though prices vary depending on the event and day of the week.
Getting there by car or transit
The arena's address—601 Biscayne Boulevard—puts it on a major north-south route through downtown Miami. If you are driving, the Biscayne Boulevard corridor connects directly to Interstate 95 and other main roads leading into and out of the city. The location makes it accessible from most parts of Miami-Dade County within 20 to 30 minutes depending on traffic and your starting point.
Street parking is limited in the when ready area, so most visitors use paid parking garages within a few blocks of the building. Prices typically range from $10 to $25 depending on the event and time of day. Some garages offer advance booking through their websites, which can save money and may provide a spot during popular events.
Miami's Metrorail rapid transit system has a station at Government Center, about a 10-minute walk from the arena. Metromover, the city's free automated people mover, also serves the downtown area with stops near the waterfront and arena. Both systems connect to the broader Miami transit network if you are coming from other parts of the city or county. Using public transit can be faster than driving during peak event times when traffic is heavy.
Why you might see Amerant Bank's name elsewhere
Amerant Bank is a regional bank based in Miami with branches throughout South Florida and the Caribbean. The bank is not affiliated with larger national banks like Bank of America or Wells Fargo, though it operates under the same federal banking regulations as all U.S. banks. The naming rights deal was a way for the bank to increase its profile in the Miami market and associate its brand with a major sports venue.
If you hold an account with Amerant Bank or are considering opening one, the arena naming is straightforward a marketing effort by the bank—it does not change how the bank operates or what services it offers. The bank's actual headquarters and main offices are separate from the arena and located elsewhere in Miami. The naming rights are purely about visibility and brand association with the Heat and the downtown Miami area.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I visit Amerant Bank Arena when there is no game or event?
No, the arena is not open for general tours or casual visits. You must have a ticket to an event to enter. Some venues offer behind-the-scenes tours during off-season periods, but you would need to contact the Miami Heat directly to ask about availability and pricing for any such tours.
Is Amerant Bank Arena the same as American Airlines Arena?
Yes, it is the same building. American Airlines Arena was the official name until 2021. Amerant Bank Arena is the current name. The building itself has not moved or changed physically—only the naming rights owner changed when Amerant Bank purchased them from American Airlines.
What is the closest parking to the arena?
Several parking garages operate within one to two blocks of the arena on Biscayne Boulevard and nearby streets. Prices typically range from $10 to $25 depending on the event and time of day. The arena's official website usually lists parking options and rates before events, and some garages allow advance booking.
Does the Miami Heat play there year-round?
No. The NBA season runs from October through April, with playoffs extending into June. The arena hosts other events during the off-season from July through September, but there are no Heat games during those months.
How far is the arena from Miami International Airport?
Miami International Airport (MIA) is roughly 20 miles west of the arena. Depending on traffic, the drive takes 30 to 45 minutes. You can reach the arena from the airport by car, taxi, rideshare, or public transit, though public transit routes require transfers and take longer than driving.