Miami Heat: American Airlines Arena to be renamed
The world-renown American Airlines Arena, home of the Miami Heat, will be getting a new name next season. The airline has owned the naming rights since the arena opened on New Year’s Eve of 1999.
The Miami Heat played their first game in the American Airlines Arena on January 2nd, 2000 — a 111-103 win over the Orlando Magic — after moving from the Miami Arena located mere feet across Biscayne Boulevard.
The vibrant white circular building that rests on the waterfront of Biscayne Bay will remain, but the long-time name that Floridians have become accustomed to will not. The airline gave the following statement on its decision to not renew the naming rights:
"American Airlines is proud to call Miami home. We are not seeking to renew naming rights for the arena, but remain the official airline of the Miami Heat and continue to invest in programs that support the community, where 13,500 American team members live and work. We wish Miami-Dade County well in their search for a new sponsor."
The Sun-Sentinel’s Ira Winderman reported the following response from the Miami Heat:
"Thank you, AmericanAirlines, for a phenomenal 20 years as our naming rights partner. The relationship has been everything we had ever hoped it would be and then some. AmericanAirlines will continue to be the Exclusive Airline Partner of the Miami HEAT and stay in the family in that capacity. We are very excited about our continued partnership with such a valued member of our local corporate community."
Although no other options have officially been revealed, according to Miami Today, a “nationally renowned company” has begun discussions with the team.
Next. Miami Heat: Defining success for the 2019-20 season. dark
While Miami Heat fans are venturing into unchartered territory with an arena name change on the horizon, other local professional sports fans are not, such as the Miami Dolphins. Since the AAA opened in 1999, the home of the NFL’s Miami Dolphins has donned the names: Pro Player Stadium, Dolphins Stadium, Land Shark Stadium, Sun Life Stadium, New Miami Stadium, and currently Hard Rock Stadium.
While the Dolphins have enjoyed the friendly confines of one stadium, change in most situations is inevitable. The name may change, but the culture that was built in AAA won’t ever. #HeatCulture