The Heat joined the NBA as an expansion team in 1988 and have always played in downtown Miami. They have had two homes: Miami Arena, from 1988 to 1999, and since January 2000 the bayfront arena now called Kaseya Center.
Here is every home in order, with the years the Heat played there, what made each one matter and what stands on the site today. Each arena with a ThrillZing guide links to it.
Every Heat Arena, 1988 to Today
- Miami
- 1988–1999
Miami Arena
The first home, opened in 1988; the Heat lost their first game here to the Clippers on November 5, 1988. It hosted the 1990 All-Star Game, but within ten years its capacity was one of the NBA's lowest.
Today: Demolished in 2008
- 2000–presentCurrent home
Opened on Biscayne Bay as American Airlines Arena, three blocks east of Miami Arena; the Heat moved in on January 2, 2000. Their 2006, 2012 and 2013 title teams played here. Named FTX Arena in 2021, Kaseya Center since 2023.
Visiting guide →
Heat Arena FAQ
Where did the Heat play before Kaseya Center?
At Miami Arena, from their first season in 1988 until December 1999. It was also home to the NHL’s Florida Panthers from 1993 to 1998.
How many arenas have the Heat had?
Two: Miami Arena and Kaseya Center. The current arena has had four names: American Airlines Arena (1999–2021), FTX Arena (2021–2023), Miami-Dade Arena (briefly in 2023) and Kaseya Center.
Why did the Heat leave Miami Arena?
By the late 1990s, only a decade after it opened, Miami Arena was showing its age. Its capacity was one of the lowest in the NBA and NHL, and teams wanted luxury suites and better concessions. The Panthers left in 1998 and the Heat moved to the new arena on Biscayne Bay on January 2, 2000.
Is Miami Arena still standing?
No. It sat mostly unused after 2000 and was demolished in 2008; the last wall came down that October.
Where do the Heat play now?
At Kaseya Center on Biscayne Bay in downtown Miami, their home since 2000. It seats 19,600 for basketball, and the court is named Pat Riley Court.