Downtown Miami Businesses Banking On Heat Season
MIAMI (CBS4) - It's something businesses around the AmericanAirlines Arena have been waiting for all season. The Heat played the first pre-season game Sunday night.
Heat fans got to the game early, excited to see the players back on the court. It's a sight some feared they wouldn't see at all.
"I was really, really upset because not only do I like watching it on TV, I love coming to games with my dad, it's kind of our thing," said Paige Rosenthal.
Her father, Don, agreed, "we're just glad that they started again that was the big concern."
Fans wore their support on their shirts, hats, and jerseys. They stocked up on Heat merchandise, but the team store at the AAA wasn't the only place where business was booming Sunday.
Businesses at nearby Bayside reaped the rewards of the basketball crowd.
Thomas Pendola works at the Magic Hut. He said the store was busier than he's seen it in months.
"For awhile it was sort of slow. Last week even was slow, but now, now that they're playing it's great," he said, "The stadium's right next to us so everyone comes here you know. Get a few drinks then come buy some stuff."
Few fans leave downtown Miami without leaving a little cash behind.
"We went out to dinner before we came out to support our Heat," said Elizabeth Jarro.
Ron Steemer and his family came from the Netherlands. Not only did they buy tickets to see the Heat, they spent money at Bayside too.
"We went Segway riding and eating," he said.
They weren't the only international fans. Nathan Harris and Nicole Turner are so glad to see the Heat back on the court, they came from the Virgin Islands. While in town, they did a little shopping.
"Various malls around the area Sawgrass Mall, Dolphin Mall, all of the local malls," said Turner. Harris joked, "I think we left a couple enough hundred dollars here in this economy. We better go back home."
Still, fans are looking forward to more games and more shopping, and businesses are banking on a strong season even if it is off to a late start.
