Hi Guys, I am a Brit visiting Miami later in the month. I have tickets for Heat vs LA Clippers. The time on the ticket shows as 7.30 p.m. Is this when the game actually starts? If so what time would people suggest arriving at the Arena ? Is there prematch build up, does it take a long time to get seated etc. Thanks Graham
NBA games usually start pretty punctually, since they're on television. I'd suggest arriving at least 30 minutes before the game (especially if you want to hit the concession stands before the action) and I usually try to arrive 60 minutes before. Remember that you'll have to go through a security checkpoint upon entering the arena.
If you're driving, traffic and parking is terrible around the AAA. If not, walk to Uber to Bayfront and walk over.
If you're staying outside of downtown and have access to a Metrorail station, you can take the train to the Government Center station and transfer to the Metromover, then get off it at the Freedom Tower station and walk one block east. It's been a while since I've been in downtown Miami, so perhaps the locals can weigh in on this option.
Miami is known for fans that are fashionably late even when they were winning championships. It wasn't uncommon to see empty seats in the lower bowl late into the first quarter for big games back when LeBron was there. I don't think it will be much a problem when you get to the gate near tipoff because of that (normally it is busy to the Bulls and Magic games I've been). The issue with Miami like others have said is horrible parking and traffic.