If you’ve tried to plug "FTX Arena" into your GPS lately, you probably noticed it didn't quite look right. Or maybe you're still calling it "Triple-A" out of habit. Honestly, most people in South Florida still do. But if you’re heading to 601 Biscayne Boulevard today, the sign on the door says Kaseya Center.
It’s been a wild ride for the building where Dwyane Wade built his legacy.
The miami heat arena name has shifted more in the last few years than a defender trying to guard Jimmy Butler in the playoffs. We went from a twenty-year era of stability to a crypto-induced identity crisis, and finally to a local software giant stepping in to pick up the pieces.
The Current Identity: Kaseya Center Explained
So, what is a Kaseya? It’s not a bank or an airline. Kaseya is actually a Miami-based software company that handles IT management and security. They stepped up in April 2023 with a massive $117.37 million deal that spans 17 years.
This wasn’t just a random business move.
The county was desperate for a win after the FTX collapse. They needed a partner that wasn’t going to vanish overnight. Kaseya, being local with headquarters right in the Brickell area, felt like a safe bet. They’ve even committed to hiring thousands of local workers as part of their broader expansion.
👉 See also: Why the 2025 NFL Draft Class is a Total Headache for Scouts
Why the Name Change Was So Messy
You can't talk about the miami heat arena name without acknowledging the elephant in the room: the FTX disaster.
In 2021, the arena was rebranded from American Airlines Arena to FTX Arena in what was supposed to be a 19-year, $135 million deal. It was the height of the crypto boom. Then, the bottom fell out. FTX went bankrupt, its founder Sam Bankman-Fried ended up in handcuffs, and Miami-Dade County was left with a building named after a company that basically didn't exist anymore.
For a few months in early 2023, the venue was literally called "Miami-Dade Arena."
It was a placeholder. A "we’re between relationships" phase for a stadium.
A Look Back at the American Airlines Era
For the OG Heat fans, it will always be the AmericanAirlines Arena (often stylized as one word). This was the name from the day the doors opened on December 31, 1999, until 2021.
✨ Don't miss: Liverpool FC Chelsea FC: Why This Grudge Match Still Hits Different
Think about the history under that banner:
- The 2006 championship run.
- The "Big Three" era with LeBron James, Chris Bosh, and Wade.
- Four straight NBA Finals appearances.
- Countless iconic concerts from Gloria Estefan to Prince.
American Airlines decided not to renew their deal in 2019, which set off this whole chain of events. They had a giant aircraft painted on the roof that pilots used as a landmark when landing at MIA. That’s gone now, replaced by the Kaseya "K" logo.
The Pat Riley Court
While the building name changes, one thing is permanent. In 2024, the Heat officially named the hardwood Pat Riley Court at Kaseya Center. It’s a fitting tribute to the man who basically architected the last thirty years of Miami basketball. Whether the building is named after a plane, a coin, or a software suite, the floor belongs to Riley.
Modern Stats and Venue Facts
The Kaseya Center isn't just a basketball gym. It’s a massive economic engine for downtown Miami. It sits right on the water, looking out over Biscayne Bay, which makes it one of the most scenic spots in the NBA.
- Seating Capacity: It holds about 19,600 for basketball and can go up to 20,000+ for concerts.
- The Waterfront Theater: A smaller, "theatre-within-the-arena" setup that can house around 5,000 people for more intimate shows.
- Ranking: It’s consistently ranked as the #1 arena in Florida by publications like Pollstar and Billboard.
The money from the naming rights doesn't just go into the Heat's pocket. In fact, because Miami-Dade County owns the building, a huge chunk of that $117 million goes toward the "Anti-Gun Violence and Prosperity Initiatives" trust fund. It’s a rare case where a corporate sponsorship actually has a direct, legislated path to helping the local community.
🔗 Read more: NFL Football Teams in Order: Why Most Fans Get the Hierarchy Wrong
Navigating the Name Changes
If you're visiting for a game in 2026, here is the quick "cheat sheet" to sound like a local:
- Don't call it FTX. Just don't. It’s a sore subject and makes you look three years behind the curve.
- "The Arena" is always safe. If you forget the corporate name, just say you're going to the Heat arena.
- Kaseya is pronounced "Kuh-SAY-uh." Now you can say it with confidence at the ticket window.
The naming rights are locked in until 2040. Barring another global financial meltdown or a company buyout, the miami heat arena name should finally stay put for a while. It gives the city some much-needed branding stability after a few years of musical chairs.
If you’re planning a trip to see the Heat, your best bet is to download the official Kaseya Center app. It’s the easiest way to manage tickets, check gate times, and see which local food vendors (like the famous Chicken Cordon Bleu sandwiches) are currently operating in the concourse. Parking is still a nightmare downtown, so consider taking the Brightline or the Metromover directly to the Wilkie D. Ferguson Jr. station—it'll save you a $50 parking fee and a lot of frustration.
Next Steps for Heat Fans:
Check the official Kaseya Center event calendar to distinguish between Heat home games and concert "dark days." If you are driving, pre-book your parking through the PayByPhone app for the lots near the Freedom Tower to avoid the premium arena-lot pricing.