"Heat Fanfare Reaches Every Corner Of Miami"
The Heat’s momentum Thursday night
was unstoppable and so was the fanfare.
(Jawan Strader, CBS, June
2006)
Friday night the fan frenzy spilled to the Downtown Miami streets outside the American Airlines Arena after the Heat won Game 4, 98-74. Hialeah Police had to call extra units to the main intersection of West 49th Street and 12th Avenue as fans celebrating the victory spilled onto the streets and even blocked some traffic.
But the local and national celebrities Thursday were the ones making just as many headlines.
South Florida writer Dave Barry got in on the game earlier in the day, having a few choice words for the Dallas Mavericks.
“If you want to name your team after a big stupid animal that poops all over the place, that’s fine,” were some of the choice words Barry had to say.
The Miami Herald also published Barry’s top ten reasons why Miami would win the Finals which can be read on Herald.com.
The situation did take a violent yet harmless turn earlier Thursday when Big 105.9FM personalities Paul and Ron got involved. They gave fans the chance to crush a life-size Dirk Nowitzky doll using a Ford Maverick suspended from a crane.
Some of the hottest action took place far from the reach of television cameras at the ultra exclusive Flagship North Lounge at the American Airlines Arena. Here, every table is reserved for a star. Jimmy Buffet, Dan Marino and Don Shula are among those frequenting the spot most often. Thursday night CBS4’s Lisa Petrillo was able to catch up to Barry Gibb of the Bee Gees among sports celebrities.
An endless sushi and ceviche bar, along with the finest roast meats and steak were some of the selections available at the chic lounge.
Despite the high end atmosphere, some fans can get downright dirty at the lounge, and even though standing on the tables is not allowed, it has been known to happen when the game excitement gets high.
Just how hot will the Heat fanfare get for the next game? You'll have to wait till Game 5 Sunday night.
