FLORIDA SPORTS

It is safe to say that the love of sports is a common denominator between many individuals! Whether you’re a baseball fan who enjoys a hotdog and peanuts at the ballpark, or a basketball fan who loves the squeaks of sneakers running up and down the court, sports can touch our emotions as nothing else can! Watching professional sports from the stands or on television can bring back old memories of playing little league with friends, or traveling to games with your parents when you were a child. Living in Florida can help crave your sports itch! From North Florida down to Miami, Florida’s sports culture is unlike any other. In 2020, Florida teams took over the sports world with the city of Tampa claiming the title of MLB World Series runner-up, NHL Stanley Cup champions & won the NFL’s Super Bowl!

South Florida, specifically, has an immense variety of teams for all sports fanatics!

MAJOR LEAGUE BASEBALL (MLB)

MIAMI MARLINS: Founded in 1991 as the Florida Marlins, the Marlins began play in 1993 in Miami Gardens, and moved to the city in 2012, becoming the Miami Marlins. They now have their spring training team in Jupiter, FL. Giving baseball fans a chance to see some preseason action a little farther North!

Other FL teams include the Tampa Bay Rays and 15 other teams during spring training. Florida is also home to a number of MLB minor league teams, offering fans the opportunity to enjoy even more baseball at all levels!

https://www.mlb.com/marlins

NATIONAL FOOTBALL LEAGUE (NFL)

MIAMI DOLPHINS: The Dolphins are the oldest professional sports team in Florida. With two Super Bowl wins, the Dolphins legacy was formed in 1966.

Other FL teams include the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, who brought the 2021 Superbowl trophy back to Florida after acquiring Tom Brady from the New England Patriots, and the Jacksonville Jaguars.

https://www.miamidolphins.com/

NATIONAL BASKETBALL ASSOCIATION (NBA)

MIAMI HEAT: With 3 Championships, the Miami Heat have been the heart of Miami since 1988.

Other FL teams include: Orlando Magic

https://www.nba.com/heat/

NATIONAL HOCKEY LEAGUE (NHL)

Although the Tampa Bay Lightning (2020 Stanley Cup Winners) are not technically located in South Florida, the Florida Panthers are, and only a short drive away from your South Florida residence! There are also a number of minor hockey teams across Florida including the Florida Everblades, Jacksonville Iceman, and the Orlando Solar bears.

https://www.nhl.com/

SOUTH FLORIDA COLLEGES

Florida colleges also offer fans an opportunity to attend sporting events all year round! University of Miami, Florida Atlantic University, University of Florida, Florida State University, Florida Gulf Coast, and the University of Central Florida are just a few of the sports powerhouses across the state!

As you can see, being a sports fan in Florida is like winning the lottery! There’s a team around every corner. If you’re a sports fan looking for teams to follow 12 months out of the year, South Florida is the place to be! There’s never an off-season here.

Click here for more ideas on Covid friendly activities to do in South Florida