Attending an NBA game to see the Miami Heat play in person is an incredible experience for any basketball fan. With stars like Jimmy Butler, Bam Adebayo, and Tyler Herro on the roster, the Heat are one of the most exciting teams to watch in the league. And as one of the NBA’s premier franchises, demand for Heat tickets is always high.
But how much do tickets to see the Miami Heat actually cost? The prices can vary quite a bit depending on factors like the opponent, day of the week, seat location, and time of year. Heat games against other top contenders like the Lakers, Warriors, and Celtics will be the most in-demand and therefore more expensive. Weekend and night games are also pricier than weekday matinees. And seats closer to the court or in luxury boxes can sometimes cost thousands per ticket.
To help breakdown the range of Miami Heat ticket prices, here is an overview of what you can expect to pay per seat based on location in the arena:
Lower Level Seating
The lower bowl of the FTX Arena puts you closest to the action on the court. These are considered premium seats and carry the highest ticket prices for Heat games.
Courtside Seats
– Average Price: $2,000-$3,500 per seat
– Location: First row seats immediately surrounding the court.
– Benefits: Outstanding views of the game, celebrity sightings, included food/drink.
Floor Seats
– Average Price: $400-$1,200 per seat
– Location: Anywhere else on the ground level below the lower bowl.
– Benefits: Nearby views with room to move around, exclusive lounge access.
Lower Bowl Sideline
– Average Price: $100-$500 per seat
– Location: Lower sections in the first 10-15 rows around the court, on the sides.
– Benefits: Closest elevated views of the action, better leg room.
Lower Bowl Corner
– Average Price: $60-$250 per seat
– Location: Lower sections in the first 10-15 rows on the corners.
– Benefits: A more budget-friendly lower bowl option.
Lower Bowl Baseline
– Average Price: $50-$200 per seat
– Location: Lower sections in the first 10-15 rows on the baselines (behind baskets).
– Benefits: The most budget-friendly lower bowl seats with unobstructed court views.
Upper Level Seating
For more affordable Miami Heat tickets, the best value can be found upstairs in the arena’s upper deck. You’ll be further away from the on-court action but these sections offer a chance to see the Heat live on a tighter budget.
Upper Corners
– Average Price: $30-$100 per seat
– Location: Highest rows of upper level on the corner sections.
– Benefits: Cheapest seats while still getting an elevated view.
Sides Upper Deck
– Average Price: $40-$150 per seat
– Location: Middle to high rows on the upper sidelines.
– Benefits: Better views being closer to the court without totally breaking the bank.
Upper Baseline
– Average Price: $50-$200 per seat
– Location: Front to middle rows on the upper baseline sections.
– Benefits: Centered views of each basket and the backboard.
Upper Center
– Average Price: $60-$250 per seat
– Location: Middle to front rows of upper sections near midcourt.
– Benefits: Some of the best budget views, centered over the whole court.
Factors That Impact Cost
Beyond just section and seat location, there are some other big factors that influence Miami Heat ticket prices:
Opponent
Games against rivals like the Knicks, Celtics, and Lakers or other marquee teams with superstars will have the highest demand, driving up costs. But average opponents on a weeknight will be cheaper.
Day of the Week
Weekend games are more expensive, especially Friday and Saturday nights. Sunday afternoon games are priced lower, like weekday non-peak games.
Time of Year
The second half of the season as the playoffs approach sees prices increase. The cheapest games tend to be earlier in the regular season or preseason.
Purchase Timing
Buying well in advance offers the most savings versus right before tip-off. Heat ticket prices typically rise as game day gets closer.
Miami Events
When big events like Art Basel are happening in the city, demand for Heat tickets also rises based on increased tourism and activity.
Ways To Save on Miami Heat Tickets
While Heat tickets can get pricey in the lower bowl and for premium games, here are some tips to get seats for less:
Buy Upper Deck Seats
You’ll have the worst views but saving significant money sitting upstairs. Upper corners and baseline seats offer big discounts.
Find Ticket Packs
Many deals bundle cheaper upper deck tickets with food vouchers or merchandise discounts as a package.
Go To Weeknight Games
Avoid weekends and target midweek foes that draw less interest for better deals.
Check Resale Sites
Tickets on StubHub and VividSeats often get marked down as game day approaches.
Join a Season Ticket Waitlist
Long-term season ticket holders who can’t attend specific games will sell off tickets below market value. Get on a waitlist to access these seats.
Enter Promotions
Radio call-in contests and in-arena promotions at prior games offer chances to win free or cheap tickets if you’re lucky.
Buy a Partial Plan
Split packs with a group and you’ll pay less per game in exchange for less choice in which you attend.
Consider Preseason
Exhibition games have very low demand, making them an affordable option to see the arena and players.
How Much Are Courtside Seats?
Sitting courtside right next to the Heat bench is the ultimate NBA experience. But these seats are extremely limited and expensive.
On average, courtside seats cost $2,000 – $3,500 per ticket when buying from the team or secondary market. For high-demand games against contenders or rivals, prices can exceed $5,000 – $10,000 per courtside seat.
These seats typically include exclusive amenities like:
– All-inclusive food and drinks
– Personal servers
– Premium parking
– Autograph/photo opportunities
– Gifts from the team
Miami’s courtside seats are owned by celebrities and billionaires like Serena Williams, Jennifer Lopez, DJ Khaled, and Shareef O’Neal. Unless you’re willing to splurge big, these sections are a pipedream for the typical fan.
Cheapest Games of the Season
For the most budget-friendly Heat games, target these types of matchups:
– Weeknight games – Tuesdays and Wednesdays
– Non-conference opponents – Western Conference or low-tier Eastern teams
– Early season games – October thru December
– Preseason games – October, usually $10-$25 per seat
Some of the cheapest Heat games historically based on average ticket prices include:
– Preseason games – $15-$40
– Weeknight games vs. Thunder – $30-$80
– Weeknight games vs. Magic – $30-$90
– December games vs. Knicks – $50-$150
– January games vs. Pistons – $40-$100
Compare those averages to the most expensive games:
– Friday/Weekend games vs. Lakers – $80-$400
– Finals rematches vs. Lakers/Celtics – $100-$500
– March/April rivalry games vs. Knicks/Celtics – $100-$400
– Big market teams like Warriors, Nets on weekends – $80-$350
Targeting the low-demand games can save you 50% or more per ticket compared to the marquee matchups. For finding individual game deals, the best time to buy is 1-2 weeks out as sellers drop prices nearing the event. Use mobile apps to find last-minute steals below face value too.
Average Ticket Prices by Location
To compare the average pricing for Miami Heat tickets in different sections, here is a breakdown by location:
Section | Row | Average Price |
---|---|---|
Lower Sideline | 1-10 | $300 |
Lower Baseline | 1-10 | $150 |
Lower Corner | 1-10 | $200 |
Upper Level Sideline | 1-10 | $100 |
Upper Level Baseline | 1-10 | $75 |
Upper Level Corner | 1-10 | $50 |
This comparison shows the significant difference in pricing based on proximity to the court and baseline. The lower bowl offers a premium experience but costs much more per seat, especially along the sidelines.
For families or those on a budget, the upper deck provides big savings. You can get seats under $100 by moving further back. Compromising on location is the easiest way to find affordable Heat tickets for sale.
Which Games Sell Out Fastest?
When looking for Miami Heat tickets, you’ll want to buy early for these high-demand games most prone to sell outs:
– Home opener
– Home finale
– Playoff games
– Christmas Day games
– LA Lakers & Boston Celtics visits
– New York Knicks, Dallas Mavericks weekends
– Giveaway promotional games
Many of the best games will sell out completely within hours or days of going on sale to the public. Weeknight games typically sell out slower unless it is a big name opponent coming to town.
Buying early is wise, but waiting until the last minute can sometimes pay off if resellers drop prices for tickets they are anxious to offload below face value. Those last minute deals are riskier though since inventory will be very limited as game time approaches.
Popular promotional giveaways like bobbleheads, jerseys, or Heat blankets will cause otherwise average games to see tickets get quickly snapped up. You’ll want to jump on those as soon as your invoice comes in to secure seats.
Of course the playoffs bring the highest demand. First and second round games will sell out immediately to season ticket holders and waitlist members. Buying tickets on the secondary market ends up being the only option for most fans during the Heat’s postseason run.
Ticket Prices on Resale Marketplaces
For sold out games or last minute deals, your best bet is checking online ticket resellers. Here are some price comparisons for what you can expect to pay for Miami Heat tickets on the secondary market:
StubHub
– Upper corner seats – $60-$250
– Upper baseline seats – $50-$150
– Lower baseline seats – $80-$400
– Lower level sidelines – $125-$600
– Courtside seats – $1,500-$15,000
VividSeats
– Upper corner seats – $50-$200
– Upper baseline seats – $40-$125
– Lower baseline seats – $70-$350
– Lower level sidelines – $100-$550
– Courtside seats – $1,000-$10,000
SeatGeek
– Upper corner seats – $55-$225
– Upper baseline seats – $45-$135
– Lower baseline seats – $75-$375
– Lower level sidelines – $110-$575
– Courtside seats – $1,250-$12,500
As you can see, there is significant variance in pricing for resale tickets depending on factors like seat location, opponent, and demand levels for that game. Courside seats especially can swing wildly based on how in-demand they are.
Your best budget strategy remains targeting upper deck corner or baseline seats that can still be had for under $100 each even on the secondary market. With fees included, you can plan on spending $60-$250 total per upper level seat at most games.
For premium lower bowl seats, expect to pay the biggest premiums for the front couple rows along the sidelines. Budget at least $150 per ticket, and up to $1,000 or more for the hottest games against contenders and on playoff weekends.
While the secondary sites don’t offer huge discounts from box office prices, you can sometimes find last minute steals, especially for upper deck seats. Signing up for site rewards programs can unlock additional savings too.
What Are The Best Seats at FTX Arena?
The FTX Arena layout provides several options to consider for the best Heat seats:
Courtside Seats
– Pros: Unrivaled view, amenities, star sightings
– Cons: Very expensive, limited quantity
Lower Sideline
– Pros: See plays develop, close to action
– Cons: Obstructed baseline views, pricey
Lower Baseline
– Pros: Cheaper than sideline, view both baskets
– Cons: Players will have backs to you at times
Upper Level Midcourt
– Pros: Centered view, affordability
– Cons: Far from court, worse angles
Upper Baseline
– Pros: Cheaper, see the backboard and rim
– Cons: Nosebleed steep section, distant
For most fans, upper deck center court seats in rows 5-15 offer a great balance of affordable pricing and strong views. You get a prime vantage point up high centered over the whole court and game.
Lower baseline seats in the first dozen rows also give you excellent proximity without the huge sideline sticker prices. Seeing both baskets can be a better perspective than the sideways view further down sidelines.
Of course courtside seats are the true gem. But landing those takes big bucks or very good luck. For most buyers, aim for lower baseline or upper midcourt seats to maximize your budget while still getting a great live NBA experience.
Conclusion
Miami Heat tickets offer a fun and exciting way for basketball fans to see one of the NBA’s top franchises and players in person. While prices especially in the lower bowl can get expensive for marquee matchups, there are still plenty of affordable options by comparing games and sections.
Flexibility on dates and seating locations provides the best way to save money on Heat tickets. Targeting low-demand weeknight games against lesser opponents is always a good strategy. For bigger games and rival showdowns, buying as far in advance as possible is key to avoid sell outs and get lower prices.
Resale sites like StubHub and VividSeats provide a reliable option for sold out games. But the cheapest route overall is buying upper deck seats directly during presales for low-$50 pricing. Premier seats will cost a premium, but attending a Miami Heat game on any budget is possible with the right planning and shopping strategy.