That old saying – “It’s not the heat in Florida that’ll kill you … it’s the humidity” – really isn’t true when it comes to Miami’s team in the National Basketball League. The Miami Heat have been basketball royalty often since its inception in 1988, winning three championships so far and always ready for the next title run. Here is some fan gear you can wear the next time you catch the team in person or on TV.
Show your spirit
It was legendary coach Pat Riley who got the franchise off to a fast start in the mid-1990s when he joined the Heat as team president and head coach. So retire that Lakers jersey and grab this T-shirt instead to honor those early lineups. It’s made of soft, lightweight material and features a rib-knit collar and crew neckline. It’s designed for an “athletic fit” so keep that in mind when choosing your size.
Buy now: Ultra Game NBA Men’s Arched Plexi Short Sleeve Tee Shirt
Choose your sport
Led by Dwayne Wade and Shaquille O’Neal, the Heat won their first NBA title in 2006. O’Neal would leave soon after, but once the Heat signed LeBron James and Chris Bosh, they were regulars in the NBA Finals. This baseball-style jersey is 100 percent polyester and licensed by the NBA.
Buy now: Ultra Game NBA Men’s Mesh Button Down Baseball Jersey Tee Shirt
The bod squad
On average, there are 248 sunny days per year in Miami, according to weather reports. That means you’ll have plenty of time to visit the beaches and show your team spirit. This towel is a cotton/polyester blend and is both machine washable and dryable. Just keep it away from the bleach. And from visiting Boston Celtic fans.
Buy now: Northwest NBA Unisex-Adult Beach Towel
The name you know
Did you know the Miami Heat holds the record for the NBA’s third-longest winning streak with 27 straight games? The run happened during the 2012–13 season. Also, six Hall of Famers – and counting – have played for Miami. Channel their spirit with this Wilson basketball. It’s designed for a good grip on the toughest surfaces.
Buy now: WILSON NBA Alliance Series Basketballs
The Miami Heat can claim heated rivalries with many longtime NBA franchises, including the New York Knicks, Chicago Bulls and the dreaded Boston Celtics. So if you’re planning on attending any away games, be sure to bring this cap with you. It’s one-size-fits-all. As for the logo, would you believe it came from a newspaper contest? In 1988, the Miami Herald received 13,000 design submissions for its logo content. Ultimately, the image of a flaming ball flying into a basketball hoop was chosen and has never changed.
Buy now: NBA The League 9Forty Adjustable Cap
Steve Spears is editor of Florida Travel & Life, an online brand that inspires active, affluent travelers, providing them with insider information on discovering the best of Florida. Informative and engaging, the website showcases travel destinations, arts and cultural venues, vibrant dining scenes, recreational activities, the great outdoors and the revitalized real-estate market. He is based in Orlando and counts St. Augustine, Key West and the Gulf Beaches among his favorite destinations in the state.
