Watsco Center, arena at the University of Miami
Watsco Center is an indoor arena in Coral Gables, Florida, that serves as the home venue for University of Miami athletic teams. It seats around 8,000 people and hosts a mix of collegiate sports, concerts, and other live events throughout the year.
The arena opened in 2003 as the University of Miami Convocation Center. It was renamed the BankUnited Center in 2005 after Miami Lakes-based BankUnited, and took the Watsco name in 2016 when the Miami-based air conditioning company acquired the naming rights. Before its opening, the university's basketball teams played at Miami Arena from 1988 to 2002.
The arena is closely tied to university life, drawing students, alumni, and local fans together around Miami Hurricanes games. The crowd energy during basketball nights gives the place a collegiate spirit that sets it apart from a typical sports venue.
Getting there early on event nights is a good idea, as nearby parking areas can fill up fast and traffic around the venue tends to build up. Public transportation is available as an option for those who prefer to avoid the congestion.
The arena hosted two U.S. presidential debates: George W. Bush and John Kerry on September 30, 2004, watched by 62.5 million people, and the 2016 Republican primary debate on March 10, 2016, aired on CNN with Ted Cruz, John Kasich, Marco Rubio and Donald Trump.
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