Sports

words by > DeMarco Williams

YOU couldn’t get the coveted tickets to the Super Bowl in Miami, but you still want to get in on the action? The February 4 game isn’t all that is going on in town. From basketball and hockey to even football, sports fans in South Florida will have plenty of options on this super weekend.

Cleveland vs Miami
February 1
Were the NBA scheduling gods smiling down, or what? Seeing Dwyane Wade, Shaquille O’Neal and the defending champion Miami Heat go against anybody this week at home would’ve been great, but for their opponent to be LeBron James’ Cleveland Cavs is almost too good to be true. Be sure to book your tickets early for this hot matchup, as seats will definitely sell out. www.nba.com/heat

The NFL Experience
February 2
You came to Miami for football, and, gosh darnit, the NFL wants you to have your football! All weekend, in fact, the NFL Experience takes place in the shadows of Dolphins Stadium. For $15 ($10 for the little ones), you and yours can kick, run and catch on interactive games, join in team pep rallies and stand around for the occasional autograph and photo-op. www.superbowl.com

Los Angeles vs Florida
February 3
If the NFL Experience didn’t do enough to satisfy your hunger for hard-hitting body blows, tackles and penalties, you’ll want to make the short drive over to Sunrise, FL, for this sure-to-rock NHL meeting. Michael Cammalleri’s Kings are a tough bunch, but if they think their visit with the Panthers will be a day at the beach, they’re as wrong as the guy trying to score Super Bowl tickets for 100 bucks. www.floridapanthers.com

Sporting Event Calendar

January 2
Orange Bowl, Miami
One of the more competitive bowls on the College Football postseason calendar, with two of the last three games determined by three points or less. This year’s matchup may well keep the trend alive.

January 17
Phoenix vs Houston
Compaq Center, Houston
If two factors—the Suns’ Amare Stoudemire and the Rockets’ Tracy McGrady—are in place, this game might be an exciting NBA Western Conference playoff preview.

January 15-21
Bob Hope Chrysler Classic
The Classic Club, Palm Desert, CA
Many of the game’s best will be chasing ’06 Classic champ Chad Campbell on the leaderboard at this postcard-perfect second event on the PGA calendar.