Connect with us

Miami, FL

Heat president emotional as Pat Riley Court unveiled

Published

on

Heat president emotional as Pat Riley Court unveiled


MIAMI – Pat Riley stood in front of 20,000 people on Wednesday night. And they all seemed to be cheering as the Miami Heat officially dedicated their home court in his honor during halftime of the season opener against the Orlando Magic.

But when it was time to end his remarks and close the halftime celebration of “Pat Riley Court,” the Basketball Hall of Famer and team president was speaking to just one person — his wife, Chris.

“It will end here one day. And that stamp here and that stamp over there, that’s what it’s all about, sweetie,” Riley said, pointing to the two spots on the court that now bear his signature and name. “We made it. We made it. I love you. Thank you.”

Plenty of former players — Dwyane Wade, Goran Dragic, Mike Miller and Jamal Mashburn among them — came back for the celebration, and many others sent acknowledgements to Riley. Getting the court named for him was not his idea; Heat managing general partner Micky Arison told Riley of the move on Sept. 22, catching him completely by surprise.

Advertisement

“This is beyond even my imagination of a reward for a man’s life’s work,” Riley said. “We are huge dreamers and Micky has made mine. It wasn’t something I wanted or pursued, but I’m going to take it.”

Riley came to Miami in 1995 to become coach and team president. He stepped down from coaching twice — first in 2003, then again and for good in 2008 — but not before leading Miami to its first title in 2006.

When he gave up coaching for the final time, he promoted Erik Spoelstra to be his replacement. Spoelstra is entering Year 17 in the role.

“I just think it’s a really special moment, not only for myself but for so many of us in the building,” said Spoelstra, who — along with the rest of his coaches — wore Nike Cortez sneakers Wednesday as a tribute to Riley, who preferred them when he coached. “These years are going by fast; 30 years is just like a blink of an eye. He’s brought us all along on the ride and we’re forever grateful for that. He’s given us a blueprint to follow that leads to winning.”

The piece of the court that Riley got as a commemorative plaque read “On September 1, 1995, the future of the Miami Heat changed forever.” Alonzo Mourning, now a Heat vice president, was the first big-name player that Riley brought to South Florida.

Advertisement

“Coach, 30 years ago you welcomed me to this franchise with an open heart and a singular vision to host a championship parade down Biscayne Boulevard,” Mourning said. “And since our very first season here in Miami, you’ve done nothing but deliver on that vision again and again and again — with a blend of class and competitiveness that this game has never and will never witness again.”

Riley pointed out that he coached 188 players in his career with the Los Angeles Lakers, New York and Miami — more than 100 of them in his Heat days alone. He thanked them, thanked his staff, other executives, his family and more.

But it was his wife, who helped organize Wednesday’s event, who was the centerpiece of his remarks over and over again. Riley even detailed how they met.

“I want to get this one right,” Riley said. “It was one summer night on a crowded mezzanine in San Diego and I saw perfect. The most beautiful woman ever, her flowered summer dress swaying softly as she walked towards me. Saw those hazel eyes and my heart leapt. … I went for her like Udonis Haslem is going to go for a loose ball on that court right there.”

The Heat even aired the clip of the private meeting where Arison told Riley that he and his son Nick, the team’s CEO, decided that the court would bear his name. Riley looked shocked.

Advertisement

“Enjoy it,” Arison told Riley. “It’s going to be there forever.”



Source link

Miami, FL

Norwegian Cruise Line offers a first look at Luna, new cruise ship setting sail from PortMiami – WSVN 7News | Miami News, Weather, Sports | Fort Lauderdale

Published

on

Norwegian Cruise Line offers a first look at Luna, new cruise ship setting sail from PortMiami – WSVN 7News | Miami News, Weather, Sports | Fort Lauderdale


MIAMI (WSVN) – There’s a new cruise ship in town, and it is almost ready to set sail.

Luna, Norwegian Cruise Line’s newest ship, welcomed people aboard for the very first time on Tuesday.

Luna is the 21st ship in the company’s fleet. From April to October, she’ll set sail from PortMiami to the Caribbean, with room for over 3,000 guests.

“We do a seven-day Caribbean cruise, it’s out of Miami, and then we do have Dominican Republic,” said Cruise Director Alvin Oliva. “After that, we visit St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Island, and then Tortola, and then we spend days at sea, and of course the prime, a lot of people are looking forward to visiting Great Stirrup Cay, which is Norwegian’s very own private island,”

Advertisement

On this voyage, there is plenty to do for the whole family — fom obstacle courses and games for the children, to a luxurious two-story spa.

“There is a bi-level waterfall right there; we offer a lot of different kinds of relaxation,” said Oliva.

At the Mandara Spa, guests can get hot stone and deep tissue massages, facials, body wraps and then lounge at the thermal suite, complete with relaxing steam rooms, saunas and heated loungers.

Once you’re done relaxing, guests can enjoy a drink at the poolside bar.

For those who are feeing adventurous, one of the highlights of the ship is its Aqua Slidecoaster. It’s a water slide/roller coaster hybrid, and Norweigan said it’s the fastest and longest water slide at sea.

Advertisement

“It was the best thing of my life, the best part of my day. It was amazing, 10 out of 10, I recommend,” said Ely, who rode the coaster.

People have traveled from all over to Miami to get on the new ship.

“We love it. I’s so clean, it’s so chic, our room looks amazing,” said Christina Guttuso.

“We’re excited, we’re ready to go,” said Nick Mangiaracina.

It’s a busy spring break, but well worth it for these cruisers.

Advertisement

“Go cruising. Even if you’re from Minnesota like me, it’s worthwhile,” said Justin Sunbrig.

The Luna’s maiden seven-day voyage is scheduled to set sail out of PortMiami on April 4.

Copyright 2026 Sunbeam Television Corp. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

Join our Newsletter for the latest news right to your inbox



Source link

Advertisement
Continue Reading

Miami, FL

Miami Gardens community rallies to help retired teacher rebuild after a fire tore through his home

Published

on

Miami Gardens community rallies to help retired teacher rebuild after a fire tore through his home


A longtime Miami-Dade physical education teacher is working to rebuild his life after a fire destroyed the only home he has known for decades.

Edward Brown Jr., who spent 35 years teaching physical education and mentoring students, lost his home to a fire last week. Flames tore through the house, leaving it uninhabitable and forcing Brown to move in with his adult son.

“It’s hard not to think about it,” Brown said. “Even if I’m not there, I think about what was burned. But I know that’s material stuff. It can be replaced.”

Rebuilding, however, will not be easy. Brown said he does not have homeowners’ insurance to help cover the costs. He paid off the home last year and decided not to renew his insurance policy because of rising costs on a fixed income.

Advertisement

“Just like in life, it’s a chance you take,” Brown said. “I knew before I made the final decision. I didn’t do it in haste.”

Now, the financial burden of rebuilding falls largely on Brown and the community he has supported for years. Known by neighbors as someone who was always willing to help, Brown has received an outpouring of support in the days following the fire. Friends, former colleagues, and community members have dropped off care packages and shared words of encouragement.

An online fundraiser has also been launched by Brown’s family and friends to help cover rebuilding expenses. When told about the effort, Brown became emotional, pausing before expressing his gratitude. He said the support he has received has helped him stay focused on moving forward.

Brown acknowledged the road ahead will be challenging but said he remains hopeful. “I think about it,” he said. “But I need some help. I can tell you that.”

Those hoping to support Brown’s recovery can find information about the fundraiser through family and community organizers.

Advertisement



Source link

Advertisement
Continue Reading

Miami, FL

Jannik Sinner’s Girlfriend Laila Hasanovic Stuns in Ab-Revealing Post Amid Miami Open

Published

on

Jannik Sinner’s Girlfriend Laila Hasanovic Stuns in Ab-Revealing Post Amid Miami Open


24-year-old Italian tennis superstar Jannik Sinner is set to face 28-year-old United States tennis star Frances Tiafoe (who is the No. 20-ranked player in the world right now, according to the ATP) in the Quarterfinal of the 2026 Miami Open on Thursday.

The stakes are high for both men. While Tiafoe finding a way to defeat Sinner (who is the No. 2-ranked player, only behind Carlos Alcaraz) would likely make for the biggest victory of his career to this point, both men will still have to win two more games before being crowned the Miami Open champion. The winner of this match will face the winner of Alexander Zverev and Francisco Cerundolo, who also face off on March 26.

Advertisement

Jannik Sinner (ITA) | Geoff Burke-Imagn Images

Both Sinner and Tiafoe have influencer girlfriends. Tiafoe has been dating Canadian former professional tennis player turned social media influencer Ayan Broomfield, who follows him to his various tennis tournaments and is always a vocal supporter in the stands.

Sinner has been dating Danish model and influencer Laila Hasanovic since at least the summer of 2025, although there’s no official indication of when their relationship began. What’s for sure is that Sinner and Hasanovic brought their dog, Snoopy, to the ATP Tennis Finals in Turin, Italy, last November, which made for several wholesome photos of the trio.

Advertisement

Laila Hasanovic, Jannik Sinner, and Snoopy | IMAGO / ZUMA Press Wire

While Hasanovic was present at that tournament last year, she hasn’t been at the Indian Wells Open in California earlier this month, nor the Miami Open.

The reason for this is surely because these events are across the Atlantic Ocean, and Hasanovic has pressing matters to attend to in her own life.

Advertisement

Laila Hasanovic | IMAGO / ABACAPRESS

Laila Hasanovic Turns Heads in Workout Fit Post During Jannik Sinner’s Miami Open Run

One example of what Hasanovic has going on is her NRD55 brand, which is a line of skin care and self-tanning products that she has created.

Advertisement

Hasanovic typically relies on herself to promote her new company. An example of this came on March 26, when the @nrd.55 account posted several photos of Hasanovic posing with a new product. She can be seen wearing a black sports bro and applying the product in several different places on her body.

Advertisement

Hasanovic posted this to her Instagram story on Thursday morning, showing that she’s behind the beauty product.

While she might not be there in person, one would imagine that Hasanovic will be watching her boyfriend compete against Tiafoe on TV.





Source link

Advertisement
Continue Reading

Trending