While it’s always a nightmare to navigate through downtown for drivers, several Miami Heat fans braved the traffic and showed up in big numbers as early as two hours before the first game of the 2026-2027 season to support the start of a new era.
Though the revamped team didn’t start playing the Minnesota Timberwolves until 7:30 p.m., many of Heat Nation’s faithful overcame the notorious narrative of always showing up late to the games to be ready for tip-off.
As fans got their first look at Heat superstar Giannis Antetokounmpo in his first regular season game with the team, they couldn’t help but show their renewed hope in the franchise.
“I love the Miami Heat!” said a young fan.
Some passionate fans spared no expense when it came to wearing the perfect outfit for the season opener.
“We got the Heat on the shirt, we got the Heat on the shorts, with the red fire shoes,” said a fan.
The electric energy was fueled by the excitement over the Heat’s offseason moves to make an aggressive run at another championship, including the blockbuster trade that landed Antetokounmpo.
“I feel great about this team. We’ve got Giannis, Klay [Thompson], I’m really excited honestly,” said a fan.
The arrival of the Greek Freak is one of the biggest moves made by the Heat since signing LeBron James and Chris Bosh in that unforgettable 2010 offseason.
Many fans are still overjoyed at finally succeeding in bringing in one of the most talented NBA players.
“He’s one of my favorite players, I love the journey he went through,” said a fan.
While the exhilaration remains, fans know there’s a purpose for his presence, and they have high expectations.
“It’s going to happen — I’m calling it now. People running on the train later, they’re gonna be bandwagoners, we’re calling it now, everyone’s here calling it now, we’re winning it all this year,” said a fan.
The Heat have a long way to go before they can deliver on those dreams.
In a night that ended up featuring an onslaught of dazzling highlights from Wolves star Anthony Edwards, the Heat start the season 0-1 after losing 131-106 at home.
After a tightly contested opening quarter with the Wolves, the Heat fell behind by double-digits at halftime, 69-59.
Edwards lit up the Heat defense from every corner of the floor, nailing 16-29 field goals, including 9-17 on 3-point shots, and finishing his night with 45 points, the most in a season opener in franchise history. LaMelo Ball added 21 points and 6 assists in his debut with a new team.
Antetokounmpo tried keeping pace with Edwards’ hot shooting, pouring in 35 points on 13-19 shooting from the field, including making the first bucket of the season for the team.
Though fans’ hopes of a winning start was dashed, their optimism remains high, as many told 7News they look forward to seeing how the team bounces back from the rocky start.
Before the game tipped off, 7News stopped by the official team store as fans checked out the latest gear.
In stock for fans looking to update their Heat wardrobe is several fresh Vice City jerseys and hats, along with the timeless red and white jerseys for any player on the roster.
For those wanting a jersey with some unique flair, Heat store officials highly suggest checking out the Heat Jersey Lab.
From the lab, fans can customize their jerseys on several computer stations to their precise specifications, including jersey number, name and color style.
Andy Montero, vice president of retail business for the Heat, told 7News he’s excited for what should be an incredible new season for fans.
“We are expecting to have a spectacular year, spectacular season. I’m super happy that our fans are coming back energized, just like I am,” said Montero.
He added that these new faces to the team have helped rejuvenate a fanbase that’s been searching for another championship for more than a decade.
“We got great players, new ones on our roster. We have great existing players on our team, and this year we expect to have a very good, successful year all around. And basically, you’re in the right place at the right time here at the Kaseya Center,” said Montero.
