Sports
Miami Open Presented by Itaú to Feature Elite Tennis, Culinary Delights, and Cultural Celebrations
Published
1 year agoon
By
Willie DavidMIAMI GARDENS, Fla. (FNN SPORTS) – The 2025 Miami Open presented by Itaú is set to deliver an unforgettable blend of elite tennis, culinary delights, and cultural celebrations at Hard Rock Stadium from March 16-30. Tennis fans worldwide will gather in Miami Gardens to witness top-ranked players compete in an atmosphere brimming with excitement and entertainment.
Star-Studded Tennis Lineup
This year’s entry list boasts 21 title-winning players from the season, featuring 15 Grand Slam champions and 32 players who have collectively claimed 125 ATP and WTA 1000-level titles. Spectators can expect intense competition from tennis icons like Novak Djokovic, Iga Świątek, Carlos Alcaraz, Naomi Osaka, and rising star João Fonseca.
Culinary Delights and Signature Drinks
The Miami Open is more than just tennis—it’s a culinary playground. New dining experiences include Zuma, the globally acclaimed Japanese hotspot, along with fresh entries like Fabel Miami and Miami Slice. Fan favorites Bodega Taqueria y Tequila and Kiki on the River return with signature Mexican and Greek flavors.
For drinks, fans can savor the tournament’s signature Ace Paloma by Dobel or indulge in a Brugal Cafecito Martini at La Casa Brugal. The Stella Artois Racquet Club offers a variety of refreshing beers for guests to enjoy.
Theme Days and Special Events
The Miami Open will host fan-focused theme days, celebrating various cultures and causes, including:
- March 16 – Opening Day presented by bakerly: A free fan event featuring live music, family entertainment, and a fashion show with Miami Open x Lacoste’s latest styles.
- March 19 – Brazilian Heritage Day presented by Itaú: Enjoy vibrant performances and authentic Brazilian cocktails.
- March 20 – Hispanic Heritage Day presented by PNC Bank: Delight in Hispanic cuisine, music, and themed cocktails.
- March 24 – Women’s Empowerment Day presented by Gillette Venus: Featuring a panel with Martina Navratilova, Morgan Riddle, and Jenny Nguyen.
- March 25 – Out at the Open: A day of pride celebrations with giveaways and performances.
- March 27 – College Night presented by DoorDash: Featuring student DJs, mascots, and the exclusive DashPass Lounge.
- March 29 – Kids Day: Fun-filled activities for families, including face painting, live shows, and giveaways.
Exciting Additions for 2025
The 2025 Miami Open introduces the Publix Padel Cup, showcasing the growing global sport of padel with matches running from March 27-30. The Ultra Park by Padel Lux will feature luxurious padel courts for fans to enjoy throughout the event.
Returning for another year is the inspiring Miami Open Wheelchair Invitational from March 26-28, with former champion Dana Mathewson serving as Assistant Tournament Director.
Fashion, Experiences, and More
The tournament’s fashion scene shines with the Miami Open Shop, presenting a revamped merchandise collection featuring exclusive apparel by Lacoste. Fans can get a preview of the latest styles during the Miami Open x Lacoste Fashion Show on March 16 at 3 p.m.
Gondola during the Miami Open tennis tournament, Sunday, Mar. 24, 2024, in Miami Gardens, Fla. (Jose Pineiro/South Florida Stadium)
For breathtaking views, guests can board the Piper-Heidsieck Champagne Skyview Gondola, offering a scenic ride over Hard Rock Stadium’s grounds and Miami’s skyline.
Ticket Information
Fans can choose from Single Session Tickets with reserved seats on the stadium court or an affordable Ground Pass to enjoy outer court matches and the lively event atmosphere.
For the full schedule, sponsor details, and ticket information, visit www.miamiopen.com.
________________________________________________________________________________
J Willie David, III
Florida National News and FNN News Network
News@FloridaNationalNews.com
Sports
Miami Heat Acquire Giannis Antetokounmpo, Bobby Portis Jr. in Blockbuster Trade with Bucks
Published
1 day agoon
July 6, 2026By
FNN SPORTSMIAMI (FNN SPORTS) — The Miami Heat have acquired Giannis Antetokounmpo and Bobby Portis Jr. from the Milwaukee Bucks in a blockbuster trade that reshapes the franchise’s championship aspirations.
In exchange, Miami sent Tyler Herro, Kasparas Jakučionis, Jaime Jaquez Jr., and Kel’el Ware to Milwaukee, along with first-round draft picks in 2026, 2031 and 2033, a 2030 first-round pick swap, and a 2033 second-round pick.
Pat Riley: ‘One of the Great Trades in HEAT History’
HEAT President Pat Riley called the acquisition one of the most significant moves in franchise history.
“The announcement of today’s trade for Giannis Antetokounmpo and Bobby Portis Jr. is one of the great trades in HEAT history,” Riley said. “In my opinion, Giannis is one of the top five players in the league, and Bobby is one of the best power forwards. The difficult part is trading Tyler, Kasparas, Jaime and Kel’el, who have given so much to this organization. We wish them nothing but the best. We also thank the Arison family for their continued commitment to pursuing another championship.”
Antetokounmpo Brings MVP Pedigree to Miami
Antetokounmpo arrives in Miami as one of the NBA’s most accomplished players.
His résumé includes:
- 2021 NBA Champion
- Two-time NBA Most Valuable Player (2019, 2020)
- 2021 NBA Finals MVP
- 2020 NBA Defensive Player of the Year
- 10-time NBA All-Star
- Seven All-NBA First Team selections
- Member of the NBA 75th Anniversary Team
Last season, Antetokounmpo averaged 27.6 points, 9.8 rebounds and 5.4 assists while shooting a career-best 62.4% from the field. He became the first player in NBA history to average at least 25 points while shooting better than 60% from the field in three consecutive seasons.
He also enters Miami as the Milwaukee Bucks’ all-time franchise leader in points, rebounds, assists, blocks, field goals, free throws, triple-doubles, minutes played and games played.
Antetokounmpo will wear No. 34 with the Heat.
Portis Adds Championship Experience
Portis, an NBA champion with Milwaukee, averaged 13.7 points, 6.4 rebounds and 1.6 assists in 67 games last season while shooting 48.8% from the field and 45.6% from three-point range.
The 11-year veteran has established himself as one of the league’s top reserve forwards, recording a Bucks franchise-record 61 double-doubles off the bench. He also received the NBA Cares Community Assist Award for his work in mentorship and community outreach.
Portis will wear No. 95 in Miami.
Heat Part Ways with Core Players
The trade ends the Miami careers of several key contributors.
Herro, selected 13th overall in the 2019 NBA Draft, spent seven seasons with the Heat, earning 2022 NBA Sixth Man of the Year honors and a 2024 NBA All-Star selection. He averaged 19.5 points, 5.0 rebounds and 4.1 assists in 394 regular-season games.
Jaquez Jr., a 2023 first-round pick, averaged 12.1 points, 4.4 rebounds and 3.3 assists over three seasons with Miami.
Jakučionis, selected in the first round of the 2025 NBA Draft, averaged 6.2 points during his rookie season.
Ware, the 15th overall selection in the 2024 NBA Draft, averaged 10.3 points, 8.3 rebounds and 1.1 blocks over two seasons.
Championship Expectations Rise
The acquisition of Antetokounmpo gives the Heat one of the NBA’s premier superstars and significantly strengthens Miami’s pursuit of another NBA championship. The addition of Portis further bolsters the team’s frontcourt with championship experience, scoring and rebounding.
Sports
Argentina Survives Cape Verde Scare, Wins 3-2 in Extra Time to Advance at FIFA World Cup 2026
Published
1 day agoon
July 6, 2026By
Willie DavidMIAMI (FNN SPORTS) — Argentina avoided what could have been one of the greatest upsets in World Cup history, surviving a major scare from Cabo Verde with a 3-2 extra-time victory Friday in the Round of 32.
Argentina Survives Despite Lackluster Performance
The defending World Cup champions delivered an uneven and uninspiring performance, appearing too comfortable after taking a 1-0 first-half lead on a goal by Lionel Messi.
But Argentina’s complacency proved costly as Cabo Verde, one of the tournament’s Cinderella stories, continued to press and eventually found an equalizer through Deroy Duarte.
Messi Goal Not Enough to Settle Match
Messi gave Argentina the early advantage, but the team failed to build on the lead or control the match with authority. Argentina’s attack lacked urgency for long stretches, allowing Cabo Verde to grow in confidence and push the match into extra time.
Extra-Time Drama
Argentina regained the lead in the 93rd minute when center back Lisandro Martínez scored to make it 2-1. Cabo Verde answered 11 minutes later with a stunning equalizer from Sidny Cabral, who curled a spectacular shot past Emiliano “Dibu” Martínez from the corner of the box.
The dramatic strike may stand as one of the best goals of the tournament.
Argentina Advances to Face Egypt
Argentina finally escaped when Cristian Romero headed a corner kick that glanced off a Cabo Verde player and into the net, giving Argentina the narrow win.
With the victory, Argentina advances to face Egypt on Tuesday in Atlanta.
Sports
U.S. Men’s National Team Meets Belgium in FIFA World Cup Knockout Match in Seattle
Published
1 day agoon
July 6, 2026By
FNN SPORTSSEATTLE (FNN SPORTS) — The U.S. Men’s National Team will continue its FIFA World Cup 2026 journey Monday night when it faces Belgium in the Round of 16 at Seattle Stadium.
Kickoff is scheduled for 5 p.m. PT (8 p.m. ET), with live coverage on FOX, Peacock and Telemundo.
USMNT Riding Momentum into Knockout Stage
The United States advanced after defeating Bosnia and Herzegovina 2-0 in the Round of 32, marking the nation’s second-ever FIFA World Cup knockout-stage victory. The Americans previously earned a knockout win in 2002 with a 2-0 victory over Mexico.
After winning Group D with two victories in three matches, the U.S. has scored 10 goals in four World Cup matches and has produced at least two goals in every tournament match.
The Americans enter Monday’s match with victories over Paraguay (4-1), Australia (2-0) and Bosnia and Herzegovina (2-0). Their lone defeat came against Türkiye (3-2) during group play.
Balogun, Tillman Lead U.S. Attack
Forward Folarin Balogun has emerged as one of the tournament’s top scorers with three goals, becoming only the third American to score at least three goals in a single FIFA World Cup, joining Bert Patenaude (1930) and Landon Donovan (2010).
Midfielder Malik Tillman delivered one of the tournament’s signature moments with a spectacular free-kick goal against Bosnia and Herzegovina after the United States was reduced to 10 players. The goal secured a 2-0 victory and earned Tillman Man of the Match honors.
Roster Notes
Twenty-three of the 26 players on the U.S. roster have appeared during the tournament.
Seven players have featured in all four World Cup matches:
- Sebastian Berhalter
- Sergiño Dest
- Alex Freeman
- Weston McKennie
- Ricardo Pepi
- Gio Reyna
- Malik Tillman
Goalkeeper Matt Freese enters the Round of 16 with three World Cup victories, the most by any U.S. goalkeeper in tournament history, while also recording two clean sheets.
Veteran captain Christian Pulisic, with 89 international appearances, is the most-capped player on the U.S. roster.
History Against Belgium
Monday’s match marks the eighth all-time meeting between the United States and Belgium.
The Americans hold a 1-6-0 all-time record against the Red Devils. Their lone victory came in the opening match of the inaugural 1930 FIFA World Cup, a 3-0 win.
Belgium has since won six consecutive meetings, including a 5-2 victory over the United States in an international friendly on March 28, 2026, and a memorable 2-1 extra-time victory in the Round of 16 at the 2014 FIFA World Cup in Brazil.
Belgium Brings Experience
Belgium enters the match with one of the tournament’s most experienced squads.
The roster features several internationally recognized stars, including:
- Goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois
- Midfielder Kevin De Bruyne
- Midfielder Youri Tielemans
- Forward Romelu Lukaku
- Forward Jeremy Doku
- Forward Leandro Trossard
The Red Devils advanced after overcoming a two-goal deficit to defeat Senegal 3-2 in extra time during the Round of 32.
Belgium has not lost a match since March 2025, compiling an 11-1-6 record under head coach Rudi Garcia.
Seattle Has Been Friendly to the U.S.
Seattle Stadium has become a stronghold for the Americans.
The USMNT owns a perfect 7-0-0 record at the venue, including a 2-0 victory over Australia during group play earlier in the tournament.
With a trip to the FIFA World Cup quarterfinals on the line, the United States will look to capitalize on its home-field success while attempting to end Belgium’s six-match winning streak in the all-time series.
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