What do you get when you combine 30 NSU students and 30 tickets to a Miami Heat home game? A spirited ride to the game.
On Feb. 4, during the Charlotte Bobcats game, FOX Sports Florida and the Miami Heat unveiled the Miami Heat Fan Express, a luxury bus designed to transport large groups.
It can pick up fans from any chosen location, such as NSU’s campus, and take them to and from the American Airlines Arena.
Catherine Jamison, FOX Sport Florida’s director of marketing and creative services, said, “This way, students save on gas and parking costs, while getting to ride with all of their friends. They will also get free goodies and an appearance from the FOX Sports Florida Girls.”
The Fan Express is available to any group that purchases 30 or more tickets, though it can fit up to 55 passengers. Interested groups are encouraged to call ahead before buying tickets, since reservations for the bus tend to fill up fast.
“The bus offers fan engagement from start to finish, complete with giveaways, such as t-shirts, hats, backpacks and more,” said Jamison.
The bus is decorated from top to bottom with Heat décor. Its exterior is wrapped with a picture featuring Heat players LeBron James, Mario Chalmers and James Jones, and its interior is decked out with the logos of FOX Sports Florida, Sun Sports and the Miami Heat.
Logan Armstrong, junior athletic training major, likes the idea and said, “It gives groups incentive to go to the games together and it also encourages responsible drinking for those who are of drinking age, since they don’t have to worry about getting a designated driver to get home.”
This is not the first Fan Express that has been created. Other FOX Sports stations have used the same concept for their respective teams, such as the Orlando Magic and the Tampa Bay Lightning. FOX Sports Florida also plans on unveiling the Miami Marlins Fan Express during the first home game of the season.
Biology sophomore Javier Lopez said, “I think the Heat fan express is a great idea. Why wouldn’t you want to ride down to the AAA with another 50 Heat fans? Besides, you don’t have to worry about parking.”
For more information, including reservations, call 786-777-3865.
