Despite Miami's reputation for late arrivals, Heat fans started staking out their spots along the Championship Parade route Monday morning as early as 5 a.m., reports NBC6.
Close to 500,000 spectators are expected to come out and celebrate the Heat's back-to-back NBA title, secured Thursday with a victory over the San Antonio Spurs, with a 11 a.m. parade through downtown Miami.
Road closures already began at 8 a.m. and streets will reopen as the parade progresses.
See the parade route map below.
The City is encouraging fans to take public transportation with increased service on the Metrorail; click here for transit tips.
Unlike last year, the parade will culminate with a ticker-holders-only party inside the AmericanAirlines Arenas as opposed to a party in the plaza surrounding it.
The move inside addresses concerns over heat stroke -- it is June in Miami afterall -- as well as concerns over public safety.
"A lot of people have [voiced] safety concerns from the situation from Boston to what we're dealing with now," Miami Fire Rescue Lt. Ignatius Carroll told WSVN. "We want people to be our eyes and ears. If you see something suspicious or out of the ordinary, definitely contact the police of the fire department."
To the that end, police have banned large bags and backpacks at the parade, creating a logistical problem on where to pack your water and sunscreen to beat the blazing sun.
Those outside of Florida can watch a livestream of the parade on the Fox Sports web site.
Here's the parade route:
Related
Before You Go
