OFTIG 2010 - (Page 76)
Below: Jacksonville’s World Golf Village
World Series champions in 1997 and 2003—and football’s Miami Dolphins currently share Landshark Stadium, a facility located midway between Miami and Fort Lauderdale, but the Marlins are scheduled to move into their new stadium—Miami Ballpark—by Opening Day 2012. The NBA’s Miami Heat, meanwhile, take to the court at The AmericanAirlines Arena in downtown Miami on the shores of Biscayne Bay, while hockey’s Florida Panthers play in western Fort Lauderdale at the BankAtlantic Center. There are plenty of other chances to watch the pros in action
80 SPORTS AND ADVENTURE
COURTESY OF WORLD GOLF VILLAGE
in South Florida. Down at the Homestead-Miami Speedway, IndyCar races take place in October and NASCAR’s racing circuit pays a visit in November. More horsepower is on display at Miami’s Calder Race Course and Gulfstream Park, both featuring regular thoroughbred racing. The historic Hialeah Park Race Track, closed for several years, re-opened in November of last year with quarter horse races. Golf’s PGA Tour plays through Florida several times per year; the next stop is the World Golf–CA Championship at Miami’s Doral Golf Resort in early March. Visitors who want to practice their own games can try one of more than 30 public and private golf courses in the Miami area; ve of them are at Doral, including the famous Blue Monster, with mammoth holes and unusual water features that have teased and tormented pros and amateurs alike for decades, particularly Hole 18, known for its unpredictable winds. Biscayne Bay vistas and skyline views are part of the perks at Crandon Golf Key Biscayne, where golfers at the famous 7th hole send balls soaring out over the bay itself. In fact, the 7th is often touted as one of the most beautiful golf holes in the world. West of Biscayne Bay in Coral Springs, located on the threshold of the Everglades, the TPC at Heron Bay course is known for its desert-sized sand traps—more than 100 line the course. Roger Federer, the Williams sisters and the rest of tennis royalty arrive in Miami each year for the Sony Ericsson Open on Key Biscayne, held in 2010 from March 24 to April 10. Last year’s tournament was marked by the surprise defeats of top seeds like Serena Williams (who’s won the Open ve times) and Federer, who had won the Open two years in a row earlier in the decade. For those who prefer to see stars under the sea, Biscayne National Park, some 40 miles south of downtown Miami, is popular with both snorkelers and scuba divers (rentals are available on-site). Other must-dive spots include John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park, roughly 60 miles south of downtown Miami on Key Largo, and Looe Key National Marine Sanctuary, between Marathon and Key West, some 130 miles south of Miami. Out tters at both parks will rent gear and run charters; they also o er scuba certi cation classes for newcomers to the sport.
OFFICIAL FLORIDA TRAVEL INDUSTRY GUIDE 2010
Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of OFTIG 2010
Beaches
Family
Authentic Florida
Agent Resources
Boating and Fishing
Dining and Entertainment
Nature
Arts and Culture
Golf
Sports and Adventure
Luxury and Spa
Shopping
Pre-and Post-Cruise Activities
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