MIAMI (WSVN) — Officials are urging drivers to take alternate routes during the Miami Heat parade Monday morning.
The parade will begin at 11 a.m. on the corner of Southwest Eighth Street and Second Avenue. It will continue to head east on Eighth Street, then north on Brickell Avenue across the bridge, and north on Biscayne Boulevard into the American Airlines Arena.
During that time City of Miami Police officers will be placed along the parade route to provide drivers assistance.
Southwest Eighth Street will close at 10:30 a.m. and will re-open at the end of the parade, around 12:30 p.m. Biscayne Boulevard will be shut down by 8 a.m. and will also re-open at the end of the celebration.
The 2013 parade route is the same as last year’s route.
According to Miami Police, backpacks will not be permitted at the parade.
There will be no big screens outside the arena like there has been in previous years. According to officials, the crowds get too out of control, and it’s too many people to have in a tight space. “My experience last year is that the earlier parts of the parade route have fewer people in them. Everyone wants to be near the arena, but obviously it tends to be the most packed. So, there’s plenty of space along the route. I would just encourage people to spread out a little bit more,” said AAA General Manager Kim Stone.
The private celebration inside the AAA will not be open to the public. Only season ticket holders will be allowed inside the arena.
Celebratory Safety Tips:
-Be alert and secure your bags and other personal belongings
-Secure a rendezvous location in case you get separated from family or friends
-Carry water, sunscreen and hand sanitizer
-Prepare for weather
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