The Scene Surrounding the 2011 NBA Finals (Dallas Edition)
Games 3, 4 & 5 of the 2011 NBA Finals make their way to Dallas, beginning with Game 3 on Sunday night. Dallas/Fort Worth has been the country's center for major sporting events as of late. Within the past 16 months, Super Bowl XLV, the 2010 World Series and the 2010 NBA All-Star Game have all taken place within the Metroplex.
Dallas is guaranteed to be the site of NBA Finals games on Sunday, Tuesday and Thursday. This long stretch of time means that the area will be jumping with activity, involving both the worlds of sports and entertainment.
ifollosports.com is the fan's source regarding the scene in and around Miami and Dallas, during this season's Final. Below is a look at life in Dallas during this upcoming week.
2500 Victory Ave. Dallas
Located in the Victory Park neighborhood of Dallas (adjacent to Downtown & Uptown Dallas), the Mavericks' home arena shares many logistical similarities with its Miami counterpart. Aside from the obvious promotional connection both venues have with Fort Worth, Texas based American Airlines, the two buildings will serve as the dual sites of both Finals games and team practices. The AAC's arena floor will host Games 3 through 5, with the same floor and the Mavs (in arena) practice gym operating as workout locales for both squads during the Dallas portion of the series.
400 Crescent Court, Uptown Dallas
Located one mile from the AAC, this property is the lodging location for the Miami Heat during their stay in Dallas. This facility also boasts multiple higher end dining options including Nobu, The Captial Grille and Palomino.
Places To Encounter Sports & Entertainment Figures Near AAC & Heat Hotel
3008 Maple Ave. Oak Lawn Neighborhood of Dallas
The Dallas Morning News reported that ABC's Mike Breen, Jon Barry and Mark Jackson dined here over the weekend.
4217 Oak Lawn Ave. Oak Lawn Neighborhood of Dallas
During Super Bowl Week, ifollosports.com spotted Adam Sandler, Jennifer Aniston and Jerry Jones at this restaurant.
4300 Lemmon Ave. Uptown Dallas
This Dallas institution was visited by many figures from sports and entertainment throughout Super Bowl Week, including ifollosports.com's sighting of NFL great Archie Manning.
701 Ross Ave. West End section of Downtown Dallas
Located in Dallas' Historic West End entertainment district, the Palm was visited by numerous celebrities during Super Bowl Week, including an ifollosports.com detection of Pittsburgh Steelers' greats Terry Bradshaw and Franco Harris.
2201 North Stemmons Freeway, Just Outside of Downtown & Uptown Dallas
This massive Dallas hotel is always hopping anytime a major event is taking place in the area. ifollosports.com's Super Bowl Week coverage involved interaction with baseball ironman Cal Ripken Jr.
2121 McKinney Ave. Uptown Dallas
This plush Dallas hotel is located less than one mile from the AAC. The Ritz's close proximity to the arena and Heat hotel means constant action throughout the week.
2440 Victory Park Lane, Directly Across the Street From the AAC
Opened in 2006, this very trendy hotel and condominium complex is situated right in the heart of NBA Finals activity, due to its arena adjacent location and high “W Hotel” entertainment standard, which includes the rooftop spot Ghostbar.
75-acre neighborhood, Bordering Downtown & Uptown Dallas. Location of AAC & W Hotel
Entertainment, dining, shopping, residential and commercial development, centered around the American Airlines Center and W Hotel. Area features: House of Blues, Havana Social Club, Victory Tavern, Hard Rock Café and much more.
300 Reunion Blvd. Downtown Dallas
Hotel served as NBA Headquarters during the 2010 NBA All-Star Game.
