Miami Heat to hold training camp on Boca campus

For the second time in three years, the NBA team will practice at FAU Arena.

Former+Heat+guard+Dwyane+Wade+training+at+FAU+Arena+in+2015.+Ryan+Lynch+%7C+Business+Manager

Former Heat guard Dwyane Wade training at FAU Arena in 2015. Ryan Lynch | Business Manager

Thomas Chiles, Features Editor

Before the start of its season, the Miami Heat will spend four days practicing at FAU.

The basketball team will hold its summer training at FAU Arena from Sept. 26-30. Closed practices will be held twice a day from Tuesday to Friday.

A scrimmage will be open to the public at 11 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 30, before the team returns to Miami.

“Florida Atlantic University is proud to host the three-time World Champions Miami Heat to our campus,” Vice President and director of athletics Pat Chun said in an FAU press release. “We look forward to assisting the HEAT in their preparation for the 2017-18 season.”

The last time the Heat held its training camp at FAU was two years ago in 2015.

Heat head coach Erik Spoelstra said that training away from the Miami practice facilities promotes bonding between the players during the offseason.

“It’s an opportunity for us to be around each other for all the in-between times,” Spoelstra said. “I like that the most.”

The Heat’s first preseason matchup is a home game Sunday, Oct. 1 against the Atlanta Hawks.

The team starts its season on the road, facing the Orlando Magic Wednesday, Oct. 18.

Thomas Chiles is the features editor of the University Press. For information regarding this or other stories, email [email protected] or tweet him @thomas_iv.