Preparations underway for Heat parade

MIAMI (WSVN) -- The main event is not until Monday, but preparations have been going on all weekend long.

Crews already began preparing for a parade to celebrate the Miami Heat's NBA championship win Saturday morning. Barricades have already been set up along Biscayne Boulevard.

Perhaps the easiest way to access the parade would be to catch the Metrorail. Extra trains will run every 15 minutes. For Heat fans who want to go downtown, a $2 express pay lane will be set up at the following locations:

- Dadeland South

- Dadeland North

- South Miami

- Tri-Rail (Transfer Station)

- Hialeah

- Okeechobee

The Metromover is free to ride, and will also be running more frequently at the Inner, Brickell and Omni loops.

Police encourage fans attending the parade to utilize public transportation to get there. Miami Police Officer Kenia Reyes said, "As always, we suggest that the people visiting the Downtown and Brickell areas take public transportation. It's such an easier way to get in and out of the area."

For those who would rather drive, be prepared to pay. A parking lot a block away from the AmericanAirlines Arena is charging $10 to park. It will open at 8 a.m. Monday.

However, parking closer to the arena will cost even more. "$30, all day. It might change, but it's $30 to start off," a woman said.

The parade will start at the corner of Southwest Eighth Street and Second Avenue, at 11 a.m. It will head east on Eighth Street, then north on Brickell Avenue across the bridge, and north on Biscayne Boulevard, into the AmericanAirlines Arena, via Northeast Eighth Street.

Thousands are expected to come out to the parade, and Miami Fire Rescue will have special stations set up, just in case anyone gets dehydrated. "Make sure you bring water with you. Hydrate yourself," said Miami Fire Rescue Lieutenant Ignatius Carroll. If you start to feel a little dizzy, get in an area where it's cool."

The weather has been a cause for concern for many. If it begins to rain, the parade will likely continue. However, if it begins lightning, Miami Fire Rescue says the parade will probably be stopped until the storm passes.

There will also be an event for season ticket holders inside the AAA, which kicks off at 12:30 p.m., inside the arena. That event has sold out.

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