- Jai-Alai is marking its 100th year of competition in South Florida.
- The World Jai-Alai League is hosting a jai-alai historical exhibit at the HistoryMiami Museum.
- The World Jai-Alai League hosts a live event season from September through December at the Magic City Fronton in Miami.
Jai-alai, renowned as the world’s fastest ball sport, is marking its 100th year of play in South Florida. To commemorate this significant milestone, the World Jai-Alai League is hosting a special community gallery exhibit at the HistoryMiami Museum. This multimedia installation aims to explore the sport’s evolution over the past century, highlighting its rise, decline, and recent resurgence through various mediums and perspectives. The exhibit’s opening reception is scheduled for Thursday, August 29, at 6 p.m. at HistoryMiami.
The exhibit, which will run from August 29 through November 10, is free to the public. Visitors will have the opportunity to delve into the history of jai-alai, from how it has been marketed over the years to the iconic South Florida frontons that have hosted the sport. The display will also spotlight influential figures who have contributed to jai-alai’s growth and will introduce guests to the latest chapter in its revival.
“As jai-alai’s legacy endures in Miami—a city renowned for its speed, passion, and culture—the centennial exhibit brings this electrifying sport back into the spotlight, reminding everyone of the excitement that made it a beloved part of South Florida life,” said Scott Savin, Chief Operating Officer of the World Jai-Alai League.
The exhibition not only celebrates the past but also coincides with the kick-off of the World Jai-Alai League’s Battle Court Fall 2024 season on September 2. This 15-week season will feature six teams vying for the championship title. Battle Court Jai-Alai offers a faster-paced version of the traditional sport, tailored for modern audiences with its glass-walled court and updated game format. Each team is backed by an owner, a general manager, and a benefiting charity, adding layers of community involvement and philanthropy to the competition.
The World Jai-Alai League currently employs around 40 full-time athletes and hosts over 500 Battle Court matches each year. These matches are broadcast on ESPN3, expanding the sport’s reach to a wider audience. Additionally, fans can engage with the sport through wagering platforms like DraftKings Sportsbook, BetRivers (Rush Street Interactive), and FanDuel.
For those who prefer the thrill of live matches, the Magic City Fronton will open its doors to the public every Friday at 7 p.m., from September 6 through December 13. Admission and parking are free, making it an accessible entertainment option for both longtime fans and newcomers eager to experience the excitement firsthand.
HistoryMiami Museum’s Community Gallery serves as a platform for residents to share their Miami stories, and the jai-alai exhibit is a fitting addition. The gallery is open Wednesday through Sunday, offering ample opportunity for visitors to immerse themselves in the rich cultural tapestry of the city.
Dedicated to revitalizing the world’s fastest ball sport, the World Jai-Alai League is focused on modernizing gameplay and capitalizing on the burgeoning international sports wagering market. By leveraging social media and broadcasting platforms, the league aims to introduce jai-alai to a new generation of fans worldwide. The WJAL plays at the Magic City Fronton in Miami, located at 450 N.W. 37th Ave.
For more information, visit www.battlecourtjaialai.com.
Whether you’re a longtime admirer of jai-alai or someone curious about this electrifying sport, the centennial exhibit at HistoryMiami Museum offers a unique glimpse into its storied past and dynamic present. Coupled with the upcoming Battle Court season, there’s no better time to engage with a sport that has been an integral part of South Florida’s cultural landscape for a century.
