The world’s fastest moving ball sport of jai alai is making a triumphant return to the fronton at The Casino at Dania Beach. The 2022-23 Dania Beach Invitational Jai-Alai Tournament will feature over 20 of the world’s best players coming from the Basque region of Spain and France.
Dania has the only remaining full-court regulation fronton in the United States. For about 70 years, the South Florida sporting public has been entertained by jai alai that allowed legalized gambling with thousands of fans cheering on the action.
The Dania Beach fronton opened on Dec. 28, 1953 and earlier this year, there was an announcement that the jai alai run in Dania Beach was over, but the demise of the sport proved to be premature. Today, there is a 500-seat grandstand along with standing areas, which is a far cry from 5,600 spectators who use to cheer on players competing in tournaments like the Florida Cup, Battle of Champions and the Dania/Miami Challenge.
The origins of jai alai can be traced back to the 1700s in Europe with the concentration of the sport taking place mainly in Spain and France. Jai alai was introduced to the United States in 1904. Iconic figures like Babe Ruth, Jackie Gleason, Ernest Hemingway, Hubert Humphrey, Rocky Marciano, Paul Newman, Sylvester Stallone and John Travolta cheered on the elite athletes who would fling the pelota at 160 mph and catch it with their handheld wicker cesta.
With the advent of the Indian casinos, the Florida Lottery and professional sporting teams being introduced to the public like the Miami Heat, Florida Marlins and Florida Panthers, the interest for jai alai waned. However, the excitement and entertainment value are ever present and presents an opportunity for former fans and newcomers to enjoy the action once again and place a few wagers.
One of the most enticing aspects is the upcoming tournament is free. Starting Dec. 1 and going through Jan. 27, there will be nine games being played every Wednesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday evening as well as nine games every Saturday and Sunday afternoon.
Former professional player and jai alai operations manager Benny Bueno said he was pleased to see the sport make a return to The Casino at Dania Beach after the farewell tournament took place last spring.
“The success of our Battle at the Palace Jai-Alai tournament last spring signals that there is enduring interest in jai alai and we expect the upcoming winter invitational to be a major step in securing the sport’s eventual return to Dania Beach,” he said.
Fans can place wagers in person with traditional parimutuel betting being offered. There will be live streaming of all tournament games on YouTube, which is accessible at casinodaniabeach.com.
“The Casino at Dania Beach has maintained its relationship with our devoted fanbase to help ensure the sport’s legacy lives on,” said Arnaldo Suarez, CEO of The Casino at Dania Beach. “We’re looking forward to once again celebrating live jai alai action in our fronton, hosting these exceptional players and providing guests with an entertainment experience they can have only in Dania Beach.”
The Casino at Dania Beach is at 301 E. Dania Beach Blvd and is open seven days a week.
Visit casinodaniabeach.com.
