James L. Knight Center Information
With a flexible seating capacity for up to 4569, the Knight Center hits the sweet spot between arena and theater. Over the years, it’s welcomed artists like Prince, Celia Cruz, The Smashing Pumpkins, and Bad Bunny, along with A-list comics like Dave Chappelle and Trevor Noah. The theater’s adaptable design means it can shift from pop concert energy to esports showdown in a matter of hours.
A 16,000-square-foot staging area ensures there’s plenty of room for performers to light up the venue. Whether it’s Mexican pop legend Carlos Rivera belting ballads, the Catalan-inspired sounds of the Gipsy Kings, flamenco icon Joaquín Cortés spinning in a storm of footwork, or DJ Swiftie turning the whole venue into a neon-lit dance floor, James L. Knight Center is built for showmanship.
The magic is in the wedge-shaped theater layout designed to keep every seat close to the action. Acoustics are sharp, sightlines are clear, and the vibe is unmistakably Miami. It’s no wonder James L. Knight Center was recently featured on Billboard’s Top Venues List for 2024!
As well as the main theater, the complex includes:
- » A business-focused conference center
- » A 28,000-square-foot riverfront hall
- » A 444-seat auditorium
- » A 117-seat lecture hall
- » Well-appointed meeting rooms
- » Riverfront terrace space
Location
The James L. Knight Center sits right where the city buzzes loudest – in the Miami Central Business District. It overlooks the river and is just a few blocks from Brickell, where you’ll find some of the city’s most impressive skyscrapers and luxury condos.
From here, it’s a 15-minute drive to Miami International Airport, under 10 minutes to Wynwood or Little Havana, and just across the causeway from South Beach. Whether you’re Ubering in, riding the train (Knight Center Metromover Station is right next door) or walking from your hotel, the venue is perfectly placed for a night out in Magic City.
Address: 400 SE 2nd Ave, Miami, FL 33131, United States
Public Transport: Knight Center Metromover Station (literally attached)
Parking: Multiple garages nearby, including Miami Tower Garage.
Want directions, dining tips, or the nearest cafecito? Keep reading!
The history of the Knight Center Miami
The James L. Knight Center has been part of Downtown Miami’s entertainment fabric for over four decades. It opened in 1982 and was originally built to accommodate conferences, trade shows, and conventions. Of course, it’s evolved into a world-class entertainment stage since then!
What’s in a name? The center is named after James L. Knight, the newspaper publisher behind American media company, Knight-Ridder. His name still carries weight in Miami media and philanthropy.
One of the venue’s first high-profile events was the Miss Universe Pageant in 1984 and 1985. Here’s a taste of the legends and headline-makers it’s welcomed since then:
- » Sting in 1998
- » Lady Gaga in 2009
- » Miguel Bosé in 2010
- » Premios Lo Nuestro (Latin music awards) in 1995, 1996, 1997, and 2003
- » World Championship Boxing matches
- » Summit of the Americas in 1994
- » IBM’s annual shareholder meeting
- » Tony Succar with the Su Orquesta in 2025
- » French pianist Richard Clayderman in 2025
Through the years, the Knight Center Miami has stayed busy (and relevant) by keeping things flexible. Big show, corporate summit, Latin music awards? This place has seen it all, and it’s still drawing a crowd.
A tech-forward venue
From touring concerts to corporate summits, James L. Knight Center is built to handle it all. And yes, it has the tech to back it up. The venue comes equipped with:
- » State-of-the-art audio-visual systems
- » High-speed internet
- » Adaptable staging (including an advanced fly system) to meet the demands of modern performances and presentations
Box office information
Box office hours are Mon to Fri, 10am to 5pm
Open at 12pm for weekend events
General availability inquiries: +1 (305) 416-5970
Ticketing info: 305.416.5976
Email: [email protected]
Complimentary venues at James L. Knight Center
The main theater isn’t the only place action unfolds at James L. Knight Center. Here’s a look at the complimentary venues at the complex.
Riverfront Hall
At 28,000 square feet, Riverfront Hall is Miami’s largest flexible event space. It splits into three sections, with adjacent lobbies and promenades for registration, receptions, or breakout space. Neighboring meeting rooms give planners room to expand.
Miami Conference Center
Just upstairs from the Knight Center, the Miami Conference Center offers 17 flexible meeting rooms, most with views of the Miami River. It’s built for business. Think fiber-optic internet, HD videoconferencing, and tech that keeps international meetings running smoothly.
Ashe Auditorium
With tiered seating for 444 guests, Ashe Auditorium is built for focus. Every seat faces a raised stage, with clear sightlines and fold-away writing arms for notetaking. It’s a smart pick for lectures, panels, live-streamed sessions, and presentations where engagement matters.
Miami Lecture Hall
For smaller sessions that still need structure, Miami Lecture Hall fits the bill. It offers tiered seating for 117 people, each with built-in writing desks and a layout that keeps everyone close to the speaker. A professional sound system promises clarity from front row to back, making it a solid choice for training, seminars, and educational talks where focus is key.
Riverwalk & Dockage
Want the skyline as your backdrop and the Miami River at your feet? The Riverwalk delivers. Perched on the Terrace Level, this outdoor space hosts everything from intimate weddings to 1000-guest receptions. It’s a favorite for films, photo shoots, and unforgettable entrances. Bonus: dockage is available. So yes, you can arrive by boat!
More James L Knight Center information:
Ticket Policies:
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Seating Chart:
View the standard James L Knight Center seating map and read about different seating options.
Parking Information:
Information about the James L. Knight Center parking options.