‘Florida, I love you.’ Ariana Grande kicks off first of three shows
If you were able to snag tickets to any of Ariana Grande’s sold-out three shows this week at Amerant Bank Arena, consider yourself lucky in more ways than one.
Because the pop star, who kicked off her first concert Tuesday night at the Sunrise arena, was just forced to reschedule two stops (Brooklyn and Boston) on her Eternal Sunshine Tour, citing production challenges.
Grande’s 41-show run, her first time on the road in seven years, started in Oakland June 6 and runs through Sept. 1 in London.
The first South Florida concert went off without a hitch. The Boca Raton native was definitely happy about it, and gave a shout-out to everyone who came out to cheer her on in her hometown.
“Florida, I love you with all my heart forever,” she posted on Instagram Stories alongside a snap of her wearing a gown reminiscent of her Glinda the Good Witch character in “Wicked.” “Thank you for a most beautiful night one.”
Fun fact: The “Positions” singer, who turned 33 on June 26, knows the venue well. In 2002, the then 8-year-old local talent sang the “Star-Spangled Banner” on the ice before a Florida Panthers game back when it was known as the Office Depot Center.
Grande has also been attending these games in the bleachers for years. Most notably, she was was seen watching her hockey team defeat the Edmonton Oilers in the Stanley Cup finals in June 2024. What a difference two years makes: Her then boyfriend, “Wicked” costar Ethan Slater, is now her ex.
Don’t start bawling if you coulnd’t get seats for Grande’s shows Thursday and Friday nights (they were in the $400 and up range). There are other ways to feel close to your idol.
At the Miami Worldcenter downtown, fans can scour for all kinds of Ariana merch at the Eternal Sunshine popup store through Friday. The Palm Beach Post reports that folks began camping out as early as 4 a.m., before the official opening on June 28 so expect crowds. The many offerings include makeup from Grande’s r.e.m. beauty line, plus tour merch including graphic tees, hoodies, totes, keychains and more goodies.
ETERNAL SUNSHINE POPUP
Where: Miami Worldcenter, 851 NE First Ave., Suite D136, Miami, next to The Museum of Ice Cream and Free People.
Hours: 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. through Friday.
