Introduction to Sunrise, Florida
The Florida city of Sunrise is located in western Broward County, about 12 miles west of Fort Lauderdale and 37 miles north of Miami. The city is adjoined by the communities of Weston, Davie, Tamarac, Lauderhill and Plantation. Principal highways in and around the city include Interstates I-95 and I-595 and Florida State Highway 84.
Originally known as Sunrise Golf Village, the city was incorporated in 1961 and changed its name to the city of Sunrise in 1971. The city's original footprint of less than two square miles expanded during the 1970s through annexation to its present size encompassing more than 18 square miles. Financial difficulties in the 1980s led to a period of revitalization, which saw the city rebuild its infrastructure and begin to establish itself as a center for corporate headquarters. The 1998 opening of the state-of-the-art BankAtlantic Center, one of the nation's largest arenas, helped establish the city as one of the leading municipalities in South Florida. Sunrise today boasts a flourishing job market, a vibrant tourist industry, and is home to over 100 corporations and the largest corporate office park in the region.
Sunrise Attractions
The crown jewel of Sunrise is its BankAtlantic Center, a world-class multi-purpose facility which hosts more than 100 major entertainment events annually. Another major attraction is The Oasis at Sawgrass Mills, an exciting destination containing over 300,000 square feet of entertainment, dining and more. The city also boasts its own 65-member professional symphony, the Sunrise Symphonic Pops Orchestra. Founded in 1987, this independent group conducts its highly anticipated concert season annually from October through May.
Sunrise also plays host to numerous events that draw residents and visitors of all ages. The Woodstock Arts & Crafts Festival, featuring handmade crafts, international foods, roving entertainment and children's rides and games, marks the beginning of the holiday season. The July 4th concert is always a hit with residents. The city's annual Fourth of July Celebration features a parade, concert, softball and fireworks. December's Jingle Bell Jog, a 21-year old Florida tradition, includes a 5K run and fitness walk for entrants in a wide range of age categories with a route which winds its way through the tree-lined streets of Sawgrass International Corporate Park. Every spring, the city hosts the BMW Tennis Championship, a prestigious major tournament of the Association of Tennis Professionals (ATP) which consistently draws a competitive field consisting of some of world's top men's professional tennis players.
Fans of major league professional hockey do not need to leave town in order to see first-rate competition. The National Hockey League's Florida Panthers play their home games at Sunrise's BankAtlantic Center. Other major league caliber pro sports can be found 30 minutes south of town in the city of Miami, home to the Florida Marlins (MLB baseball), the Miami Dolphins (NFL football) and the Miami Heat (NBA basketball).
Baseball fans who visit Sunrise during the month of March can also catch some Grapefruit League (Spring Training) games only minutes away. The nearby city of Fort Lauderdale is the Spring Training site of the Baltimore Orioles, who play their pre-season games at Fort Lauderdale Stadium.
