The game was a bust for Heat fans, but in true Heat-fashion there were plenty of other items to catch the eye at Tuesday’s opening night ring ceremony and banner raising.

AmericanAirlines Arena has been decked out in championship fashion with large photos from the team’s playoff run ringing the event level. South Florida artist Lebo (David LeBatard) has brought his playful painting
to “Uptown” the new name for the upper levels of the arena.

The store is stocked with new merchandise with many items featuring the championship trophy.

The NBA also has new items for sale this year, such as bathing suits and board shorts with team logos.

HEAT IN HD

On television, Sun Sports will begin airing the first of 20 Heat games in High Definition starting with Tuesday night’s game against the Seattle SuperSonics.

Meanwhile, the Heat ranks as only the third favorite NBA team in an ESPN Sports Poll in which 13,843 fans responded. The Los Angeles Lakers were first; the Chicago Bulls, who beat up on the Heat Tuesday, were second.