Jai-alai is known as world's fastest game. The hard rubber pelota, or ball, can travel over 180 mph when thrown with the long wicker glove, known as a cesta. Jai-alai originated in Spain and is now played throughout Latin America and the Philippines.
When the Dania Jai-alai fronton opened in 1953, it was the fourth fronton built in the United States. Today it is one of the few still in operation. Six out of seven of the fronton's are in Florida. During its heyday, the facility...
more »Jai-alai is known as world's fastest game. The hard rubber pelota, or ball, can travel over 180 mph when thrown with the long wicker glove, known as a cesta. Jai-alai originated in Spain and is now played throughout Latin America and the Philippines.
When the Dania Jai-alai fronton opened in 1953, it was the fourth fronton built in the United States. Today it is one of the few still in operation. Six out of seven of the fronton's are in Florida. During its heyday, the facility would regularly sell out its 5,600 seats. But the growing popularity of casinos in South Florida that offer black jack and table gambling has greatly shrunk attendance at the frontons and other pari-mutuals. The average daily crowd today is less than one hundred people. But loyal fans still enjoy watching the sport and patronize the Dania Jai-alai to place bets via simulcasting.
There are 45 full-time professional players at the Dania fronton. They play six days a week with matinee and evening games on Tuesday and Thursday. Most of the players come from the Basque region of Spain, but also from Mexico, France, Bolivia and the U.S. Most come as young men and live in South Florida for the duration of their professional Jai-alai career, which is usually between 10 and 20 years. Often, half a dozen players live together in a single apartment.
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