If you've read our interview with Michael Yo, then you might have guessed the latest big news -- the Miami Improv is back!
The Improv, formerly located in Coconut Grove, has come to the expansive Kendall Village Center's 12,000-square-foot entertainment venue, Homefield Sports Bar & Grill. The official kick-off of the Improv starts this Saturday night with Yo as its first act.
See also: Michael Yo Brings a Hot Mess to Miami
David Singer, a managing partner at Homefield and Vice President of Berkowitz Realty Group, said the move to Kendall will be great for the Improv.
"The demographics in Kendall are great. The access to Kendall is great," he said. "I think it's better than the access to Coconut Grove. All the main thoroughfares all turn into Kendall Drive one way or another."
The Improv's new location will certainly benefit from the amenities Homefield offers.
"I'm kind of biased, but I think it's going to be a hit," Singer said. "I think the facilities that we have at Homefield are as nice, if not nicer, than what they had in Coconut Grove. It's kind of like a joint venture, where they bring in the talent and the comedians, and we basically run what we run, which is an upscale sports bar and entertainment complex."
Kendall Village Center itself will also gain from the Improv's reputation and fan base.
"I think it enhances Kendall Village Center because it exposes Kendall Village Center to a population that would not drive down to Kendall in other circumstances," he said. "We usually draw from a five-mile radius, where as the Improv will draw from a 15 to 20 mile radius."
The first wave of larger crowds to the center and the Improv will be coming to see Yo who said being the first act for the Improv's new location is a tremendous honor (while being quite a bit of pressure).
"When they first called me about it, I was like, 'Are you sure? You want me for the first act?'" he said. "[They said], 'Sure, because you are Miami, you're a big part of Miami [and] the culture.'" It blew me away, and I was honestly honored."
Coming back to the Improv creates a new benchmark for Yo's career.
"My first time ever on stage was at the Miami Improv, and I'm opening up the new Miami Improv," he said. "You know how they say everything goes back around? I guess it really does, because this shows that. I love how three years ago, I went up for the first time, and now, I'm going to go back up this weekend and see the growth and everything I've accomplished in stand-up. And Miami, as I said, is home to me. I'm very honored, and I don't want to let anyone down."
Yo will be performing as a part of his "Hot Mess" Comedy Tour at 7 p.m. and 9:30 p.m. this Saturday. Tickets cost $20 via miamiimprov.com. Keep track of Yo, his comedy career, and who he's hobnobbing with in the entertainment industry by following him @MichaelYo.
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