Homefield Comedy Club’s ‘Comedy On Tap’ brings Miami improv to Kendall

By Crystal Fernandez
Staff Writer

Home to the exciting NBA championship games, the victorious screams of the World Cup and even a New Year’s Eve party to ring in 2015, Homefield Sports Bar is now giving locals the opportunity to sit back and enjoy an evening of jokes, laughter and drinks.

When The Miami Improv in Coconut Grove closed its doors in November of  2013, Miami was left in a comedy drought. With a team effort and a little help from big names in comedy, Homefield Sports Bar became Homefield Comedy Club, Miami’s new laughter machine and ‘Comedy On Tap’ was born..

Homefield has already built a reputation for its laid back bar feel  and a good game of pool.

With its 8,000 sq. feet and 450 maximum capacity it’s also a popular spot for sports games and big events. Homefield Comedy Club Manager, Bill Gibson, feels the sports bar reaches its full potential when big events crowd the venue.

“We found that the venue was most packed when we had a big event. Its a big spot, we get great use of it. The atmosphere is amazing and its great for business,” said Gibson.

Which is why when the owners of the Coconut Grove Comedy Club and Homefield Sports Bar worked together to bring Miami Improv back the feedback was just as expected. On March 22, 2013 Michael Yo kicked-off opening night of The Miami Improv with a one night only special event of his ‘Hot Mess Comedy’ Tour.

“We don’t have any comedy clubs in Kendall, so when we headlined names such as Rob Schneider, Michael Yo and Carlos Mencia the feedback was phenomenal,” said Gibson

When football and basketball season came around, the improv shows came to a halt so that the venue can cater to the sports fans. But it wasn’t long until comedy made its way back to Homefield.

Claudia Angulo, Homefield Comedy Club Coordinator said, “We derailed a little because of the sporting events but us here at homefield really liked the idea of a comedy club and we felt Miami needed one.”

The venue has undergone a few changes for its new theme. To keep the familiarity for the locals, the same logo remains but the words “live to laugh” have been added. Soundproof curtains, acoustical tiles, glass dividers and adjustments to the sound system have been added to fit the new theme.

“We’re really going for a long term comedy club and we want it to be the real deal,” said Gibson

A regular show starts with a local comedian or host, followed by a feature comedian and finally the headliner. The two-hour national comedian shows run on Friday and Saturday. Some headliners this month include Alex Reymundo, Michael Kosta and Carl LaBove.

Once a month, the comedy club hosts a ‘New Faces in Comedy’ show. This is an open mic event that anyone can attend and participate. Who knows? The next Rob Schneider could be walking the halls of FIU.

“We had this one guy show up last month and he was like, ‘Hey, I have ten people with me can I get on stage for a few minutes?’ and we were like yeah sure go ahead,” said Gibson

Gibson said he would love to see more students at the shows. Whether its been a tough week at work or you’ve just finished a marathon study session, a good laugh can always make things better.

“Comedy crosses all demographic lines and income levels. When you have a long day, really all people want to do is laugh and that’s what we want to provide for them,” said Gibson.

Info Box
What: Homefield Comedy Club & Grill
Where: Located at 8575 SW 124 Ave Miami, FL 33183,
Website: For calendar of events for the next three months visit homefieldsportsbar.com.
Tickets: All shows tickets may be purchased online. University students are eligible for a buy one get one deal with their student ID cards.