This past March, Ultra Music Festival celebrated its 20th anniversary. At the Bayfront Park in downtown Miami, the roaring bass lines could be heard by all. For some it brought great joy, but for others it reeked chaos and an undermining of the locals living there. However, UMF could continue for at least another five years here if city commissioners approve a new contract expected on July 26.
The proposed agreement has an option for a five-year renewal. This would guarantee a minimum of $2 million each year from Ultra. Considering this is more than double what the festival pays the city now, the deal could prove to be invaluable. Depending on ticket sales, that revenue price could increase as well.
Commissioner and chairman of the Bayfront Management Park Trust, Joe Carollo, drafted a contract Monday. Ultimately, it makes the Trust the sole recipient of Ultra’s fees. The Trust also means to address residents’ complaints about the noise and traffic levels around the festival each year.
Here’s the reason why locals want the city to stop hosting large events at the Park. It is a spacious, green waterfront space where downtown residents want to be open to the public more. Even though the event is three days, the park is closed for an even larger amount due to setting up and breaking down.
Now, here is the reason why the commission feels confident in their contract. As a whole, the city recognizes the importance of events, like Ultra, as an economic influence but also good exposure for the city. If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it!
The three-day event attracts music lovers around the world. Typically featuring performances from the likes of Axwell & Ingrosso, Armin van Buuren and Kaskade, 55,000 people draw in a day. Even though the electronic dance scene is changing, this is still Miami’s moneymaker. Grossing $7.1 billion globally, who could pass this up?