Miami Gardens, Florida, is alive with the sound of music! The current Formula One Miami Grand Prix has triggered a healthy discussion over the benefits and detriments of such an event happening in their community. In those three years, the event has created an astounding $1+ billion in economic benefit. From that accomplishment, it deepens its American sports profile as a key player. The 2024 race is through viewership records again, cementing Formula One’s place as America’s newest sporting obsession.
Originally, the Miami Grand Prix was supposed to take place in downtown Miami. Yet city council members shot this plan down, saying that they were worried about possible inconveniences to the ensuing urban landscape. In response, the now-2016 Super Bowl moved the event to Miami Gardens, today the biggest majority Black city in Florida. This shift has spurred discussions among residents about the benefits and drawbacks of hosting such a high-profile event in their community.
Those statistics tell a tragic story about Miami Gardens. With an average household income of $60,000, more than 13% of its 110,000 residents live below the poverty line. Another major employer in the region, the Hard Rock Stadium that hosts the Grand Prix, ranks highly among the visit’s supporters. Despite the promise of economic growth, some community members express concern about the implications of hosting an event that draws thousands and disrupts local life.
To help combat these harms, Formula One has promised to take substantial actions that will lead to positive outcomes for the local community. The organization has committed $5 million in community funding, including noise mitigation and air quality monitoring measures as part of an air quality mitigation plan. Additionally, they’ve made a commitment to hold racing events beyond school hours to reduce the impact on families.
In a bid to engage with local businesses, Formula One has partnered with 15 locally owned restaurants, aiming to bolster their visibility during race weekend. They provide 1,500 free tickets each season to residents of Miami Gardens. In doing so, a few of the nearby residents get to witness some of the magic for themselves!
This partnership has opened up multiple thrilling scholarship opportunities. In addition to these community investments, Formula One is providing scholarships for Miami Gardens students attending colleges and universities in the area. This campaign is the real deal, working hard to uplift the local pursuit of education. It provides pathways for young people to enter careers in both motorsports and STEM-related fields.
Food sustainability initiatives have not been exempt from these cuts. The event has implemented a food waste diversion program, ensuring that excess food is redirected to local food banks to support those in need.
Going forward, the importance of this partnership is only increasing. The 2025 race is going to credential 18,000 of them to act during the race. The majority of these workers will be drawn from Miami Gardens as well. This promise not only delivers immediate good jobs, but it invests in long term local capacity in our CBO-based workforce.
They confirmed Miami Grand Prix’s place on their calendar until 2041 by extending their contract with promoter South Florida Motorsports for an additional decade. Yet this long-term commitment makes it all the more important to consider how the community might adjust, and what lasting impact it may experience.
Even with these promising developments, the opposition’s resistance is continuing and loud here in Miami Gardens. Many community members voice fear that an event of this sort does not deserve to be hosted in their community.
“Race tracks aren’t meant to be in neighborhoods” – Kellison.
They’re not the only ones who feel that this locality is an unsuitable venue for events of such a high-profile nature.
“Even given what I know and who I work with, I will probably side with residents on this.” – Orr.
Further complicating the issue is the lively debate that often erupts when a community with deep social and economic disparities considers playing host to an international sporting event. Other residents recognize that despite the benefits, they bring environmental destruction and social displacement.
“If we come to this place, we are going to necessarily have a carbon footprint.” – Orr.
On the ground, some residents experience the excitement of the Grand Prix. Their enthusiasm gets tempered by concerns over environmental sustainability and social equity.
“It’s not like the engines that used to be loud,” noted Ray Reyno, who appreciates some aspects of the event while remaining cautious about its broader implications.
Those who understand the benefits that these events can have in terms of spurring local culture and economic development.
“I admire what they’re doing. Makes the place more alive.” – Reyno.
The political climate for this still operating tradition seems to be stacked in favor of the Grand Prix and economic promise it brings.
“The political system is probably not in [people who oppose the GP’s] favor right now,” stated Madeleine Orr.
As people like Oliver Gilbert remind us, you have to tune into the local mood.
“It’s not a place to dump events that are toxic to people.” – Gilbert.
As Miami Gardens navigates this new reality shaped by Formula One, it faces a crucial question: what exchanges can be forged between high-profile events and local communities?
“But what are the exchanges we can have with the community? What kinds of tech transfer can we bring and then leave here? What kinds of solutions can be implemented at this place?” – Orr.