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THE “GREATEST BOAT SHOW IN THE WORLD” DOCKS AT THE MIAMI MARINE STADIUM, BREATHING NEW LIFE INTO THE ILLUSTRIOUS VENUE.
If the Magic City isn’t already the boating capital of the world, it certainly will be this month, when the 2017 Miami International Boat Show comes to the Miami Marine Stadium Park & Basin. A whopping 100,000 people are expected to attend the event, taking place February 16–20. And with more than 1,300 vessels on display— including some 550 in the water—there will be something for every sailor, fisherman, and luxury lover in Miami and beyond.
This year’s show is bigger and better than ever, with more boats, expanded food and beverage offerings, and additional on-water experiences. Get access to a VIP lounge aboard the 111-foot yacht Biscayne Lady, testdrive your dream vessel in South Florida’s glittering open waters, or head to Pier 9 and shop the more than 100 luxury yachts for sale. With a massive international crowd, the show is anticipated to have a $597 million impact on the local area—greater than two Super Bowls—and employ 6,592 people. What’s more, the celebration is bringing new hope to a stadium that needs a little love.
Formerly a venue for legendary concerts, Miami Marine Stadium became a hub for vandals after closing in 1992 following Hurricane Andrew. In an effort to return it to its former glory, the Miami City Commission passed a resolution in November authorizing a $45 million sale of bonds to pay for its restoration. In addition, Heineken and the National Trust for Historic Preservation raised $110,000 last summer. With extra help from the boat show, it’s all hands on deck as the storied stadium is steered toward a new beginning. 3501 Rickenbacker Causeway, Miami, 954-441-3220; miamiboatshow.com