After countless Miami-residents reached out to City and State officials, Wednesday morning, Miami Commissioner Joe Carollo and Mayor Francis Suarez held a press-conference stating they were planning on meeting with Ultra Representatives to discuss the possibility of postponing the major EDM festival, that has been annually held in Miami for more than 20 years, and whats best for the city over the fear of spreading the novel coronavirus or COVID-19.
According to The Miami Herald, “City officials have yet to announce details of the change because attorneys are ironing out the legal issues tied to the decision, including the length of the delay, sources say” The time, they said, would allow Miami and Ultra Representatives time to “tie up” any “loose ends”, but Commissioner Carollo stated, “Please hear these words, Were not saying cancelling, We’re saying suspend it to a later date when we’ll have a better idea of where we’re heading with the coronavirus,” showing he doesn’t want to cancel the event outfront
An Ultra representative walking into City Hall declined to comment on the possibility of postponement before the meeting, saying the organizers would provide a statement after the meeting. As of 7 p.m. Wednesday, Ultra had not responded to the Herald’s request.The City Manager, Art Noriega said Miami and Ultra need to reach a final agreement on how to proceed by Friday because festival organizers would otherwise be closing Bayfront Park to set up the stages.
It’s unclear to say how this decision will affect ticket holders, but Suarez said if Ultra did not agree to postponing the event, the city has the power to cancel the event under the existing contract. In the last week, Ultra’s event in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, was canceled by local organizers. Along with Tomorrowland, and possibly Buku.
Stay Tuned For the Official Announcement Friday at 9 a.m.
