Local Mayors Welcome World To South Florida For Super Bowl 54
MIAMI (CBSMiami) – The official welcome to South Florida for Super Bowl 54 ceremony was held Monday.
Mayors from Miami, Miami Beach, Miami-Dade, and Miami Gardens took the stage to express their excitement about the big game.
The mayors talked about the diversity of South Florida, explaining to the world that 60 percent of the people who live in Miami-Dade County were born somewhere else.
The elected officials were quite proud of the fact that this is the 11th record-setting Super Bowl in South Florida.
Miami-Dade Mayor Carlos Gimenez bragged that no one has hosted the game more than Miami.
"We'll put on a really good show. We've hosted already 10. This is going to be our 11th Super Bowl."
He points out the Super Bowl and all that comes with it will generate hundreds of millions of dollars for the area.
"The winners are going to be the people of Miami-Dade County, because of all the economic impact this game brings to our community."
Miami Mayor Francis Suarez says it's not just money that South Florida earns, it's the exposure and you can't put a price on that.
"It means jobs for our community, it means that people get to see our city branded at the highest stage and the largest stage in the world. We have the attention and focus of the world."
Related: Guide To Super Bowl 54 Events in Miami
"We are doing things that have never been done before in terms of safety. We monitor activities throughout the world to make sure we are doing everything we can to ensure everyone's time here is enjoyable," said Mayor Suarez.
"For us, we want you to experience NFL Live at Bayfront Park, that is our Central Park."
"We want you to enjoy the amazing weather, so you can continue to come back and talk about the incredible experience."
Mayor Oliver Gilbert of Miami Gardens said, "I welcome you on behalf of the 113,000 residents of the City of Miami Gardens. We're going to host the game. We're going to be happy to welcome you all into our home."
Mayor Gilbert wants visitors to know everyone is welcome, whether it's just a visit or South Florida is a new place to call home.
"We've come together. United to build something that's extraordinary and unique in all the world. A place where your differences and uniqueness make the place special."
As locals and fans from all over enjoy all the activities in the week leading up to the Super Bowl, Miami Beach Mayor Dan Gelber said shared experiences and the excitement of a big game, are just what we need right now.
"It's an opportunity to create a special moment between family members, friends, co-works and strangers. In a time when we need so much uniting, this moment couldn't have come sooner," said Mayor Gelber.
As the mayors spoke, the sounds of Mr. 305, Pitbull, played in the background, welcoming the world to Miami and Super Bowl 54.