HomeMy WebLinkAboutExhibitVIA HAND DELIVERY
September 9, 2008
The Honorable Manuel A. Diaz
Mayor, City of Miami
3500 Pan American Drive
Miami, FL 33133
Pedro G. Hernandez, City Manager
City of Miami
3500 Pan American Drive
Miami, FL 33133
RE: Orange Bowl Legacy Gift Project at Moore Park
Dear Mayor Diaz and Mr. Hernandez:
In 1933, Manhattan College, then an Eastern football powerhouse, traveled by ocean liner to play
the University of Miami in the inaugural "Palm Festival." That game was played at Moore Park,
where wooden bleachers were erected for 1,800 people to watch the Hurricanes upset Manhattan
7=0 on -a Tate •t quarter scoring drive. O.n that day; he one knew that the foundation had beef laid
for a college football and Miami tradition known as the Orange Bowl.
Out of that game, the Orange Bowl Committee was formed two years later and the first of 74 Orange
Bowl games was played. This year in honor of that first game and the thousands of memorable
moments the Orange Bowl game has provided over the years, the Orange Bowl Committee will
celebrate its 75th Anniversary. In this historic year, not only will the Committee host the 75th
Orange Bowl Game on January 1, 2009, but also it will host the FedEx BCS National Championship
on January 8, 2009.
The Orange Bowl Festival has always provided much more than a football game to the community,
whether it be in the form of the Orange Bowl Youth Football Alliance, the Orange Bowl Sailing
Regatta Series, the Orange Bowl International Tennis Championships, Orange Bowl Fan Fest Events,
the Orange Bowl Basketball Classic, its world renowned Orange Bowl Halftime Show, community
grants or student scholarships. To commemorate its 75th Anniversary, the Orange Bowl Committee
has decided to pursue an Orange Bowl Legacy Gift for the community that has supported the
Orange Bowl Festival and game from the very beginning.
As a nod to the beginning of its storied history, the Orange Bowl Committee is proposing to
construct a youth sports/high school football stadium at Moore Park, the place where the tradition
of the Orange Bowl game was born. After spending several months consulting with you and your
staff on potential site plans and the feasibility of such a project, we are pleased to officially present
this proposal for the Orange Bowl Legacy Gift at Moore Park. The project will include the following:
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Page 2 September 9, 2O0B
•e New livid surface made ofsynthetic field turf
• New running track with appropriate facilities for track and field events
• 1,500 aluminum bleacher seats
• Press box with a PA system
• Electronic scoreboard
• Field lighting
• Storage structure
• Two (2) restroom / concession buildings
* See attached schematic
The total cost estimate and budget of this project is $5.65 million, in which the estimate excludes 1)
permits and impact fees and 2) hazardous materials.
Based upon our discussions with you and the Manager, the Orange Bowl Committee has agreed to
soon - ute 2.5 million to the Moore Park project as outlined above, as well as raise an additional
$ 00 through our corporate sponsors and membership, contingent upon the following:
1. The City will match our contribution and commitment with a grant of $2.5 million as well as a
waiver of permit and impact fees; and
2. The Orange Bowl Committee would have the responsibility to manage and deliver the
construction of the project, subject to appropriate consultation with, and oversight from, the
City
As you know, we are now deep into the process of preparing for the upcoming 75th FedEx Orange
Bowl and 2009 FedEx BCS National Championship. In accordance with our discussions, please
move forward with an appropriate presentation to the City Commission at the earliest possible
time. The Orange Bowl Committee is prepared to assist you in any way you deem advisable. We
are excited about the City of Miami - Orange Bowl Committee partnership on this important
community project.
Sinc ly,
S. Daniel Ponce
President & C airman
SDP/ta
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