The Fillmore Miami Beach at the Jackie Gleason Theater (the “Fillmore”) has been an iconic performance venue in the City. The Venue opened in 1950 and hosted musical and dance performances, comedy, and occasionally boxing matches. In the 1960’s it served as the location for the filming of the Jackie Gleason show. Through the decades the Venue went through periods of renovation and many great artists have graced its stage.
On November 8, 2022, the City’s voters approved a $159 million General Obligation (G.O.) Bond for Arts and Culture (“GOBAC”) that included $29,100,000 for renovation of the Fillmore Miami Beach.
On May 24, 2023, Live Nation presented before the Finance and Economic Resiliency Committee its future plans for the reimagining of the Fillmore Miami Beach. Live Nation presented its interest in building a new, state-of-the-art theater that will attract the highest caliber of performers and better serve the residents and visitors of the City of Miami Beach.
During that meeting, a motion was made by Commissioner Richardson to discuss the item at City Commission and further, directed the Administration to explore the option of building a new facility. This discussion item was to return to the July 28, 2023, FERC meeting to address potential funding opportunities. However, the item was withdrawn by the sponsor, and there have been no further discussions since.
Since their presentation, Live Nation has reached out to the Palm View and Collins Park Neighborhood Associations. The neighborhood associations are in favor of a new building.
Presented before the Committee today is a conceptual design (Exhibit A) provided by Live Nation at the May 24, 2023, FERC meeting. A new facility would require funding beyond GOBAC appropriation. Further discussions are needed to gather additional stakeholder input, refine the vision of the Fillmore, and research funding models for a new venue whose future impacts the Convention Center Complex.