Thanks to your help and that of DJs like Tommy Sunshine, the The Miami City Commission couldn't say no to the second weekend or Phase 2 on March 22, 23 and 24, 2013. We covered EDMsnob's efforts in raising 10,000 signatures in a petition to stop the City from stopping Ultra's Phase 2.
City of Miami Commissioner Marc Sarnoff wasn't fond of the idea of a two weekend festival - or Woodstock in the center of the city - instead of the original 3-day Ultra. It didn't help that the tickets were on sale before the approval was granted from the authorities. So Ultra isn't only in the sufferer role here, a bit of a impudent move by the Ultra management. However, Ultra representative Brian May addressed the Committee, saying that celebrating its 15th anniversary in 2013, the event has grown out of its limits. Emphasizing the fact that the event is bigger than ever, that it is important for Miami's 'brand' both in economic and promotional terms. Nothing wrong with those arguments, downtown businesses - hotels and restaurants - benefit hugely from the festival. May predicted that 300,000 people will go through the gates in six days, generating an estimated $150 million for the local economy (almost double as the year before - $79 million in 2012). “This is a unique concept from anything ever done before in our space, as it will be two weekends…two unique experiences,” said the festival’s co-founder Russell Faibisch.
Mayor of Miami, Tomás Regalado, told to the Miami Herald:“Personally, I think one weekend is enough. We understand that we have to accommodate all festivals, but two weekends with street closures would collapse downtown. Plus, people complain about the kids.”
This is the rather boring video of the Commission of Miami. Great documentation, if you're interested in the specifics or trying to go to sleep, though!
When the EDM community heard about Ultra's struggles with the authorities, scene identities such as Tommie Sunshine and others got behind UMF. EDMsnob managed to collect close approximately 8,000 signatures. 2,000 shy of the intended 10,000 votes - not bad. Surely, the public pressure played a role in tha final voting. Certainly it helped, that UMF payed $500,000 to Miami to help manage the logistical needs of the city.
Official announcement on UMF home page:
Yes, it’s all systems go and we are moving full steam ahead!!! ULTRA Music Festival will make history in 2013 as the world’s first ever ELECTRONIC music festival to take place over two weekends on March 15-17 and March 22-24 in celebration of our 15 year anniversary.
We appreciate the incredible support of the City of Miami Commission, Mayor, Bayfront Park Management Trust, and Fire and Police Departments, as together we have implemented a logistical plan that addresses everyone’s concerns, including those of local residents and businesses, allowing us to move forward and focus on producing the first rate, world class event ULTRA has become.
We’re extremely excited about the double-weekend celebration that will take place at the world’s most beautiful event location, Bayfront Park & Biscayne Blvd, in the heart of the Magic City, Downtown Miami.
As we enter our 15th year, and approach a complete SELL OUT of all 330,000 available tickets, those of you lucky enough to attend can expect ULTRA’s strongest and most diverse lineup to date, with an unparalleled level of production never before seen at a festival of this magnitude. As has become our signature, ticket holders can expect a wide array of surprises, including the possibility of unannounced mega artist appearances!
ULTRA Music Festival is proud to be the World’s Premier Electronic Music Festival, and we would like to thank all of the artists, managers, agents and most importantly, THE FANS, who have contributed to making ULTRA a focal point of the strongest musical and cultural movement on earth. ULTRA 15… HERE WE GO!!!
Ultra Music Festival line-up can't be described as simply impressive. The Phase 1 line-up itself is already beyond reason. Check out the official teaser video and the full list below!
Watch the official teaser video for Ultra Music Festival Phase 1!
Ultra Music Festival 2013 Phase 1 line-up:
DJs:
Above & Beyond
Afrojack
Armin van Buuren
Avicii
Bassnectar
Calvin Harris
Carl Cox
David Guetta
Fatboy Slim
Kaskade
Knife Party
Richie Hawtin
Swedish House Mafia
Tiësto
Live Acts:
The Bloody Beetroots
Booka Shade
Boys Noize
Crystal Castles
deadmau5
Disclosure
DJ Fresh (Live)
Hot Chip
Major Lazer
Matt & Kim
Modestep
Rudimental
Thievery Corporation
Yeasayer
Arenas:
A State Of Trance 600 Arena
Carl Cox and Friends Arena
Mixmag Arena
Space Ibiza
Photo: Phillip Pessar