Mar 29, 2007 8:07 pm US/Eastern
Carnival Performing Arts Center Struggles
by Liv Davalos
DOWNTOWN MIAMI (CBS4) ―
It ran over budget by several million dollars when it was built and is now running over budget because of lackluster attendance, so the Carnival Performing Arts Center in Downtown Miami is asking for an infusion of $4 million.
The center has been tapping into advanced ticket sales to stay afloat, paying off operating costs such as security and a huge electric bill which keeps the air conditioning running to keep the behemoth complex cool. However, that might not be enough and administrators, as well as county leaders are looking for other sources of money such as the bed tax, which is charged to tourists staying at Miami's hotels.
The center will be running on a $4 million deficit by the end of the year if it doesn't find extra cash soon.
"It is our first six months, so it's a little premature to think about it," said CEO Michael Hardy.
Nonetheless, Hardy says administrators at the center have a 'disaster plan' in place if they can't raise the money this summer, by closing it for 30 days and laying off employees.
The center is expected to run out of money by May and is looking to obtain loan money to take care of operating costs. However, they are hopeful to tap into tourist dollars allocated from the hotel bed tax.
County Manager George Burgess has a positive outlook, saying he's sure that as the center gains popularity, revenues will go up along with ticket sales.
Administrators with the center will go before the county commission next month to ask for the money, at which time commissioners are expected to vote on a decision.
(© MMVII, CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved.)
Life Is Not A Carnival For Performing Arts Center
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