Latest news with #KeithSheldon
Yahoo
21-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Gumball 3000 and Hard Rock International Extend Partnership to Celebrate Supercars, Music and Lifestyle Entertainment Through Unforgettable Experiences
Images LONDON, May 21, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Gumball 3000 and Hard Rock International today announced a five-year extension to their partnership making Hard Rock the Official Entertainment Partner and Official Hotel Partner for Gumball 3000 through 2030. Hard Rock has played a pivotal role in amplifying the luxury and exotic vehicle experience for fans and participants. The partnership began with 2022's 'Toronto to Miami' Rally, followed by 2023's European Tour and most recently, 2024's Gumball 3000 25th Anniversary Rally 'Saigon to Singapore'. "Hard Rock is a perfect Gumball 3000 partner, harnessing our shared passions across music and entertainment to create spectacular experiences together!", said Maximillion Cooper, Gumball 3000 Founder. "Gumball 3000's celebration of driving culture and luxury lifestyle perfectly complements Hard Rock's commitment to delivering world-class entertainment experiences," said Keith Sheldon, President of Entertainment and Brand for Hard Rock International and Seminole Gaming. "We're proud to continue amplifying the Gumball journey by bringing the energy and spirit of the Hard Rock brand along for the ride." The future of their partnership includes: More Exclusive Global Experiences: Whether it's VIP events, private concerts, fan meal deals or once-in-a-lifetime moments that only Gumball 3000 can offer, the pair are bringing the rally's energy to new fans at Hard Rock cafes, hotels, casinos and live venues around the world. More Superstars: Hard Rock will continue to enhance Gumball 3000's lineup of global superstars from the worlds of music, sports, fashion, film and influencers by bringing some of the biggest names to the Gumball grid. New Merchandise: Gumball 3000 and Hard Rock will continue to launch limited-edition, high-quality apparel in Rock Shops and pop-up stores across the Gumball 3000 Rally. Doing More Good: The companies will also continue their shared commitments to social responsibility. Hard Rock's support for the Gumball 3000 Foundation will generate more funds raised for youth-based projects around the world by donating unique items of sporting and cultural memorabilia for the Foundations yearly auctions. About Gumball 3000® Founded by Maximillion Cooper in 1999, Gumball 3000 is a global lifestyle brand that combines the worlds of automotive culture, sports, and entertainment. Famous for its high-profile rallies and star-studded events, Gumball 3000 attracts fans from around the world, offering them access to some of the most exciting and exclusive moments in automotive and beyond. For more information about Gumball 3000, visit About Hard Rock® Hard Rock International (HRI) is one of the most globally recognized companies with venues in nearly 80 countries spanning more than 300 locations including owned/licensed or managed Hotels, Casinos, Rock Shops®, Live Performance Venues and Cafes. Beginning with an Eric Clapton guitar, Hard Rock owns the world's largest and most valuable collection of authentic music memorabilia with more than 88,000 pieces displayed at locations around the globe. The Unity™ by Hard Rock global loyalty program rewards members for doing the things they love across participating properties. In addition, Hard Rock Digital spotlights the sports betting and iGaming experience with products remixed in the spirit of Hard Rock for players worldwide. HRI has received numerous industry, destination and workplace awards across the travel, hospitality, gaming, entertainment and food & beverage sectors. HRI currently holds investment grades from primary investment-grade rating agencies: S&P Global Ratings (BBB) and Fitch Ratings (BBB). For more information on Hard Rock International, visit or View original content to download multimedia: SOURCE Hard Rock International Sign in to access your portfolio
San Francisco Chronicle
04-05-2025
- Entertainment
- San Francisco Chronicle
A merging of cultures is happening in Miami, where F1's circuit has become a beach vacation
MIAMI GARDENS, Fla. (AP) — In between the loud zooms of cars whipping around the race track, nightclub-like electronic beats blared through the speakers at the Miami Grand Prix. Some attendees took in the scene sitting comfortably in shaded trackside suites. Some dipped their feet in a pool at the Hard Rock Beach Club, the signature day club at the Miami International Autodrome that provides a tropical backdrop for some of the most popular music acts in the city. Hard Rock Stadium organizers are used to hosting some of the biggest events in sports: The Super Bowl. Tennis tournaments. College football's national championship game. Formula One is just the latest annual star-studded spectacle. As F1 has gained popularity in the U.S. in recent years — thanks in part to the popular Netflix series 'Drive to Survive' — the Miami Grand Prix has become one of the more appealing stops on the F1 calendar, infusing racing weekend with festival-like concerts and parties to draw more people to the track. 'Fan bases are built at events, not on television," said Tom Garfinkel, managing partner of the Miami Grand Prix. "I think you become a fan at the event. So if we can create a great festival atmosphere here for casual fans and then they come, they're going to fall in love with the racing.' There are two other F1 races in the U.S. every year. Las Vegas was added to the schedule in 2023 and F1 also makes a stop at the Circuit of the Americas in Austin, Texas. But Miami Grand Prix feels its emphasis on music, entertainment and Miami's culture is what sets its race apart. 'At the end of the day when you think about that Miami culture, you're thinking about the sunshine, you're thinking about great culinary offerings," said Keith Sheldon, Hard Rock's president of entertainment and brand management, "and you're also thinking about amazing music." 'Certainly other F1 races have done a great job bringing in amazing musicians and bands and performers to help elevate the offerings," Sheldon added. "But I think that Miami really makes it a part of every race. It's in between runs. It's before qualifying, after. There's just so much happening around music and entertainment.' In the fourth year of the event's 20-year stay in Miami, a mix of pop and Latin acts filled the entertainment lineup to appeal to both a local and global audience. Around 275,000 people were expected to attend the three-day race weekend, Garfinkel said. About 60% of those attendees were from Florida, with a majority living in South Florida. Dutch music producer DJ Tiesto was set play at the start and finish of Sunday's race. Pitbull was headlining a concert later that evening. Other weekend performances included popular Miami-born DJ Steve Aoki and electro-dance duo Sofi Tukker. On Saturday, Lando Norris beat McLaren Racing teammate Oscar Piastri to win an eventful, rain-soaked sprint race early in the afternoon. Max Verstappen edged Norris of by .065 seconds in qualifying later that day to take the top starting spot for Sunday's race. Both races were displayed on a huge outdoor jumbotron at the beach club, which is by Turns 11, 12 and 13. Sprawling white cabanas lined the area to provide a mild escape from the sweltering South Florida heat. There's a bar in the center of the outdoor club and a pool right beside that. Later that evening, the area turned into a concert pit for Aoki's high-energy set. 'It combines all the best things of Miami," said Stacey Mageropoulos, a Ferrari fan who drove in from the nearby city Sunrise. 'You get Formula One, but then you get the beach experiences, which everyone knows Miami for that. ... I'm at a festival while I'm at F1. It's the best of both worlds.' Music also took a front seat just outside the team garages at the track, where upbeat tunes that make up the soundtrack for this summer's 'F1' movie could be heard. The Miami Grand Prix was the first time that most people could listen to the records, which featured a range of artists from Ed Sheeran and Doja Cat to Roddy Ricch. 'I think it's great to merge the worlds,' Ricch said Saturday, his first time at an F1 event. 'You see what Travis Scott does when he goes to be with WWE, with the wrestlers. It's all different people who just love and enjoy entertainment and culture. That's always a good way to blend different worlds.' ___
Yahoo
04-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
A merging of cultures is happening in Miami, where F1's circuit has become a beach vacation
MIAMI GARDENS, Fla. (AP) — In between the loud zooms of cars whipping around the race track, nightclub-like electronic beats blared through the speakers at the Miami Grand Prix. Some attendees took in the scene sitting comfortably in shaded trackside suites. Some dipped their feet in a pool at the Hard Rock Beach Club, the signature day club at the Miami International Autodrome that provides a tropical backdrop for some of the most popular music acts in the city. Hard Rock Stadium organizers are used to hosting some of the biggest events in sports: The Super Bowl. Tennis tournaments. College football's national championship game. Formula One is just the latest annual star-studded spectacle. As F1 has gained popularity in the U.S. in recent years — thanks in part to the popular Netflix series 'Drive to Survive' — the Miami Grand Prix has become one of the more appealing stops on the F1 calendar, infusing racing weekend with festival-like concerts and parties to draw more people to the track. 'Fan bases are built at events, not on television," said Tom Garfinkel, managing partner of the Miami Grand Prix. "I think you become a fan at the event. So if we can create a great festival atmosphere here for casual fans and then they come, they're going to fall in love with the racing.' There are two other F1 races in the U.S. every year. Las Vegas was added to the schedule in 2023 and F1 also makes a stop at the Circuit of the Americas in Austin, Texas. But Miami Grand Prix feels its emphasis on music, entertainment and Miami's culture is what sets its race apart. 'At the end of the day when you think about that Miami culture, you're thinking about the sunshine, you're thinking about great culinary offerings," said Keith Sheldon, Hard Rock's president of entertainment and brand management, "and you're also thinking about amazing music." 'Certainly other F1 races have done a great job bringing in amazing musicians and bands and performers to help elevate the offerings," Sheldon added. "But I think that Miami really makes it a part of every race. It's in between runs. It's before qualifying, after. There's just so much happening around music and entertainment.' In the fourth year of the event's 20-year stay in Miami, a mix of pop and Latin acts filled the entertainment lineup to appeal to both a local and global audience. Around 275,000 people were expected to attend the three-day race weekend, Garfinkel said. About 60% of those attendees were from Florida, with a majority living in South Florida. Dutch music producer DJ Tiesto was set play at the start and finish of Sunday's race. Pitbull was headlining a concert later that evening. Other weekend performances included popular Miami-born DJ Steve Aoki and electro-dance duo Sofi Tukker. On Saturday, Lando Norris beat McLaren Racing teammate Oscar Piastri to win an eventful, rain-soaked sprint race early in the afternoon. Max Verstappen edged Norris of by .065 seconds in qualifying later that day to take the top starting spot for Sunday's race. Both races were displayed on a huge outdoor jumbotron at the beach club, which is by Turns 11, 12 and 13. Sprawling white cabanas lined the area to provide a mild escape from the sweltering South Florida heat. There's a bar in the center of the outdoor club and a pool right beside that. Later that evening, the area turned into a concert pit for Aoki's high-energy set. 'It combines all the best things of Miami," said Stacey Mageropoulos, a Ferrari fan who drove in from the nearby city Sunrise. 'You get Formula One, but then you get the beach experiences, which everyone knows Miami for that. ... I'm at a festival while I'm at F1. It's the best of both worlds.' Music also took a front seat just outside the team garages at the track, where upbeat tunes that make up the soundtrack for this summer's 'F1' movie could be heard. The Miami Grand Prix was the first time that most people could listen to the records, which featured a range of artists from Ed Sheeran and Doja Cat to Roddy Ricch. 'I think it's great to merge the worlds,' Ricch said Saturday, his first time at an F1 event. 'You see what Travis Scott does when he goes to be with WWE, with the wrestlers. It's all different people who just love and enjoy entertainment and culture. That's always a good way to blend different worlds.' ___ AP auto racing:
Hamilton Spectator
04-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Hamilton Spectator
A merging of cultures is happening in Miami, where F1's circuit has become a beach vacation
MIAMI GARDENS, Fla. (AP) — In between the loud zooms of cars whipping around the race track, nightclub-like electronic beats blared through the speakers at the Miami Grand Prix. Some attendees took in the scene sitting comfortably in shaded trackside suites. Some dipped their feet in a pool at the Hard Rock Beach Club, the signature day club at the Miami International Autodrome that provides a tropical backdrop for some of the most popular music acts in the city. Hard Rock Stadium organizers are used to hosting some of the biggest events in sports: The Super Bowl. Tennis tournaments. College football's national championship game. Formula One is just the latest annual star-studded spectacle. As F1 has gained popularity in the U.S. in recent years — thanks in part to the popular Netflix series 'Drive to Survive' — the Miami Grand Prix has become one of the more appealing stops on the F1 calendar, infusing racing weekend with festival-like concerts and parties to draw more people to the track. 'Fan bases are built at events, not on television,' said Tom Garfinkel, managing partner of the Miami Grand Prix. 'I think you become a fan at the event. So if we can create a great festival atmosphere here for casual fans and then they come, they're going to fall in love with the racing.' There are two other F1 races in the U.S. every year. Las Vegas was added to the schedule in 2023 and F1 also makes a stop at the Circuit of the Americas in Austin, Texas. But Miami Grand Prix feels its emphasis on music, entertainment and Miami's culture is what sets its race apart. 'At the end of the day when you think about that Miami culture, you're thinking about the sunshine, you're thinking about great culinary offerings,' said Keith Sheldon, Hard Rock's president of entertainment and brand management, 'and you're also thinking about amazing music.' 'Certainly other F1 races have done a great job bringing in amazing musicians and bands and performers to help elevate the offerings,' Sheldon added. 'But I think that Miami really makes it a part of every race. It's in between runs. It's before qualifying, after. There's just so much happening around music and entertainment.' In the fourth year of the event's 20-year stay in Miami , a mix of pop and Latin acts filled the entertainment lineup to appeal to both a local and global audience. Around 275,000 people were expected to attend the three-day race weekend, Garfinkel said. About 60% of those attendees were from Florida, with a majority living in South Florida. Dutch music producer DJ Tiesto was set play at the start and finish of Sunday's race. Pitbull was headlining a concert later that evening. Other weekend performances included popular Miami-born DJ Steve Aoki and electro-dance duo Sofi Tukker. On Saturday, Lando Norris beat McLaren Racing teammate Oscar Piastri to win an eventful, rain-soaked sprint race early in the afternoon. Max Verstappen edged Norris of by .065 seconds in qualifying later that day to take the top starting spot for Sunday's race. Both races were displayed on a huge outdoor jumbotron at the beach club, which is by Turns 11, 12 and 13. Sprawling white cabanas lined the area to provide a mild escape from the sweltering South Florida heat. There's a bar in the center of the outdoor club and a pool right beside that. Later that evening, the area turned into a concert pit for Aoki's high-energy set. 'It combines all the best things of Miami,' said Stacey Mageropoulos, a Ferrari fan who drove in from the nearby city Sunrise. 'You get Formula One, but then you get the beach experiences, which everyone knows Miami for that. ... I'm at a festival while I'm at F1. It's the best of both worlds.' Music also took a front seat just outside the team garages at the track, where upbeat tunes that make up the soundtrack for this summer's 'F1' movie could be heard. The Miami Grand Prix was the first time that most people could listen to the records, which featured a range of artists from Ed Sheeran and Doja Cat to Roddy Ricch. 'I think it's great to merge the worlds,' Ricch said Saturday, his first time at an F1 event. 'You see what Travis Scott does when he goes to be with WWE, with the wrestlers. It's all different people who just love and enjoy entertainment and culture. That's always a good way to blend different worlds.' ___ AP auto racing:
Winnipeg Free Press
04-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Winnipeg Free Press
A merging of cultures is happening in Miami, where F1's circuit has become a beach vacation
MIAMI GARDENS, Fla. (AP) — In between the loud zooms of cars whipping around the race track, nightclub-like electronic beats blared through the speakers at the Miami Grand Prix. Some attendees took in the scene sitting comfortably in shaded trackside suites. Some dipped their feet in a pool at the Hard Rock Beach Club, the signature day club at the Miami International Autodrome that provides a tropical backdrop for some of the most popular music acts in the city. Hard Rock Stadium organizers are used to hosting some of the biggest events in sports: The Super Bowl. Tennis tournaments. College football's national championship game. Formula One is just the latest annual star-studded spectacle. As F1 has gained popularity in the U.S. in recent years — thanks in part to the popular Netflix series 'Drive to Survive' — the Miami Grand Prix has become one of the more appealing stops on the F1 calendar, infusing racing weekend with festival-like concerts and parties to draw more people to the track. 'Fan bases are built at events, not on television,' said Tom Garfinkel, managing partner of the Miami Grand Prix. 'I think you become a fan at the event. So if we can create a great festival atmosphere here for casual fans and then they come, they're going to fall in love with the racing.' There are two other F1 races in the U.S. every year. Las Vegas was added to the schedule in 2023 and F1 also makes a stop at the Circuit of the Americas in Austin, Texas. But Miami Grand Prix feels its emphasis on music, entertainment and Miami's culture is what sets its race apart. 'At the end of the day when you think about that Miami culture, you're thinking about the sunshine, you're thinking about great culinary offerings,' said Keith Sheldon, Hard Rock's president of entertainment and brand management, 'and you're also thinking about amazing music.' 'Certainly other F1 races have done a great job bringing in amazing musicians and bands and performers to help elevate the offerings,' Sheldon added. 'But I think that Miami really makes it a part of every race. It's in between runs. It's before qualifying, after. There's just so much happening around music and entertainment.' In the fourth year of the event's 20-year stay in Miami, a mix of pop and Latin acts filled the entertainment lineup to appeal to both a local and global audience. Around 275,000 people were expected to attend the three-day race weekend, Garfinkel said. About 60% of those attendees were from Florida, with a majority living in South Florida. Dutch music producer DJ Tiesto was set play at the start and finish of Sunday's race. Pitbull was headlining a concert later that evening. Other weekend performances included popular Miami-born DJ Steve Aoki and electro-dance duo Sofi Tukker. On Saturday, Lando Norris beat McLaren Racing teammate Oscar Piastri to win an eventful, rain-soaked sprint race early in the afternoon. Max Verstappen edged Norris of by .065 seconds in qualifying later that day to take the top starting spot for Sunday's race. Both races were displayed on a huge outdoor jumbotron at the beach club, which is by Turns 11, 12 and 13. Sprawling white cabanas lined the area to provide a mild escape from the sweltering South Florida heat. There's a bar in the center of the outdoor club and a pool right beside that. Later that evening, the area turned into a concert pit for Aoki's high-energy set. Winnipeg Jets Game Days On Winnipeg Jets game days, hockey writers Mike McIntyre and Ken Wiebe send news, notes and quotes from the morning skate, as well as injury updates and lineup decisions. Arrives a few hours prior to puck drop. 'It combines all the best things of Miami,' said Stacey Mageropoulos, a Ferrari fan who drove in from the nearby city Sunrise. 'You get Formula One, but then you get the beach experiences, which everyone knows Miami for that. … I'm at a festival while I'm at F1. It's the best of both worlds.' Music also took a front seat just outside the team garages at the track, where upbeat tunes that make up the soundtrack for this summer's 'F1' movie could be heard. The Miami Grand Prix was the first time that most people could listen to the records, which featured a range of artists from Ed Sheeran and Doja Cat to Roddy Ricch. 'I think it's great to merge the worlds,' Ricch said Saturday, his first time at an F1 event. 'You see what Travis Scott does when he goes to be with WWE, with the wrestlers. It's all different people who just love and enjoy entertainment and culture. That's always a good way to blend different worlds.' ___ AP auto racing:
