Miami Beach officials, the FIFA World Cup 2026 Miami Host Committee and Griffin Catalyst will hold a ceremony at Normandy Isle Park on Thursday, Oct. 29, starting at 10 a.m. The park is at 7030 Trouville Esplanade.
The event will celebrate the ONE GAME ONE FUTURE legacy investment. Griffin Catalyst, the civic engagement initiative of Citadel founder and CEO Ken Griffin, is helping pay for the city’s $1.5 million artificial turf replacement at the park’s athletic field. The new surface is meant to be safer and more durable.
Miami Beach Mayor Steven Meiner said the field is where local kids play and learn to love the game. Commissioner Joseph Magazine said the investment will keep the World Cup’s momentum going for young players in the city.
Griffin Catalyst also backed youth watch parties, sponsored the FIFA Fan Festival Miami and, with Stephen Ross, donated 1,200 World Cup tickets to local youth. Its work with the U.S. Soccer Foundation and Children’s Trust is tied to the Miami-Dade Soccer Initiative, which the group said has expanded access to soccer for thousands of young people.
Rodney Barreto, co-chair of the host committee, said the tournament’s lasting value is the places to play it leaves behind.
