Miami-Dade County officials announced a $3.9 million Grand Theft Auto VI marketing and advertising package, with theming to pop up at various spots throughout the area.
The "arrangements" include an agreement with Rockstar Games, the developers of Grand Theft Auto VI, according to a press release by the county. Also included were "separate advertising purchases through media companies that manage advertising space at Miami International Airport (MIA) and across the County’s transportation system."
Planned installations include "themed lighting at MIA and PortMiami, promotional displays on pedestrian walkways ... and decorative wraps on selected traffic signal cabinets throughout the County."
Shop the GTA series, merch on Amazon
GTA VI, scheduled
for a November release, is set in the imaginary Vice City, which is heavily inspired by Miami. The agreed-upon marketing won't be the first to appear in the area — Miami-Dade County officials previously met with "representatives" of Rockstar Games and entered into an agreement to install a sign reading "Welcome to Vice City" on the roof of the Kaseya Center.
The Kaseya Center sign is part of an earlier "$975,000 arrangement" that is "included in the $3.9 million package."
'Vice City' sign atop Miami's Kaseya Center
A Vice City marketing push has begun in Miami, with a sign welcoming visitors to the fictional setting of Grand Theft Auto VI now sitting atop the Kaseya Center.
During Miami-Dade County's second budget hearing, Christopher Hudtwalcker, the mayor's chief of staff, announced that the "administration has entered into a joint marketing agreement" with "representatives and representation from Rockstar Games."
"It was a joint agreement between the Heat, Kaseya, the county and, essentially, Rockstar," Hudtwalcker added.
Commissioner Natalie Milian Orbis said she was surprised that the Miami Herald, which reported on the marketing deal, "knows that Miami-Dade County administrators met with GTA executives to discuss possible advertising campaigns, including Miami International Airport pretending to be Vice City Airport, wrapping a Metro Mover train and manhole covers in Miami-Dade County," and that she would have "appreciated more information."
However, Hudtwalcker said the "only agreement that's been signed is with the Heat arena," and that the county has "received the contribution" of "under a million dollars."
Kodak Black to appear in GTA VI
Kodak Black, a rapper from Pompano Beach, will reportedly feature in the new GTA game as a non-playable character, or NPC.
Rockstar Games released a batch of screenshots to celebrate the game's fast-approaching release, one of which included a likeness of Kodak Black, according to IGN.
When does GTA 6 come out?
According to Rockstar Games, GTA VI will be released on Nov. 19.
Sarah Perkel is a South Florida Connect Reporter for the USA TODAY Network's Florida Connect team. You can get all of Florida’s best cont
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: GTA VI releases soon. New marketing you may see in Miami-Dade
Our editors independently choose our recommendations. Some content is produced with paid support from a third party, however our editorial decisions remain independent. If you buy through our links, the USA TODAY Network may earn a commission. Prices and availability may change.
