The Florida Power and Light (FPL) Company Amphitheater at Bayfront Park, located less than a mile from downtown Miami, opened just in time for the Super Bowl LIV festivities in February 2020. This impressive 8,500-seat capacity amphitheater boasts state-of-the-art lighting and sound systems along with a solar energy canopy structure designed and manufactured by Lumos Solar.

Renewable energy advocates will be impressed with this attractive, efficient, 500-panel solar feature that covers nearly 400 feet of walkway around the venue. Traditional solar array panels capture sunlight solely on the top side, while the FPL Amphitheater utilizes cutting edge, bifacial solar technology, which is able to capture light and generate energy from both sides of the photovoltaic panel. This solar installation coupled with a complement of seven solar trees, generates more than 250 kilowatts of emissions-free energy annually. That's more electricity than would be consumed during the amphitheater’s entire concert season.

Located just a stone’s throw from the beach, the canopy’s tube steel support structure requires a protective coating that can withstand this highly corrosive, salt water exposed environment. Hot-dip galvanizing (HDG) was selected to provide maintenance-free protection for all structure surfaces, both internal and external. Internal HDG coating prevents the possibility of any undetectable, internal corrosion.

A paint system was applied over the galvanized structure to meet the aesthetic preferences while also providing a second layer of protection. Commonly referred to as a duplex system, a paint coating over the galvanized coat will increase the service life of the combined coatings by 1.5-2 times. Scratches are inherent with any paint system, but the HDG protection underneath will prevent any paint scratch from becoming a corrosion concern.

With 11 past Super Bowls played in Miami, it’s a safe bet the FPL Amphitheater at Bayfront will be hosting festivities for multiple, future Super Bowls, while symbolizing Miami’s commitment to renewable energy. Hot-dip galvanizing will provide the essential protection needed to maintain the structural integrity of this energy generating installation for decades to come.