This Is How We Make It Happen – Inside LGCT Miami Beach

Ever wondered how one of the most spectacular pop-up events in show jumping is created?

Set against the iconic shoreline of Miami Beach, the Longines Global Champions Tour transforms an empty stretch of sand into a world-class sporting arena - in just a matter of weeks.

At the heart of it all is Event Director Colm McKay, who has spent over a decade bringing Global Champions events to life. In this episode of This Is How We Make It Happen, he takes us behind the scenes of what it really takes to build an event of this scale.

From the outside, it’s easy to see the glamour - the ocean backdrop, the grandstand packed with fans, the world’s best horses and riders competing at the highest level. But rewind just a few weeks, and this same location is simply an open beach, with no infrastructure in place.

Planning begins up to six months in advance, with permits, city coordination, and supplier logistics all carefully mapped out. Once on site, the transformation begins. Over 500 people are involved in delivering the event - from catering and security teams to technical crews and suppliers - all working to a tight timeline.

The build itself takes around three weeks. Every element is constructed from the ground up: the arena, hospitality structures, stabling, flooring and more. Even the sand is brought in - with around 64 truckloads of specialist footing, designed specifically for top-level show jumping, laid across the beach.

And timing is everything.

With horses flown in via dedicated aircraft, the venue must be fully prepared to the highest standard before they arrive. For McKay, that responsibility is one of the most intense parts of the job - ensuring every detail is in place, on time, and ready for competition.

But it’s not just about logistics.

“The best part of what we do,” he says, “is the people.” From local teams to international crews, and from city partners to athletes, each event is a collaboration of expertise and energy - set in some of the most incredible destinations in the world.

While grandstand tickets for this year’s event may already be sold out, the experience of LGCT Miami Beach extends far beyond the arena. The public can still soak up the atmosphere along the oceanfront, with access to the vibrant event village, entertainment, and unbeatable views of the action from the beachfront.

LGCT Miami Beach 2026 - 03-05 April
Collins Park, Miami South Beach

Watch the full video above to go behind the scenes and discover how it all comes together.