Location considerations...
From a venue developer's perspective though, having a site capable of accommodating a spectacle the magnitude and the likes of which, a major international invitational event, drawing in spectators from all over the world, media, and everything else combined. We need to consider how to have 100 to 150 thousand spectators, on the shore and another 15 to 20 thousand in the water in spectator boats.
We did that in Orange Beach in 2003! There was a report of thousands of vehicles stuck in traffic... This is a location that has several routes in and out of it! We all can agree what an impact Orange Beach has had on improving offshore powerboat racing awareness!
Matt between you and me neighbor, Clearwater Beach should be in this consideration as well. Major events need major communities around them to succeed on every level.
Coach