Miami voters are set to decide on Tuesday whether to approve a public-private partnership that could lead to the restoration of the historic Miami Marine Stadium. The venue, a significant midcentury Brutalist architectural landmark, has been closed and in disrepair since it sustained major damage from Hurricane Andrew in 1992.
Opened in 1963, the stadium was the nation's only venue for powerboat racing and became a prominent symbol of South Florida. Designed by Hilario Candela, a refugee from the Cuban Revolution, the stadium also served as a cultural hub. It was featured in Elvis Presley's 1967 film "Clambake" and hosted performances by artists like Gloria Estefan and the late Jimmy Buffett, who performed on a unique movable, floating stage.
The 6,500-seat stadium, situated on Virginia Key with views of the downtown Miami skyline, has been fenced off and covered in graffiti despite its listing on the U.S. National Register of Historic Places. The proposed partnership aims to bring the venue back to its former prominence.
A Venue of Historical and Cultural Significance
Beyond its architectural merit and sporting heritage, the Miami Marine Stadium played host to notable events and figures. In 1972, President Richard Nixon and Sammy Davis Jr. appeared together at a campaign rally. The stadium also served as a site for community gatherings, including Easter sunrise services and celebrations honoring Our Lady of Charity.
Miami Commissioner Damian Pardo described the stadium as encapsulating a unique period in Miami's history and connecting with residents on a deep, personal level. Candela, who led efforts to restore the stadium until his death in 2022, was recognized for his design, which was called "one of the state of Florida’s most unique architectural and historic resources" by then-Secretary of State Ken Detzner.
Jimmy Buffett, a frequent performer at the stadium, had written a letter to Miami officials urging them to save the venue, which he referred to as the "little cathedral of musical fun." He recalled a memorable 1985 concert where he jumped from the floating stage into the water, joining fans. Buffett's daughter, Savannah, continues to support efforts to restore the stadium. Donald Worth, co-founder of Restore Miami Marine Stadium, initiated a campaign to save the venue in 2008 when city officials initially considered demolishing it.
Potential for a Revitalized Entertainment Destination
Emi Guerra, co-founder of Breakwater Hospitality Group, one of the partners involved in the restoration plan, believes the stadium's location and views could position it as a premier entertainment destination, comparable to venues like Red Rocks Amphitheatre. The architectural significance, combined with its rich history and the personal memories associated with it, makes the stadium a special place for many in Miami.