Key facts
- Miami voters will decide on Tuesday whether to approve a partnership to restore the Miami Marine Stadium.
- The stadium, designed by Cuban refugee Hilario Candela, opened in 1963 and closed in 1992 after hurricane damage.
- It is listed on the U.S. National Register of Historic Places and is considered a Brutalist architectural masterpiece.
- The venue has hosted powerboat races, concerts by artists like Jimmy Buffett, and political rallies.
- Restoration plans include developing the parking area into a flex park with recreational facilities and an event space.
Miami voters are set to decide the future of the historic Miami Marine Stadium, a Brutalist architectural landmark that has been closed since 1992. The stadium, which opened in 1963, was once a major symbol of South Florida, hosting powerboat races, concerts by artists like Jimmy Buffett and Gloria Estefan, and political events. Designed by Cuban refugee Hilario Candela, it is listed on the U.S. National Register of Historic Places.
Despite its historical significance and structural safety, the stadium has fallen into disrepair since suffering damage from Hurricane Andrew. On Tuesday, residents will vote on a proposal that would allow the city to partner with a private company to restore the venue and its surrounding area. The city would retain full ownership, while the private partner would manage the stadium and develop its parking lot into a flex park with recreational facilities and a special events space.
Supporters, including Miami Commissioner Damian Pardo and Restore Miami Marine Stadium co-founder Donald Worth, emphasize the stadium's deep connection to Miami's identity and its potential as an entertainment destination. Musician Jimmy Buffett, in a letter before his passing, urged officials to save the "little cathedral of musical fun." Project architect Richard Heisenbottle stated that restoration plans aim to honor Candela's original design, incorporating modern amenities while preserving the structure's integrity.
However, some residents, like Ernesto Cuesta of the Brickell Homeowners Association, express concerns about potential noise and traffic impacts on the community and wildlife, preferring a park with more green space. The referendum aims to address the city government's past lack of capacity to manage such a large event space.