HELP US SAVE THE MIAMI MARINE STADIUM!
WHERE IS THE LOVE?
THE RESTORATION TIMELINE:
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On February 20, 2008, Friends of Miami Marine Stadium (FMMS) was formed. The effort undertaken by FMMS is the first-and only feasible plan in 20 years for restoration and operation of the property.
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FMMS secured historic designation by Miami’s Historic Preservation and Environmental Board.
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The stadium was also recognized as an architectural masterpiece by the National Trust for Historic Preservation. It was named to the National Trust’s 11 Most Endangered List in 2009.
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In 2009, the Worlds Monuments Fund, the foremost organization worldwide devoted to the preservation of architectural and cultural sites, named the Marine Stadium to its 2010 Watch List (significant endangered sites), along with places such as Macchu Picchu, the historic center of Buenos Aires, the City of Old Jerusalem, and Gaudi’s La Sagrada Familia in Barcelona.
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On April 6, 2010, Miami-Dade County Commissioners passed a resolution to allocate $3-million to the stadium to start its historical preservation and return it as a venue for water sports and major concerts.
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On July 22, 2010, the Miami City Commission approved the Virginia Key Master Plan, which includes the Miami Marine Stadium.
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In January 2012, Miami Sports and Exhibition Authority (MSEA), a quasi-public organization, approved a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) and Resolution, the first step in the creation of a partnership between FMMS, MSEA and the Miami City Commission to restore the Marine Stadium.
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In March, 2012, the Miami City Commission approved the MOU. Friends of Miami Marine Stadium must submit a business plan within six months and develop full funding within two years.
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Friends of Miami Marine Stadium was created as an all-volunteer organization in February 2008 to advocate for restoration of the Marine Stadium, under the administrative umbrella of the Dade Heritage Trust. Since then, FMMS has provided over $600,000 to the cause and has never received nor requested funding from the City of Miami for its efforts.
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FMMS has now transitioned from a group focused on advocacy to one that is prepared to guide the restoration of the Marine Stadium. It incorporated in December 2010 and received its (501)(c)(3) designation in August 2011.
Miami has a plan to restore the historic Miami Marine Stadium with an estimated cost exceeding $60 million, with the city aiming to secure voter approval for the project in November 2025. The initiative involves using a private operator to manage the venue once restored, making it a global-class destination for music and cultural events. The project is part of a larger master plan for Virginia Key and involves critical structural repairs, the construction of a new welcome center and museum, and upgraded boat launches and parking areas. However, this type of plan has fallen apart multiple times over the past 20 years.
A group, Friends of Miami Marine Stadium, was formed in 2008 with the purpose of restoring the Marine Stadium and returning it to operation. Performer Gloria Estefan, through her charity group, is a major contributor to Friends of Miami Marine Stadium. The City of Miami granted control of the stadium property to the group in 2013, and the group returned in late 2014 with a revitalization proposal and supposed funds. This project brought the Miami International Boat Show to the Miami Marine Stadium on February 11–15, 2016. The Miami International Boat Show used the Marine Stadium as a venue from 2016 until 2021.
In 2016, the Miami City Commission voted to approve up to $45 million in revenue-bond financing to restore the stadium. An architecture firm was hired and restoration plans were finalized, but the bond authorization expired. The city had planned to renovate the Miami Marine Stadium into a concert venue, but, by late 2020, Miami officials had refused to disclose detailed plans for the venue. By 2021, the city of Miami was looking to hire a new advisor to consult on the restoration of the Miami Marine Stadium. City commissioners were expected to vote on a $61.2 million revenue bond financing on February 24, 2022, but the vote was deferred until late May 2022. This delay was intended to allow Miami officials to conduct a cost–benefit analysis of the renovation. In June 2022, Miami officials further postponed a vote on the bond.
Meanwhile, Miami officials proposed in late 2022 to build a boat ramp, as well as parking space for boat trailers, next to the Miami Marine Stadium. Miami's Planning and Zoning Advisory Board approved the proposal in December 2022, in spite of concerns that the construction of the boat ramp would cause congestion on the Rickenbacker Causeway. Preservationist group Dade Heritage Trust asked city officials to cancel the approval of the boat ramp, but Miami city commissioners rejected the request in early 2023. Workers began restoring the Miami Marine Stadium in early 2023, repairing damaged pilings at a cost of $2.4 million.
Miami Marine Stadium Restoration
"In 2004, $3 million was pledged in a municipal bonds by county residents for the restoration and renovation of the facilities."
By the way, $3,000,000 in 2004 is equivalent in purchasing power to about $5,130,460.56 today.
Design and permitting for the future renovation was completed by the architecture firm Richard J. Heisenbottle and Associates.
At this time, the city is conducting a business analysis for the future operations of the stadium.
Scope:
Restoration of the Miami Marine Stadium includes complex construction activities involving structural repair(s) with materials, features and character as it appeared in the 1960s. The project also includes the creation of a 3-acre plaza.
Status:
Phase I consists in infrastructure repair of nine (9) piles and two (2) caps renovation. This work was completed in January 2024.
DETAILS ABOUT THE PROJECT PLANS
Miami has a plan to restore the historic Marine Stadium with an estimated cost exceeding $60 million, with the city aiming to secure voter approval for the project in November 2025. The initiative involves using a private operator to manage the venue once restored, making it a global-class destination for music and cultural events. The project is part of a larger master plan for Virginia Key and involves critical structural repairs, the construction of a new welcome center and museum, and upgraded boat launches and parking areas.
Project Overview
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Goal: To restore the iconic Miami Marine Stadium into a world-class concert and performance venue.
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Cost: The restoration is estimated to cost more than $60 million.
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Voter Approval: The final decision on the stadium's future will be presented to Miami voters in November.
Key Aspects of the Restoration
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Structural Repairs:
Initial efforts have focused on critical structural repairs to the stadium's foundation, particularly the pilings.
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New Amenities:
Plans include a new welcome center, museum, upgraded boat launches, and improved parking facilities.
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Private Operator:
The city plans to hire a private operator to manage the stadium's operations, ensuring its financial health and reducing taxpayer risk.
History of the Miami Marine Stadium
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Construction:
Built in 1963, the stadium was the first purpose-built venue for powerboat racing in the US.
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Closure:
The historic Brutalist structure was abandoned after Hurricane Andrew in 1992 and has suffered significant degradation.
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Significance:
The stadium is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and is considered a major cultural and architectural landmark.
WHERE IS THE LOVE?