Abandoned stadium left to rot when officials declared it unsafe finally given new lease of life as refurbishment begins
WORK has now begun on renovating a unique Miami sports stadium that was left to rot for 30 years.
Hurricane Andrew wreaked havoc in the Florida city back in 1993, damaging the one-of-a-kind aquatic venue.
And it was that bad that the Miami Marine Stadium was officially declared unsafe and had remained abandoned ever since.
It became a sanctuary for wildlife, with racoons regularly spotted on its grounds.
But a $60million project to breathe new life into the Magic City’s forgotten powerboat racing arena finally started in February 2023.
And EDM Tunes recently claimed that a “surge in support and funding has sparked hope for the resurrection” for the historic venue.
The city commission has already given approval for a comprehensive restoration plan.
And there are hopes that the stadium that had a floating barge stage and incredible architecture could also return to staging music concerts again as well as potential sporting events.
The 6,566-seat venue was built in 1963 and sits on Virginia Key.
And the location on the shores of Biscayne Bay ensured incredible views of the Miami skyline.
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Designed by the late Cuban architect Hilario Candela at a cost of $2m, it boasted a steep single-deck stand that looked out over clear-blue waters.
It has eight giant concrete pillars that used to support the huge canopy, ensuring that fans there had an unobstructed view of the bay from every seat.
It was the first purpose-built powerboat racing stadium ever constructed in the US and was named the Ralph Munroe Marine Stadium upon opening.
The picturesque venue held watersports, boxing matches, music concerts, and even political rallies.
However, the Miami Marine Stadium started to fall into disrepair before Category 5 storm Andrew made landfall in August 1992, causing its closure.
And it has endured years of neglect ever since after being allowed to lay there derelict and forgotten.
Despite it being guarded 24 hours a day by security, daring tourists have often tried to get a look inside the structure.
But those that have managed it have instantly seen the work of graffiti artists as street art now adorns the concrete walls at every turn.
And the haunting empty arena has also provided a new home for local wildlife, with raccoons often spotted darting around the derelict stadium.
Numerous efforts to restore it to its former glories have been scuppered since its closure.
Red tape from the city chiefs and funding issues have both caused challenges to those supporters advocating for it to be renovated.
And after years of legal wrangling, the Miami Marine Stadium restoration project finally appears to be on track – although it is not expected to be completed until at least the end of 2025.
Assistant communications director for the City of Miami Kenia Fallat explained last year: “To renovate the entire stadium, there would be much more work to do, structurally and otherwise.”
The projected $45m project is set to include repairs to the roof, seating and infrastructure as part of the renovation.
That could eventually lead to the much-loved stadium, which was named a National Treasure by the National Trust in 2012. eventually being re-opened.
And that is great news for architect Richard Heisenbottle, who believes everything should be done to preserve and resurrect one of the country’s forgotten jewels.
Speaking back in 2021, he said: “We can list all the reasons why we must support the Marine Stadium.
“The building is as much of our heritage as the freedom tower, Olympia Theatre, Vizcaya, and the Biltmore Hotel are.
“Yes, it is a different architectural style, but when we talk about saving a building like this, we talk about saving our heritage for future generations.
“What it takes is to have the political will to understand the importance of these things and to work toward making them financially viable.
“It is important and goes well beyond the financial aspects … but for the importance of the community.”