Cuban-Designed Miami Stadium Faces Crucial Vote on Future This Tuesday

Residents of Miami will cast their votes this Tuesday to determine the fate of the Miami Marine Stadium. This iconic venue, situated in Virginia Key, has been abandoned for over 30 years. It was originally designed by Hilario Candela, a Cuban refugee who fled to Miami escaping the Cuban Revolution.

This Tuesday's referendum will decide whether the city can partner with a private company to refurbish the structure, which is considered a masterpiece of 20th-century brutalist architecture.

The Vision of Hilario Candela

Born in Havana in 1934, Hilario Candela fled Cuba in 1960. At 27 years old, he was newly exiled when he envisioned a groundbreaking structure with the firm Pancoast, Ferendino, Skeels, and Burnham. His design defied traditional architectural logic by creating a stadium that faced the water rather than the land.

The result was an innovative structure featuring a 99-meter cantilevered concrete roof, the longest of its kind at the time, with unobstructed views. When it opened in December 1963, the stadium had a capacity of 6,500 people, quickly becoming a cultural and sports hub for South Florida.

A Storied Past

The stadium's floating platform hosted performances by the likes of Elvis Presley—whose movie "Clambake" was filmed there in 1967—Gloria Estefan, Ray Charles, and Jimmy Buffett. In 1972, it was the site of a rally for Richard Nixon with Sammy Davis Jr. making a public appearance alongside him.

In 1992, Hurricane Andrew led to its closure, although engineering studies later revealed that the structure had not suffered substantial damage. Since then, the stadium has been fenced off and covered in graffiti, despite being listed on the National Register of Historic Places since 2018.

Efforts Toward Restoration

Candela dedicated his later years to advocating for the stadium's restoration but passed away in January 2022 at the age of 87 without seeing his vision fulfilled.

In February of this year, the City of Miami Commission unanimously approved transferring management of the venue to Global Spectrum L.P., a subsidiary of Oak View Group, under a five-year contract renewable for up to 40 years.

The agreement stipulates that the city would receive 93% of event profits, 85% of sponsorship revenues, and up to $10 million to cover restoration costs, which are estimated to be between $65 and $85 million.

Concerns and Comparisons

In July, Emi Guerra, co-founder of Breakwater Hospitality Group and part of the selected consortium, likened the venue's potential to Denver's Red Rocks Amphitheatre, emphasizing that the city would retain full ownership of the stadium and surrounding land.

However, not everyone is enthusiastic. Ernesto Cuesta, president of the Brickell Homeowners Association, voiced concerns about noise, traffic, and environmental impact on residents across the bay, preferring the area be transformed into a park with more green spaces.

Architect Richard Heisenbottle, tasked with the restoration, noted that the galvanized steel bars used in the original construction have protected the structure from significant deterioration. The necessary documents for the restoration have already been approved by the city.

Commissioner Damian Pardo highlighted the venue's historical significance: "It encapsulated an incredibly unique era of Miami with an extraordinary story that connects with all city residents."