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Miami Voters Weigh Private Partnership to Restore Marine Stadium
The plan would let the city use event revenue for repairs while keeping public ownership and adding recreational space on Virginia Key.
On Tuesday, Miami voters will decide whether to approve a private partnership to restore the historic Miami Marine Stadium, aiming to return the site on Virginia Key to its former glory.
Opened in 1963 as a powerboat racing venue, the 6,500-seat stadium closed in 1992 after Hurricane Andrew caused severe damage, though studies show the structure remains structurally safe.
The venue hosted Elvis Presley's 1967 film "Clambake" and concerts by Gloria Estefan and Jimmy Buffett, earning State Ken Detzner's 2018 designation of it as "one of the state of Florida's most unique architectural and historic resources."
Breakwater Hospitality Group would manage the site under the referendum, with co-founder Emi Guerra stating Miami retains ownership while the firm serves as "stewards of the city's vision."
Miami Commissioner Damian Pardo insisted taxpayers will not fund the project, which aims to rival Denver's Red Rocks Amphitheatre, fulfilling a vision Donald Worth called a "special, magical place.