During its heyday, powerboat races, Easter sunrise services, and concerts under the stars all drew thousands to Miami Marine Stadium. Hundreds of boats would surround the floating stage to enjoy the festivities. The experience was authentic Miami—there was nothing else like it, anywhere.

The 6,566-seat stadium was designed by 27-year-old, Cuban-born architect Hilario Candela. When it was poured in 1963, its 326-foot, fold-plate roof was the longest span of cantilevered concrete on earth. It is a masterwork of civic architecture and modern construction.

Threat

The stadium has been shut off from the Miami entertainment scene for more than three decades. Its abandonment has led to significant deterioration, environmental damage, and extensive graffiti.

Our Response

The National Trust joined forces with Friends of Miami Marine Stadium in 2008 to save and restore this iconic structure. In 2009, the Trust funded an engineering study of the stadium and included it on its 11 Most Endangered Historic Places list. Since that time, the Trust has supported public awareness, planning, and advocacy efforts aimed at returning the Stadium to public use, while the City of Miami has continued to advance the restoration process through a series of studies, agreements, and public actions.

In addition to our efforts to revive the stadium, the Trust has used social media, national media, and special events to draw the community back to the structure. Most people only experience the overgrown, fenced-off site from a distance. Our events allow Miamians to experience the stadium from different perspectives, building public will to put the building back into good use.

Current Status

In early 2026, the City of Miami is considering a Resolution to designate a future operator for Miami Marine Stadium once it is restored. This designation is a required step for the project to move forward and does not approve a final design, financing plan, or construction agreement. If the Resolution is approved by the City Commission, Miami voters will have the opportunity to weigh in through a public referendum currently anticipated for August 2026.