Once again, there appears to be hope for the Miami Marine Stadium. The City of Miami is again considering a plan to renovate this historic venue. As a native Miamian and long-time boater, I am cautiously optimistic that the City Commission will follow through and not allow this iconic structure to be bulldozed to make way for more condominiums or other development.
Growing up in Miami, I have fond memories of a beautiful outdoor stadium that hosted boat races, concerts and other events in a unique open-air venue on the water year-round. Over time it fell into disrepair, events ceased, and use of the area devolved into a raucous weekend party spot, often frequented by illegal boat charters.
The structure itself became all but abandoned, covered in graffiti and uncared for. On weekends, numerous boats and jet skis both anchor in and ply the lagoon, often traveling at unsafe speeds resulting in accidents and injuries. Excessive drinking is rampant, and efforts to contain and control the activities by law enforcement have had little effect on the “scene”. By evening the lagoon is full of boats, many rafted up, partying to loud music well into the early morning hours. It is no surprise that local residents as far away as Brickell are concerned that any new organized use of the stadium will lead to considerable noise that will travel across the water, and affect their peaceful enjoyment of the homes.
The Miami Herald recently reported that concerts and performances are anticipated in the renovated Marine Stadium. With this, one hopes there will be a return of the boat races and other on water events and the elimination of the illegal charter activities and seemingly unregulated and unsafe use of the lagoon by weekend partiers.
Since the Marine Stadium’s completion in 1963, Miami has grown from a sleepy Southern town into a world class city, akin to Los Angeles but on the East Coast. As Miami developed however, so did an obvious deficiency in its waterfront: a lack of dining and event venues. Renovation of the Marine Stadium is a step in the right direction. Miami deserves a world class outdoor venue for water sports events, concerts and other cultural activities. Let’s hope that the City Commission raises this from the ashes of the decrepit structure that presently sits on the site.
The author, Curtis Mase, is a Trial Attorney who specializes in Maritime and Admiralty Law, and a life-long boater with a love for the beautiful waters surrounding Miami.
