Miami Marine Stadium is a historical iconic stadium situated on Virginia Key, Miami, Florida. It is the first marine stadium in Florida. The stadium was built and opened in 1963. The whole construction of the stadium was done by the Millman Construction Company of Miami. And the land where the stadium is now located was donated by one of the rich families of Miami named the Matheson Family

The Past of The Iconic Miami Marine Stadium

A 28-year-old young man named Hilario Candela designed the structure of this historical Miami Marine Stadium. He was an immigrant from Cuba. This marine stadium cost approximately 2$ million and it covers 240 acres of area.

Dedicated to Ralph Monroe, it was the longest span of cantillate concrete on earth. The stadium consisted of 6,566 seats. There was a mishap that happened on the opening day of the stadium, one of the boat racers named James Tapp was assassinated. Even after that, the event includes many activities like motorboat events and also this function featured many great people like Mith Miller, Sammy Davis, and U.S President Richard Nixon.

From the opening of the marine stadium, it has run almost 30 years smoothly. The stadium was used for many purposes like water sports, concerts, sporting events like boxing, etc. It also hosted many national and international events like Unlimited Hydroplane, inboard, outboard, performance craft as well as special events.

How the Miami Marine Stadium hit the dirt

Due to several issues like political pressure, new restrictions, and lack of promoting such events the stadium saw a deterioration in events from the year the 1980s. Later in the year 1987, the stadium saw its last major race of the 20th Annual  Hydroplane National Championship. Until the 1990s the stadium was fully contaminated.

Another devastating event that destroyed most of the stadium was 1992's Hurricane Andrew, which struck South Florida. After the storm engineers inspected this iconic stadium and found cracks in the foundation and it needs to be refurbished which cost around 2$ million.

Threats of Miami Marine Stadium

After the Stadium was shut off, it faced environmental damages, as the stadium was situated near the sea it faces several natural catastrophes and that was the main reason for this place's deterioration. Another hazardous thing is this place is mostly covered with extensive graffiti. The stadium was nearly closed for 30 years till now and is deteriorating. The city doesn't take any strong steps for the redevelopment of this old Marine stadium.

Rejuvenation of Miami Marine Stadium

The National Trust for Historic Preservation was listed on America’s 11 Most Endangered  Historic Places and as a National Treasure in March 2012. In 2008 a group was formed to restore Miami Marine Stadium and return to its operation.

For the last few years, the old stadium has been used for special events. In 2012 this age-old marine stadium enlisted on the Florida Chapter of the American Institute of Architects, under the chapter of Florida Architecture: 100 years.100 places by the name Ralph Middleton Munroe Miami Marine Stadium.