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Front Page » Government » Restored Miami Marine Stadium could host beauty pageants, Jet Ski competitions

Restored Miami Marine Stadium could host beauty pageants, Jet Ski competitions

Written by on August 1, 2017
  • www.miamitodayepaper.com
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Restored Miami Marine Stadium could host beauty pageants, Jet Ski competitions

A restored Miami Marine Stadium could host Jet Ski competitions, beauty pageants and much more, says a report on the future of the Virginia Key venue that R.J. Heisenbottle Architects submitted to the Miami City Commission last week.
Richard J. Heisenbottle said his team and a dozen consultants assembled more than 50 potential uses for the waterfront stadium, thanks in large part to community input.
The report lists five categories of potential uses: marine; sports and fitness; community; education and nature; and entertainment.
The city hired the firm in January for architectural and engineering work related to the long-awaited restoration of the vintage 1963 stadium, which the city closed in 1992 in the wake of Hurricane Andrew.
The report to commissioners detailed the four parts of Phase I.
“The challenge of Part A was to answer the primary question at hand. Can the Marine Stadium be successfully restored into a safe structure capable of serving the community’s cultural, sporting and entertainment needs for decades to come?” Mr. Heisenbottle said.
“After having completed extensive evaluation and analysis, I am pleased to say that the answer to the question is an emphatic yes. Moreover, we have identified techniques for cathodic protection of the structure that if properly maintained will allow us to substantially extend the stadium’s lifespan,” he said.
“The challenge of Part B was to answer the second most important question at hand. Beyond the building’s original uses, what sort of new uses would the public like to see the stadium used for and what program areas and equipment are necessary to support those potential uses?” Mr. Heisenbottle said.
He said they broadened the vision to more than 50 types of events including power boat races, sailing regattas, hydroplane races, Ironman competitions, paddle boarding, Red Bull air races, kayaking, drone races, boxing and wrestling, religious events like Easter sunrise services, graduations, artificial reefs, sun bathing, yoga, summer camp, Ted Talks, art festivals, concerts, TV shows, and aquatic shows choreographed with music and lights.
Mr. Heisenbottle said, “We have gone a step further and test fitted these spaces within the existing stadium and floating stage to assure ourselves of the program’s viability… We are confident that the result will be a restored Marine Stadium that is current with entertainment trends throughout the country and that the restored stadium will exceed the expectations of both those who perform in the venue and the patrons who enjoy them.”
The report estimates a probable construction cost of $40,323,361.
“We’re excited,” said Commissioner Francis Suarez.
Restoration will make the stadium “premiere space” and help make Miami “an event destination,” Mr. Suarez said.
Commissioner Ken Russell said stadium restoration is “a dream come true.”
Commissioners approved of staff and Mr. Heisenbottle nominating Marine Stadium for listing on the National Register of Historic Places.
Hilario Candela, original architect of the stadium who is working with the Heisenbottle firm, told commissioners “It’s wonderful to see my baby… back again.”

10 Responses to Restored Miami Marine Stadium could host beauty pageants, Jet Ski competitions

  1. Bert Harris

    August 2, 2017 at 7:15 am

    Interesting. In other words, it can be used for what it was used for before the greedy commission decided that Condo’s would be a better use for the property that was donated to the city for the purposes just described. Genius!

  2. David

    August 2, 2017 at 7:57 am

    Please have boat drags included in your plans

  3. DC Copeland

    August 2, 2017 at 8:26 am

    This is all good. In fact I would venture to say this is one of the best things that has ever happened to this community well, since the stadium first opened for business in 1963. It was and still is the first marine stadium that was built for boat racing and in fact may be the only one in the world– which is something
    the city might want to officially brag about on its website, media, and signage.

  4. Phil Vargas

    August 2, 2017 at 9:42 am

    This is fantastic news. The Marine Stadium is part of the Miami culture. People have always been attracted to marine related venues. The Stadiums future looks bright!

  5. Bob

    August 2, 2017 at 4:32 pm

    It’s all BS…This should have been done by the City in 1993 ,right away, and when their grand condo plans failed, Gloria and Emilo would have had it completed for only 30 million, but zero tax dollars, all private and no costs of paying off commissioners (Add at least 10 million to price). Just the idea that you needed a study to figure out what to use it for is ridiculous, period.With the City involved, price will soar to 100 million or more with all the bribes, payoffs, family jobs, etc. Total joke!

  6. Roberto Zarvos Linhares

    August 3, 2017 at 9:39 am

    I am in favor of demolishing that ugly structure.
    The best use for the Marine Stadium would be developing a walkable marina, with hotels and restaurants and many new slips. Something like in Key West.
    I am a boater and would love to be in a place that looks like Florida, designed with a good sensible taste. Something like an authentic Florida Keys style, nature oriented, with lots of green space, lush vegetation., unlike the eysore that is there now.

    • DC Copeland

      August 3, 2017 at 11:08 am

      Thank God, Roberto, you have no say in the matter. The Marine Stadium is an amazing example of aesthetics and engineering done by slide rule.

  7. Bob Arnold

    August 3, 2017 at 11:28 am

    Exactly DC Copeland! He must be a relative of a City commisioner. More than anything in the world, thats what they wanted to do. It would have already have been open at zero cost to taxpayers if not for the most corrupt commission on the planet, taking the project away, after approving Gloria Estefan paying for everything. Now we will borrow 90 million, but at least their backroom plans were stopped. Historic designation will make it permanent!

  8. Eve

    August 3, 2017 at 1:21 pm

    The Marine Stadium is a Historic land mark and should be restored to its full luster. Sadly it has been left to deteriorate, hope we get to see it shine in the near future!!!

    BTW, DC Copeland I totally agree with your comment!!!!!!!!!!!!

  9. MJ Ridenhower

    August 3, 2017 at 9:31 pm

    What a fantastic thing to do. Miami has a bad habit of demolishing historic landmarks and building right on top something of no real value. It would be great to see a little bit of history restored and maybe throw in a little something new as well. I can imagine it being used for all sorts of things.

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