Miami Marine Stadium bid asks $500,000 yearly fee, commissions

A deal to reactivate Miami Marine Stadium could head to voters this fall, potentially ushering in a new chapter for the long-shuttered waterfront venue.

At a special meeting Sept. 5, commissioners could advance a ballot measure that would go before voters in November, and if approved, the deal would move forward with Global Spectrum L.P. the proposed operator of the stadium and Flex Park.

The city has spent years searching for a way to revive the historic venue. Built in 1963 as the first US stadium designed for powerboat racing, the Virginia Key landmark has been closed since Hurricane Andrew in 1992. As the city has struggled to find a responsible manager of the site, it requested proposals this year for a private operator to restore and run the stadium.

At the end of last week, a special meeting appeared on the commission agenda for Sept. 5, after the commission’s August recess and ahead of its first regularly scheduled meeting Sept. 11.

According to the notice, the meeting is to “consider, prepare, and approve a ballot question to submit to the electorate for majority approval of an operating and management agreement for the Miami Marine Stadium and Flex Park to Global Spectrum L.P., a foreign limited partnership, by special election.”

The agenda also includes consideration of a separate charter amendment related to aligning future city elections with statewide or countywide elections.

City officials announced last week that they had selected Global Spectrum L.P., doing business as OVG360, to operate the stadium. According to the venue management proposal submitted in April 2025 by Oak View Group (OVG), the company envisions revitalizing the stadium into a world-class destination while preserving its iconic Brutalist architecture. The plan calls for modern upgrades including improved acoustics, expanded seating and advanced technological systems.

The Flex Park at the stadium would complement the venue with multifunctional outdoor spaces to provide recreational areas, eco-friendly environments and enhanced visitor amenities.

A cornerstone of OVG’s plan is upgraded food and beverage offerings, working closely with local culinary leaders, including a proposed collaboration with Breakwater and Groot Hospitality, to bring a mix of local flavors and globally inspired dishes, as well as premium and themed dining.

The proposal touts OVG’s reputation and financial responsibility, highlighting a commitment to work transparently with the city to align its fiscal approach with the city’s goals and the shared vision for the Marine Stadium. Details reflect the initial proposal and might change during negotiations.

The financial plan focuses on diversified revenue streams, including event income, sponsorships, premium seating and food and beverage sales, with profit sharing geared to benefit both OVG and the city, helping ensure the stadium’s long-term financial health.

The proposal details a proposed operational and financial framework. OVG suggested an initial 10-year contract, with the option for three 10-year renewals, an annual base management fee of $500,000 adjusted for inflation, and a 10% incentive fee on event revenue.

The company would be exclusive sales agent for sponsorships and premium seating, get a 15% commission, and operate food and beverage services, retaining 7% of gross sales. OVG committed to a total capital investment of $10 million, with $5 million to be paid at the first public event and $5 million at the fifth anniversary.

Miami City Manager Arthur Noriega called the announcement “incredibly exciting news” in a video issued by the city over the weekend. “We’re finally at a point where we have a plan and a trajectory for the renovation of Miami Marine Stadium. That incredible, historic venue, that gem within the City of Miami, something that I think as a resident of the city, and really the region, has been lost to all of us for such a long time,” he said.

Mr. Noriega added that the commission meeting “addresses the ballot language to bring on board an operational and a development partner who’s also going to contribute on the capital side.” He said the plan “reaffirms the city’s commitment and absolute obligation and intent to finally initiate and finalize the renovation and what will be a brand-new chapter for both the Marine Stadium and the Flex Park.”

If voters approve, Global Spectrum would oversee operations and programming, positioning the stadium to once again host concerts, performances and events, breathing life back into the long-closed venue.