The forgotten Miami Marine Stadium has stood abandoned on the Virginia Key waterfront since being ravaged by Hurricane Andrew in 1992.Now, 34 years on, it could be handed a lifeline by voters.The Miami Marine Stadium could be restored under new plans sent to a voteGettyA landmark of mid-century Brutalist design, distinguished by a sweeping cantilevered roof and views of Miami’s skyline, the marine stadium opened in 1963 as the only venue built specifically for powerboat racing in the United States.Designed by architect Hilario Candela, a young Cuban refugee, the 6,500-seat facility saw its fair share of history.As well as being used as intended for water sports, Miami Marine Stadium also featured prominently in the 1967 Elvis Presley movie Clambake, and hosted memorable music performances on its floating stage. Most recently, it was the backdrop to a Travis Kelce GQ cover. Music artists including Gloria Estefan and the late Jimmy Buffett performed to crowds there, while former US president Richard Nixon and Sammy Davis Jr. shared the stage there during a 1972 campaign rally.Two decades later, though, the stadium suffered serious damage when Hurricane Andrew — the most destructive storm to ever hit Florida — barreled through.Officials declared the venue unsafe in 1992, and in the years since, it has fallen into disarray.Today it stands fenced off and covered in graffiti, despite being listed on the US National Register of Historic Places.Hopefully, that will soon change.Florida locals to vote on restoration of forgotten stadiumOn Tuesday (August 18), voters will decide on whether to allow the City of Miami to partner with a private company to return the unique stadium to its former glory.Miami Marine Stadium opened in 1963 as the only purpose-built powerboat racing venue in the USGettyIt has been left abandoned since being damaged by Hurricane Andrew in 1992GettyWhile it hasn’t been used for more than 30 years, engineering assessments show the structure remains sound.Project architect Richard Heisenbottle, who has led other prominent restoration efforts in Miami, believes reviving the venue will honor architect Candela’s legacy.Miami Commissioner Damian Pardo has acknowledged that past revitalization attempts failed because the city lacked the operational capacity to manage a major venue.Tuesday’s ballot question would authorize Miami to finalize a management contract.“It’s the right time to finally do this,” Pardo said.Under plans, the private manager would transform the stadium’s parking lot into a flexible development, featuring public recreational areas and event space.The stadium boasts unique views of the Miami skyline, and locals will vote on a measure to save itGettyThe venue was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 2018GettyRevenue generated from events would fund the stadium’s repairs and upgrades, with the private firm receiving a management fee. Importantly, Pardo has stressed taxpayers will not bear the project’s costs.Emi Guerra, co-founder of Breakwater Hospitality Group, which is partnering with the selected development team, suggested the prime location on Biscayne Bay could turn a revitalized stadium into an iconic venue, comparable to Colorado’s Red Rocks Amphitheatre.“There’s just something here that can’t be duplicated, and that’s the view,” he said.Addressing public skepticism, Guerra stressed that the proposal is not a ‘real estate play’ for residential development.NFL Stadium StatusOn the Move – Why is Roger Goodell allowing three of NFL’s most famous teams to build $8.8bn new homes and ditch diehard fans?Chicago Bears – NFL’s second-oldest team admits defeat as $5bn relocation from 102-year-old stadium confirmed in statementKansas City Chiefs – Chiefs owner issues response as Kansas City’s $4bn cross-state relocation plan hits roadblockJacksonville Jaguars – $5.6bn NFL team’s 150-mile relocation triggers unique rule exemption amid CBA conflictCleveland Browns – $2.6bn NFL stadium fraught with drama finally makes breakthrough as Super Bowl dream teasedTennessee Titans – Super Bowl 2030 host is unopened $2.2bn ‘cookie-cutter’ stadium that will be NFL’s smallestThe city of Miami will retain full ownership of the venue and surrounding grounds, while the management firm will serve as operators under the city’s oversight.“When it’s something that’s historic, you have two options: Restore it or let it rot,” Guerra added.Jimmy Buffett campaigned for Miami Marine Stadium renovationA vote on restoring the stadium to its former glory comes years after Buffett, who had a net worth of $1 billion according to Forbes, urged city leaders to preserve the ‘little cathedral of musical fun.’In 2022, a year prior to his death, Buffett sent a letter to leaders in which he recalled a 1985 performance that concluded with him diving off the floating stage and into the water, to join fans in boats and in the bay.Buffett urged city leaders to preserve the venue before his death in 2023Getty“Those were the Miami Vice days, and Don Johnson introduced us,” Buffett wrote, referencing the star of the iconic 1980s crime series.“WITCO Desperadoes from Trinidad opened the show, and the Coral Reefer Band finished the night with what I think was one of the most fun shows, for band and fans, that I have ever done.”Buffett’s daughter, Savannah, remains active with the Restore Miami Marine Stadium advocacy group.That group was co-founded in 2008 by Donald Worth, and launched the preservation effort for the facility after officials proposed demolishing the site.“The architecture gives it the wow, the history gives it its soul,” Worth said.“It’s just a special, magical place, and so many people in Miami have had such memorable experiences there.”