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Miami Voters to Decide Whether to Let Private Operator Restore Marine Stadium

A ballot measure would let the city sign a management deal that aims to use event revenue to pay for repairs while the city keeps ownership.

The Miami Marine Stadium, facing Biscayne Bay with the skyline in the background, is seen from an aerial view Tuesday Aug. 11, 2026, in Miami. (AP Photo/Daniel Kozin)
A concrete roof cantilevers over the Miami Marine Stadium on Tuesday, Aug. 11, 2026, in Miami. (AP Photo/David Fischer)
Breakwater Hospitality Group co-founder Emi Guerra, left, and Miami Commissioner Damian Pardo walk through the Miami Marine Stadium on Tuesday, Aug. 11, 2026, in Miami. (AP Photo/David Fischer)
The Miami Marine Stadium is seen from an aerial view Tuesday Aug. 11, 2026, in Miami. (AP Photo/Daniel Kozin)

Overview

  • Voters will decide on Tuesday whether to permit Miami to contract with a private manager to restore and run the 6,500-seat Miami Marine Stadium on Virginia Key.
  • Under the proposal the city would retain ownership, the private operator would run events and pay a management fee, and events would generate revenue to fund the stadium repairs.
  • Project documents say multiple engineering studies find the concrete structure sound and that completed restoration construction plans have already received city permits.
  • Local groups support saving the landmark but some residents worry that large events will bring noise, traffic and harm to nearby wildlife, and some prefer converting the site into a greener public park.
  • The stadium, designed by Cuban-born Hilario Candela and closed since Hurricane Andrew in 1992, has long been championed by preservationists and public figures and would move next to a city negotiation and final contract if the measure passes.