Miami Voters Approve Oak View Group's Restoration of Hilario Candela's Marine Stadium
On August 18, Miami residents voted in favor of a referendum that permits the Denver-based Oak View Group, via Global Spectrum LP, to oversee the management and restoration of the Miami Marine Stadium, which was designed by Hilario Candela and has been closed since 1992. The referendum garnered more than 68% support and entails a 40-year lease, with Global Spectrum agreeing to invest up to $10 million for restoration without any cost to taxpayers. This agreement also involves Breakwater Hospitality Group and encompasses the adjacent area, including a marina and the planned Flex Park. The restoration is part of an $80 million project for Virginia Key. Future actions will include a study, visioning process, and contract talks for Flex Park management. Previous attempts to preserve the stadium took place in 2016 and 2022.
Key facts
- Miami voters approved a referendum on 18 August 2026 to allow Oak View Group to manage and restore Miami Marine Stadium.
- The stadium was designed by Cuban architect Hilario Candela and built in 1963.
- The stadium has been closed since 1992 due to damage from Hurricane Andrew.
- The referendum includes a 40-year lease term and up to $10 million from Global Spectrum LP toward restoration.
- Breakwater Hospitality Group is also part of the management deal.
- More than 68% of voters approved the referendum.
- The restoration is part of a larger $80 million initiative to modernize parts of Virginia Key.
- Next steps include a comprehensive study and visioning process by Oak View Group.
- In 2016, Heineken and the National Trust for Historic Preservation hosted a crowdfunding campaign for restoration.
- Docomomo listed the stadium as one of the most under-threat buildings in the US in 2022.
Entities
Artists
- Hilario Candela
Institutions
- Oak View Group
- Global Spectrum LP
- Breakwater Hospitality Group
- City of Miami
- National Trust for Historic Preservation
- Docomomo
- Heineken
- Bring Back Marine Stadium
- BoatingIndustry
Locations
- Miami
- Denver
- Virginia Key
- Biscayne Bay
- Miami Beach
Sources
- Dezeen —