MIAMI – After years of delay, the city of Miami is finally moving forward with restoring the iconic Miami Marine Stadium.
City officials are moving quickly on the project, as bids opened Friday and site tours are expected to begin within days. Proposals are due in April, with a selection committee expected to narrow down its choices by summer. The city aims to have ballot language prepared for a November vote.
The mid-century modern landmark hosted concerts, races and events since 1963. Now, it sits as a graffiti-tagged specter of its former self.
“We’re surrounded by water everywhere, so it doesn’t make any sense why we haven’t prioritized this as a revenue stream for the city,” said Matt Hardage, a self-described serial entrepreneur who wants to see the stadium reopened.
Hardage, who was at the stadium Friday, said he is already meeting with architects to expedite his plans for the site.
“Maybe a little bit of all of it… everything but fire,” he joked when asked about his vision. While keeping most details under wraps, Hardage confirmed he will be submitting a proposal now that the city is officially accepting bids.
Commissioner Damian Pardo, who represents District 2, said the city is looking for the best possible operator to restore and manage the stadium.
The city’s revenue-sharing plan takes into account climate resiliency, noise control, traffic and structural soundness. Pardo sees the restoration as part of a larger movement to revitalize Miami’s assets.
“I think this marks a period of renewal for the city of Miami — a period of owning the things that really make it great and moving it forward to the next step on a global scale,” he said.
Hardage says he is eager to see the stadium come back to life.
“I want to reopen it and I want the community to be able to enjoy it and have racing events here,” he said. “It’s a historical landmark.”
Ultimately, voters will decide the city’s level of commitment. The final ballot language for the winning proposal is expected to be ready by November.