Marine Stadium Needs Your Vote Tuesday #172

Miami boater/voters, rise and unite! On Tuesday, August 18, City of Miami voters have an opportunity to help bring one of America's most unique waterfront venues back to life. If you are a City of Miami voter and part of our boating community, we're asking you to vote YES #172, but before you vote, it's important to understand exactly what you're voting for and what you're not.

What Are We Actually Voting For?

The referendum asks voters to authorize the City of Miami to enter into a management agreement with Global Spectrum, an Oak View Group company, to activate and manage Marine Stadium and Flex Park.

That's it.

Emi Guerra of Breakwater Hospitality Group, the local partner working with Oak View Group, recently explained it from Marine Stadium:

“You're not leasing the stadium, you're not selling the stadium. This is not a developer land play.”

According to Guerra, the proposal is not about condos, apartments, or a marina. It's about putting an experienced operator in place and taking a meaningful first step toward bringing Marine Stadium back.

Why This Time Is the Right Time

We've heard plans to save Marine Stadium before. What's encouraging this time is the team behind it.

Global Spectrum is part of Oak View Group, an experienced operator of entertainment and sports venues. Its local partner is Miami-based Breakwater Hospitality Group.

The plan includes activating the surrounding Flex Park for concerts, fitness events, community gatherings, and other programming while the larger stadium restoration moves forward.

This Place Was Built for Boaters

Marine Stadium wasn't simply built next to the water. It was built for the water.

Opened in 1963, the stadium was designed for powerboat racing and went on to host hundreds of boat races, regattas, waterfront events, and concerts on its famous floating stage.

And the audience wasn't limited to the grandstands.

Boaters gathered in the basin to watch from the water. Over the years, the floating stage welcomed legendary performers, including Ray Charles, The Beach Boys, Queen, and even the legend himself who gifted us boating's national anthem, Margaritaville... JIMMY BUFFETT.

Miami Boaters, Unite

Tuesday's vote does not mean Marine Stadium reopens Wednesday morning. It authorizes the management agreement that can begin moving the property toward activation and restoration.

After more than 30 years, Miami has an opportunity to put people, music, events, and boats back in front of Marine Stadium.

If you are a City of Miami voter, vote YES on Referendum 2 on Tuesday, August 18.

Do it for Miami.

Do it for boating.

Do it for Jimmy!

https://www.bringbackmarinestadium.com/