Abandoned Miami Marine Stadium -

On Florida’s Virginia Key sits the the concrete decay of the Miami Marine Stadium. Built in the 60’s it was constructed for water sport events mostly, but also hosted concerts and Easter sunrise services. Despite being struck with some bad luck in its inauguratory race, when a speedboat racer died in a crash in front of all of the 6,566 spectators, it continued to operate fruitfully until 1992 when Hurricane Andrew caused significant damage.

Now on the Miami’s Most Endangered Historic Places list and receiving a whopper donation from Miami legend Gloria Estefan in 2014, it seems its days of decay may soon be over. In 2017 architects and engineers hired by the city were tasked with determining a price tag for restoration and analyzing space for additions of ADA-approved restrooms, concessions, a floating stage for performers, dressing rooms, offices and sound and lighting systems. They found that $40 million would cover the costs. With Miami budgeting $45 million for the project, it was thought, optimistically, that the stadium might be open this past summer. It’s not–clearly–but there is enough money and enthusiasm invested in the task that in seems likely to come to fruition.

But that means the once easily penetrable concrete fortress is now watched by a hired security guard. She drove up to us right away as we approached the structure, cameras in hand. She was friendly, firm but clearly frustrated by the place’s lure; and she warned us not to enter, letting us know that she had already called the police on some explorers that afternoon. I was pretty disappointed to not be able to enter. But visiting abandoned spots while far away from home means most are a one-shot deal. You have to manage your expectations and accept a bit of defeat. Below are some of my exterior shots.

It’s wide open in a parking lot. The front of the facade, where the seating is, can be accessed by water. Jet skis were whirling about and it looked as if you can launch a kayak right from the adjacent shore.

It is covered in color… even underneath on its supports in the water, which also host sea life, coral and provide beloved manatees scrumptious eats. A quick search of injuries and deaths related to the abandoned grounds reveals a jet skier died after colliding with the concrete in August of 2020. There have been other boating accidents about the busy basin.