Marine Stadium deserves a second life

OUR OPINION: BISCAYNE BAY FACILITY A TREASURE WORTH SAVING

MARINE STADIUM DESERVES SECOND LIFE

There was a time when the ultimate Miami experience could be summed up by saying you had attended a concert at Miami Marine Stadium. Surrounded by a velvety night sky and the stadium's lagoon reflecting the surrounding lights, audiences reveled in outdoor shows featuring Tony Bennett, Jimmy Buffett and the like. Besides the 7,000-seat stadium, concertgoers lined up around the stage in boats of every description. Truly an only-in-Miami kind of event.

In truth, the stadium, located on the Rickenbacker Causeway, was built for power-boat racing in the lagoon. The sport has long since outgrown the facility, but it remains an ideal site for concerts and other entertainment.

Neglected by the city

In 1992, Hurricane Andrew wreaked havoc on the facility, and then the city began to neglect it big-time. Miami has a tendency to put on blinders to things that key officials want to tear down to make way for something new. Few facilities can overcome the detritus of long-term neglect.

The stadium is an icon of mid-century Miami Modern architecture. It was designed by architect Hilario Candela, who has become a champion of preserving and restoring it to its former sleek, utilitarian style.

Fortunately, Mr. Candela is not alone in his crusade. Last week, after hearing from prominent architects, preservationists and residents who support keeping the stadium, the city's historic preservation board took the first steps toward designating the stadium as historic. A hearing and final vote will be scheduled for this fall if all goes according to plan.

Desirable location

The city remains lukewarm about preserving the stadium, most obviously because it would be obliged to renovate and maintain it. But the city should not be allowed to wiggle out of this obligation. The stadium wouldn't need millions of dollars of improvements if it had been maintained through the years and then repaired after Hurricane Andrew.

City officials question the stadium's viability as a future venue. Stadium supporters, however, say that the facility's location is as desirable as ever. We agree. No indoor theater can hold a candle to a balmy, starry night sky, illuminated by shimmering lights in a quiet, cool lagoon.