Could Miami Marine Stadium be a Future Unlimited Hydroplane Racing Site?

This historic, but decaying stadium is getting valuable help by some good “Friends.”  (I haven’t heard any specific rumors about Hydroplanes’ return, so let’s start some, shall we?)

Regular readers of Unlimited Hydroplane Racing know we have the good fortune of possessing Damn Smart Fans.  Recently added to the “Welcome to Unlimited Hydroplane Racing” page was this question from Anthony Pagella:

Would like to know if the Unlimited Hydros ever intend to return to So. Florida??  I remember as a kid growing up and my dad taking me to the Miami Marine Stadium to watch the races…. Absolutely loved them!  I know the stadium is no longer available, but there has to be somewhere they can race, after all we are surrounded by water…  I honestly think you would develop a large following…

Tks.

Tony

See? We really do have Damn Smart Fans. An serious question deserves some serious attention.

First, some history

The Miami Marine Stadium has a storied past and not just as it relates to the sport of power boat racing.  (We’ll get to that in a moment.)  It holds a special place in the history and culture of South Florida.  Built in 1964, it was an interesting piece of architecture designed by Hilario Candela, a Cuban American architect.  Visible from the Rickenbacker Causeway, its presence just made you want to visit.

Important to many outside of boat racing (be patient… I’m almost there) it was the venue for a number of historic concerts and entertainment events.  Sammy Davis, Jr. in 1972 with President Richard Nixon there to greet him.  Phil Donahue taped a show there in 1991.  A personal favorite of mine was a 1985 Jimmy Buffett concert where fans enjoyed the musical storytelling from seats, water and boats.

Power boats were stadium’s true performers

In spite of wonderful entertainment and musical performances that took place at the Miami Marine Stadium, it was the thunder of boats that was the true performer.

For a great look back to a very special time at a very special place, be sure to visit Bill Moore Photography.  My favorite: A Paddock Ticket #44 for $3.00 to the Sunday, June 10, 1979 Champion Spark Plug Regatta. Gotta love it.

Mother Nature wins

As the saying goes, “It’s not nice to fool Mother Nature” – nor is it very productive. She always wins.

Hurricane Andrew was a force that hit South Florida in August of 1992.  With its nearly 30 year age, and the stresses that come with coastal years, the hurricane damage really did the trick and devastated Miami Marine Stadium.

Miami officials closed the facility officially a month later and it has not seen any action since. The only activity taking place there over the last decade has been graffiti artists and taggers polishing their own sport.  Truly a tragedy.

In this video, you can clearly see the state of disrepair.  However, if you look closely, you can see the history, joy and culture screaming to be reinstated.

Tide may be coming back in for Miami Marine Stadium

In 2007, dedicated fans were outraged over the fact that a draft Master Plan for Virginia Key redevelopment did NOT include Marine Stadium.  Fortunately for all Unlimited Hydroplane Racing fans, the advocacy group Friends of Marine Stadium was formed early the following year.

Due mostly to their efforts to raise awareness and funds, Marine Stadium was included in the next edition of the Master Plan.  As a sign momentum was building, Marine Stadium was named to the National Trust for Historic Preservation’s “11 Most Endangered Historic Places.”

Most recently, the Miami City Commission took the first step to create a partnership between Friends of Miami Marine Stadium, the Miami Sports and Exhibition Authority, and the City to develop a plan to restore and operate the Marine Stadium.

So what about a future Unlimited Hydroplane Racing venue?

Here’s where we can start some rumors!  Only kidding.  But this really is the exciting part.  Given the wonderful architectural nature of the facility and its storied past, what better venue could be sought for Unlimited Hydroplane Racing?

There is obviously a lot of effort to put astern before that can happen, but if you have any interest in our sport, your pulse is probably quickening at the thought.

You can help.

Visit the Friends of Miami Marine Stadium.  On their What You Can Do page, there are several simple steps you can take:

• Contact City of Miami Commissioners
• Become a Friend of Miami Marine Stadium and Make a Donation
• Record Your Memories of Marine Stadium
• Join Their Email List
• Make Contact and Share Ideas

Contributions are of course welcome, since they are a fully qualified non-profit, with 501(c)(3) designation.  Your contributions are tax deductible.

Let’s all work together to bring Unlimited Hydroplane Racing (and many other activities) back to Miami Marine Stadium.  We are the group to do it, since we are… well… Damn Smart Fans.

Thank you, Anthony.

Dave