Miami’s wreck of a gorgeous floating stadium where Elvis and Jimmy Buffett has a chance to come back from the dead

The Miami Marine Stadium, a historic masterpiece of midcentury Brutalist architecture, opened in 1963. Designed by a Cuban refugee, Hilario Candela, the 6,500-seat venue featured a massive cantilevered roof and offered stunning views of the city. It became a major symbol of South Florida and the backdrop for Elvis Presley’s 1967 film "Clambake."

The stadium hosted performances by Jimmy Buffett and Gloria Estefan, as well as being the site of presidential campaign events. After Hurricane Andrew damaged the venue in 1992, it fell into disarray and was fenced off, covered in graffiti, and placed on the U.S. National Register of Historic Places. The stadium is set to be the topic of a voter referendum, as residents decide whether to allow the city to partner with a private company to restore it to its former glory.

The restoration aims to honor the stadium's rich history and unique architectural features while providing modern amenities and accessibility requirements.