I find it interesting that immediately after a hurricane, when the city had to pay money to repair the damage from the hurricane, the engineers they appointed said the stadium was beyond repair, but when some different engineers reassessed the stadium 25 or so years later they found it to be in very reasonable condition. It's almost as if those first engineers found exactly what the city wanted them to find so they could avoid spending any money on it...
Or maybe the engineers hired by the people who wanted to preserve the stadium are the ones who found exactly what they wanted to find. The og architect was part of the group, so no surprise.
As a Miami resident, I've enjoyed this abandoned marvel up close. The top of the roof used to be accessible and had such an amazing view of the Miami skyline (specially at night). Great video on this landmark place.
The fact that the architect designed it in his 20s and it held up for all his life pretty much neglected is a huge testament to the quality of his work. I hope its saved.
@@hadrianaugustus5712 "the engineers that actually designed it " No. Architects design, engineers figure out how to build it, construction workers put it together.
As a Miami resident I can safely say this gross indifference toward city and state history is all too common here, like people aren’t even really aware of it because new development and local politics almost always get priority over preservation and redevelopment
One of the things I complain most about this city honestly. There is a lot of history in Miami that is amazing to read and see and some great preserved sites such as the Art Deco area on South Beach but it never feels like a focus that is promoted, its the nightlife and grand new condos and stuff but I wish we could spend more money on preserving what we have of the history of this place.
As someone from Florida, it's because we rely on tourism and transplants as a state policy versus the hardcore "forever" residents of a lot of states. Lot of Florida natives are proud of their state... from somewhere else they live. Sort of like Texas without the goal to move back one day. Florida is basically the perfect state... for someone else. I've met thousands of Floridians all across the globe in the Army, but the only guy I know that lives there right now is from Texas
I went to school right next to this stadium -it's really stunning, especially with the view of the skyline in the background, Me and my friends would always walk out after lunch to the beach and see it. It's a permanent part of my memory and thank you for shedding light on some of its history. Alsso on Key Biscayne right next door there's the old Miami zoo which was also abandoned during a hurricane - it's now a park open to the public. The only animals that survived the storm were the birds so now there are a bunch of peacocks roaming that area. Miami has so much weird history
that story about the Zoo is false legend. The zoo moved to it's now location in the late 1970's because they could not expand on the Key Biscayne site. There were no hurricanes in Miami from 1966 to 1992. We voted to fund the new zoo in a 1978 vote, the 1st I was able to vote in as I was born in the Gables in 1960. Please stop telling that story.
I grew up in Miami in the 60'si, and went to MMS exactly once for an unlimited hydroplane race. I made exactly one scrapbook as a kid, and it was dedicated to hydroplanes and open water racing. The _Herald_ sports section provided the clippings.
As a person in the events business, it’s so sad to see a historic venue left to rot. Could you imagine a warm summer night out there listening to some great live music with a picturesque backdrop. I’d love to promote a show there one day.
I have to agree!!! What a amazing place it must have been to see the all the incredible artist, and performances of the great bands and solo acts of the 70's-80's... Wow!!!
This stadium actually makes a sneaky appearance in an episode of Miami Vice. It's used as a meeting point for a drug deal in the show, but all you really see of it are the first few rows of seats near the water as one of the characters from the show arrives by boat. Also, the way the scene is shot seems to make it appear that the stadium is on a much narrower river, even though anyone familiar with the stadium would know that's not the case.
Honestly I'm surprised this hasn't been turned into an underground rave spot considering the semi-brutalist aesthetic of the building covered in art with its run down appeal. All it needs is a wealthy yacht owner with a DJ set and a few laser machines on board and bam - another Miami nightlife hit. Insomniac and Pasquale seriously need to consider taking over this site and hosting water raves for smaller audiences. So much potential in such a historic and picturesque stadium.
Turning it into a pit for douchebags to do designer drugs would be a colossal waste of such a historic facility. Raves do just fine in dirty warehouses.
My father was the staff photographer for Mercury outboards in the 70s. They would send him to document any use of their engines, an as a result, i spent a fair amount of time in that amazing structure.
what a gorgeous stadium with a timeless design, thing is built like a military fort too. 60 years of water erosion, hurricanes, and negligent maintenance and she's still stood up right. Building deserves to be saved forget the history she's a soldier.
Massive kudos to the original builders who made a cast concrete structure that has aged that well, in such harsh conditions and with no notable upkeep for the last 30 years. Structures in the UK that used similar construction methods had many failures in the first couple of decades and either needed replacing or a LOT of money invested to keep them serviceable.
I wonder if famous landmarks like the Leaning Tower of Pisa and The Great Pyramid were considered “Abandoned” or slated for “Redevelopment” until people just decided “nah, that’s legendary!”
It’s funny you mention the pyramids of Giza, because they originally had a beautiful outer layer of white limestone that was slowly but surely stolen by future generations leaving the “stair step” appearance you see now.
Pretty recently (in the grand scheme of things) for the Great Pyramids, people have been disassembling and stealing stones from it for thousands of years. It's why only the facing stones near the pinnacle remain as they were too much work to cart away, the shear size of the thing is probably the only reason it existed long enough to achieve protected status.
The Leaning Tower of Pisa is literally the bell tower for the cathedral next door so it was never abandoned or slated for redevelopment. As for the Great Pyramids, well, the comment above mine says it all. The nearby Sphinx was buried in sand all the way up to its neck until the 20th century so yes the whole Giza area was very much abandoned until modern Egypt decided it would make a good tourist attraction (but being so close to Cairo has downsides too).
I went on field trips there as a kid, and it was a beautiful natural experience; the stadium actually sits over the water... There were floating stages with various forms on entertainment, and sometimes boat races there...
As a Cuban American not only was this just a work of structural art but its a piece of Cuban American history, its remarkable how many took their talents with them and shared it with their new community at the time. It should not be forgotten by us or Floridians as a whole❤
I grew up in FL, and so much of what is Florida is because of Cuban Americans, I don't think people realize Cuban American history in FL goes back over 100 yrs.
Minorities are hyphenated in the US because of ethnocentrism and racism. both in history and the present. Its not romanticizing history, bub. Cubans were even further hyphenated, Cuban families were divided by race laws, when you came to the US law enforcement that looked at you and picked a race for you, split families in half. A very real part of American history. Cuban Americans are also a really good study in systemic racism because of this, the "white" Cuban Americans fared much better than Afro-Cuban Americans, during the depression the Afro-Cuban Americans were the first to lose jobs. Little Havana in Miami was started as a "white" Cuban American community settlement, they weren't subject to the same restrictions and fared a lot better.
@@krane15 well duh thats why American is included, no diffrent than how we look at other groups of Americans and their impact on history. Its called heritage bub just like how the Irish, italian, Polish(etc.) Americans were the backbone of industry and construction in the 1800s so yes still talking about American history not "romanticization" lol
@@Gee-xb7rt that is very true many Cubans including Afro-Cubans faced much struggle during that time, also found it really intereting you mentioned the long history of Cuban migration since I actually grew up close to a Port Everglades in Ft Ladurdale which was first built in the 1800s and mostly used at the time for Cubans moving into FL
Thank you Jake, this stadium was a BIG part of my childhood here in Miami. I saw that infamous Jimmy Buffet concert (part of which was on one of his live albums), and I saw Journey, The Who & Boston at the stadium....but what I remember most where the Easter Sunrise Serivces I attended every Easter Sunday for over 20 years. I was born in Miami (actually Coral Gables) in 1960 and still live here today. The stadium sits in some very prime property, as Virginia Key is about halfway between Coconut Grove and Key Biscayne. I truly miss it, with the beautiful view of my picturesque downtown Miami skyline as a backdrop to whoever was entertaining us, whether it be a boat race or a famous "Star" giving us a concert, or worshipping on an Easter morning Sunrise.....again thanks Jake !!!! So many memories....
Wait, this makes me so happy. I've grown up in Miami and always been around the Marine stadium, hearing stories of Jimmy Buffett concerts, gone boating and swimming in the waters in front of it, and even done school art projects on the stadium. Heck, we were there just last week or so for the boat show. Brings joy to see its story covered by the legend himself. Thank you for capturing the heart of this great Miami relic. The history of the marine stadium is so important to so many people down here. Just unfortunate that it doesn't get the same love from the city itself.
I live right by here! It’s always gated off though and security is super strict, we have never been able to get inside. Although the parking lot is a popular spot for car meets and cars doing donuts and street races for some reason. Always wanted to sneak in.
It's so beautiful. I live in Miami. I remember when they said it was closing. They said it would not handle hurricane Andrew that hit in 1992. It's 2023 and it STILL stands! abandoned. Real Shame.
Kinda unrelated to the topic but thanks for being honest about Vesi shoes and stating that the run warm. Most UA-camrs just lie about how cool and breathable they are. It's nice to see someone on this platform who isn't a sellout.
Fascinating. I don’t think I ever knew of this stadium. It is a fascinating example of mid-century modern architecture. I hope they do restore it eventually.
Abandonment of this structure is a total travesty. It's terrifying how often our history is buried--whether that be architectural, cultural, social, or economic.
@@Taladar2003 I'm not necessarily saying that it has to be reused; but its memory needs to be preserved. I would argue that any new developments need to incorporate a part of the structure (no matter how small), plus interpretive signage and a museum-style exhibit on its history.
@@Taladar2003 I agree. The underlying issues - decline of boat racing and larger venues available - still remain. Why spend millions on a stadium that has no use? Is it actually going to bring in millions more in tourism? Doubtful. Restoration simply isn't a sensible use of resources.
@@jgood005 Your "throw away" attitude is one of the many things wrong with this country. A lot of time, money, effort and resources went into the construction of this structure that should not be wasted.
We used to take the family boat to that cove. I remember one time (probably around 2008-2010) I saw skateboarders atop the roof using those steep inclines as ramps. Very cool place to walk through.
The Architect, the Engineer and the General Contractor all did a fine job creating this building- which has that 60's fragile look. But after 60 years, including Hurricane Andrew, and a few others, we know it isn't.
Yeah, and the architect was only 28 when he designed it? Obviously a genius in his field. His last project before he retired, Epiphany Catholic Church, is also a beautiful work of art.
I took a trip to Miami with my gf and did this insane bike ride to a path that we couldn’t even end up riding on. We rode back and on the way we found this, I made us stop by and when we were pulling up, people were sneaking out of the building. So we waiting for them to leave, and then we walked right in. It’s such a beautiful structure that is still very much sound. I recommend checking it out! The entrance is on the left side of the building, by the fence, when you’re facing the back (or in the parking lot)
As a kid my dad raced boats there in the 70s and luckily I was able to race there once in 1978 such a great memory and place. I wish they would restore it and use it for Racing and water related events like concerts flotilla’s etc…
As a third generation S Floridian I went to speedboat races here as a child. I can only hope something happens to preserve this landmark, and jumpstart this process by all of the new residents moving to our area.
As one of the few hydroplane racing enthusiasts left, thanks for making this video and shedding light on the awesome history of MMS! Hopefully the restoration continues to move forward and the stadium can finally reopen for racing and concerts!
I WAS BORN IN KEY BISCAYNE IN 1943, I REMEMBER WHEN THIS WAS BUILT. I WAS BEHIND ENEMY LINES FOR 60 YEARS. I CAME BACK TO MY HOME IN KEY BISCAYNE IN 2008 AND THE STADIUM WAS STILL NOT RE-DONE.
Wow! I grew up in South Florin the late 1980s and must have taken 20 field trips to the old Miami arena in that time . Another great video idea would be about the old Miami sequoisium that is not too far from this spot perit's in severe disrepair But with new owners looks like it may be fixed up and brought back to life. They are currently trying to Re home Lolita the orca Back to the original spot where she was kidnapped from in the Pacific Northwest. The Miami sequoium was another very popular school/summer camp field trip destination. BTW my friend dropped his new kids on the block "Hagen tuff" tape under the bleachers at the arena so if anyone comes across it please return it to Javier.
No longer live in Miami but did for about 5 years right before covid. Used to row with amateur dragon boat teams right by the stadium. They'd let anybody walk-in and row with them if there was space. We'd meet up in that abandoned parking lot at the other end from the stadium and row around in that waterway. I remember my first time pulling into that parking lot thinking I was lost. That big abandoned structure covered in graffiti really dominates your attention when you pull in. Thanks for sharing the story! (Shout out to Puff Dragon Boat team!)
I was there as a 6 month old baby sweating up a storm and being passed between my mom and grandma, but the home video my dad took of the jet ski stunt event lives on
There are actually two modern "marine stadiums" - Lake Lucas in Wheatland, MO still actively being used & Wild Horse Pass Motorsports Park in Chandler, AZ, which hosted its last race in 2022. Both amazing civil engineering efforts, but not architecturally significant.
Simply because it still stands doesn't mean it's still relevant. Everything changes. We had Long Beach marine stadium in So Cal for years. It's rarely used now. The events held there are no longer popular. The Reno Air races are being shut down because they are now poorly attended after being a premier event for decades. Over time people/fans move on to new events and venues. It happens. I don't know the best use for that Miami location but uselessly hanging on to the past is probably not one of them.
This sight is familiar to anyone who has been to a coastal amusement park which used to have water skiing shows. Many parks (like Sea World San Diego and Six Flags Discovery Kingdom) still have large amphitheaters facing water because of the popularity of water skiing shows from the 60s to the 80s. Once interest in water skiing collapsed, most of these amphitheaters were abandoned within these working parks, hidden behind construction walls or newer attractions.
Hinchcliffe Stadium in Paterson, New Jersey would be a great topic for a video. It was a former negro league stadium that was used up until the mid-1990s. Then it was basically abandoned. Now it's been renovated and is currently hosting an independent minor league baseball team full time.
I had no clue it even existed. But this is such a cool, exciting structure with such strong potential. Boy would I love it if community members who genuinely want to see it updated, renovated, cleaned up and running consistently again come together to do a lot of the work as volunteers. Can you imagine the gratification, pride, and eternal memory you'd have to know you directly contributed your own passion, time, labor and money into restoring and opening such a place back up, since as usual government can never be trusted to get anything done? Imagine the powerful experience that'd be. I hope they'll pull off such a grassroots unheard of effort and get it done with or without the government and rich elites putting any money, time or effort into it themselves. It's the perfect venue for all sorts of things, not in the least concerts and concert series, festivals, etc. Sure, you have the small indoor venues, the medium size venues and the large ones like stadiums and arenas, but you can never have too many options when it comes to stadiums as such a large metro area, let alone vacation destination. You'll never run out of demand for more if you play your cards right. Think of a festival for smaller acts, more niche genres, and of course older legendary bands who have experienced the popularity decline due to aging playing various concerts and again festivals/concert series' here - man... perfection! I traditionally complain and assert that all major cities and metro areas should have at least one, if not two major amphitheaters alongside their more typical venues. I think its just common sense and essential to also give people a choice in the type of experience like that. Annoying to see how lacking amphitheaters are in the US. And I mean proper concert venue amphitheaters. Well, this stadium here clearly fits right in-between the two types of venues, including in capacity, arguably making it even more perfect to fix up, revamp and reopen. There is also plenty of other opportunities for other events to be hosted at a venue like this, outside of the usual water sports and concerts. Other types of festivals, various different kinds of community events, charity events, school events, ceremonies, so on. Imagine hosting something like a special graduation ceremony at a venue like this, and in true graduate fashion and south Florida fashion, to celebrate it and cap it all off, the students all jump into the water from the stage. Again, what a incredible opportunity with this stadium they have there. It'd be moronic to allow government to as always twiddle their fingers and not really do anything, yet just expect you to sit there and wait for them to do something, let alone to simply allow it to continue to sit there and slowly decay away.
I saw it while driving to Key Biscayne Tennis center, which now also looks rather rough compared to its glory days when it hosted the Miami Open. I wondered what it’s purpose was and why there was a massive stadium looking at the ocean
Honestly. Using that for concerts and other shows is genius. I can't believe they opted to have concerts in a football stadium rather than on the water. The atmosphere at that place has to be 100x better than a football stadium.
It's not that easy when it comes to concerts. You have to worry about the logistics and the acustics, which I can assure you won't be the same as closed space built for said entertainment. Sound travels different on water as well
I was there in the early 70's.. 1St. mate on a 1928 Mathis Trumpy 86' Charter Yacht... We were based out of the Sheridan 4 Ambassadors Complex across on the mainland near downtown.. We took the bands "America", and "Leon Russel" to their concerts on the yacht.. We would cruise them around Miami and dock up to the back of the Bandshell barge.. The Band members would get off, do the Concert, and get back onboard and we would sail away... (VERY Fun Times)..
Here in Arizona, we have Wild Horse Pass with a dedicated water track across the parking lot from the drag strip. As a kid, we'd go to events there all the time, watching cars and boats racing at the same venue! Shame it's getting torn down this year, especially as these water tracks become more and more rare.
It’s a shame this structure has been abandoned because boat racing continues today. Miami still has a strong and dare I say the biggest and most prominent boat culture in America.
I saw this video come up on my feed. It made me smile. I shot a music video here years ago. I'm a hairdresser and makeup artist an we shot at night. it was amazing as we started to shoot the music started bringing in curiosity seekers so many kids came they thought we were having a dance party! The interior walls are indeed covered in art and graffiti. It's magical in the right situation
This was fascinating, thanks for sharing! One part of the stadium’s history that you missed is the massive amount of skateboarding history that happened here. In the early-mid 2000s, the stadium and its roof were a massive skate spot attracting skaters from around the world. The spot was referred to as MIA rooftops. There are countless amounts of footage of people skating both the inside of the stadium and the roof. Skaters skated the banks on the roof, and built the inside of the stadium into a DIY skate spot. I remember visiting several times and having so much fun skating and exploring there!
My Grand mother and Aunt took us to see the water skiing shows they used to have during our summer vacation from the Carolina's in the 70's. Most weekends this place was packed with tourists. Other attractions we were blessed to visit include the Miami seaquarium, Haulover park, beach and the Popeye fishing boat at the dock, the boardwalk up in Hollywood, Mario the baker, Carvel Ice cream and the North Miami 4th of July fireworks display. It is good to see some of these historic and long lived events and attractions are still available for others to enjoy.
I would love to go here I am a Miami native and to see this place come back it’s has been and always be a part of Miami if the government and the city of Miami could work together I think it would be great
I explored this back in January, they've made progress but nothing significant. the parking lot is currently used for a live show of "Magic Mike" and any construction worker or security you'll see is for that venue.
Whenever my family goes to the beach at Bill Baggs State Park, we always past by this amazing structure. All I have ever known since I was born is that it has been abandoned. I’m a history major now with a deep love of architectural history. There is so much in and around it and nobody gives a damn. The folks in Tallahassee don’t care, but neither does Miami-Dade or the city. It’s crazy to see something I have seen abandoned all my life featured on this channel. Hits really close to home, literally and figuratively. We South Floridian need to do better.
Wow, I lived in Miami in the mid to late 90's, but never knew of this building. Cool to see this building has survived so much hurricane weather despite being abandoned with no maintenance for so long.
Nice to see Bright Sun pop up in my feeds again. I had a work event cruise while in Miami for a conference. It went into the stadium cove. I had totally forgotten about that and honestly would have assume it had been destroyed by now. Hoe they can save it. Can’t imagine how many hurricanes it has endured.
It always amazes me how cities can mismanage potential assets like this. This stadium is a potential one of its kind venue that could become the centerpiece of a new development. Imagine a music venue as unique as redrocks where yachts and sailors can pull right up to the stage. Imagine how a venue like that could be the center of a new waterfront residential development. Where you or I could watch a concert from the stands while Jeff Bezos watches the same concert from the bow of his yacht. One of a kind and a truly miami experience.
I hope they get this done. There's a ton of different ways to utilize this venue. It doesn't have to be boat races or big headline concerts. It would just be a really awesome place for community events. Boat shows. Car shows. Local live music. It would just be a really nice community center type venue.
Occasionally we'd go to the boat races. As a teenager, my buddy and I used to go to concerts there Saturday nights on his boat, an 18-foot Thunderbird, a cathedral-hulled runabout no longer made. We'd anchor in front of the barge, eat a bucket of chicken and drink a bottle of Boone's Farm. Occasionally, in a rainstorm, the power would fail onstage, causing the music to go acoustic by accident. The place actually had great acoustics, music sounded great over the water. It was during the best of times, the 60s and 70s.
Wow! I hadn’t even thought about this place for years. I do remember seeing Herb Alpert in concert here. In fact we got to meet him after his concert. Sad shape today
Great production as always Jake. Always sad to see abandoned icons, however, I can't help believe that boat racing, unlike Formula 1 and Stock Car races are a bit of a thing of the past. I assume they are still held, but the popularity isn't what they used to be for some reason.
years before Miami had a MLS team the idea was floated of having the stadium used as a soccer stadium with a soccer pitch built on a barge floated in front of the grand stand with smaller floating stands placed around it. Always thought that was an interesting idea.
Abandoned was just a sign of the times. Wonder why not a couple of billionaires didn't save it for something cool. If you get on Google maps, the street views show its current state from many angles.
as many rich billionaires that do live (at least during the Winter) in or around Miami, you'd think one of them would have approached the City of Miami about purchasing it. The Matheson family also might have a say in what happens on this property, since they were the original owners
Nice vid...yeah boat racing has definitely been in decline...not unlike Air Racing...maybe you should do one on the facilities in Reno , post cancellation of the Air Races
I find it interesting that immediately after a hurricane, when the city had to pay money to repair the damage from the hurricane, the engineers they appointed said the stadium was beyond repair, but when some different engineers reassessed the stadium 25 or so years later they found it to be in very reasonable condition.
It's almost as if those first engineers found exactly what the city wanted them to find so they could avoid spending any money on it...
That always depends on the New York based insurance companies.
@@KB-ke3fi Florida not corrupt enough on its own, just gotta make sure you get a dig on a blue state in there, eh?
Or maybe the engineers hired by the people who wanted to preserve the stadium are the ones who found exactly what they wanted to find. The og architect was part of the group, so no surprise.
Maybe bc the money had to go to housing and critical infrastructure. What a dumb take
@@TAP7aTell NY to stop trying to steal our residents with billboards promoting abortion around the city. That's creepy.
As a Miami resident, I've enjoyed this abandoned marvel up close. The top of the roof used to be accessible and had such an amazing view of the Miami skyline (specially at night). Great video on this landmark place.
You got laid up there😊😂❤
The fact that the architect designed it in his 20s and it held up for all his life pretty much neglected is a huge testament to the quality of his work. I hope its saved.
Construction workers *
this is a bot
The architect didn’t build it 😂
I think you mean the engineers that actually designed it and the people who put it together.
@@hadrianaugustus5712 "the engineers that actually designed it "
No. Architects design, engineers figure out how to build it, construction workers put it together.
As a Miami resident I can safely say this gross indifference toward city and state history is all too common here, like people aren’t even really aware of it because new development and local politics almost always get priority over preservation and redevelopment
One of the things I complain most about this city honestly. There is a lot of history in Miami that is amazing to read and see and some great preserved sites such as the Art Deco area on South Beach but it never feels like a focus that is promoted, its the nightlife and grand new condos and stuff but I wish we could spend more money on preserving what we have of the history of this place.
New Orleanian here. We feel your pain. It's almost like the state doesn't like us for some reason...hmmmm
I'm happy that the art deco area on South Beach actually exists. Don't worry. It's never going to go away. It's certainly beautiful.
This is because the majority of people in South Florida are from somewhere else.
As someone from Florida, it's because we rely on tourism and transplants as a state policy versus the hardcore "forever" residents of a lot of states. Lot of Florida natives are proud of their state... from somewhere else they live. Sort of like Texas without the goal to move back one day. Florida is basically the perfect state... for someone else. I've met thousands of Floridians all across the globe in the Army, but the only guy I know that lives there right now is from Texas
I went to school right next to this stadium -it's really stunning, especially with the view of the skyline in the background, Me and my friends would always walk out after lunch to the beach and see it. It's a permanent part of my memory and thank you for shedding light on some of its history. Alsso on Key Biscayne right next door there's the old Miami zoo which was also abandoned during a hurricane - it's now a park open to the public. The only animals that survived the storm were the birds so now there are a bunch of peacocks roaming that area. Miami has so much weird history
that story about the Zoo is false legend. The zoo moved to it's now location in the late 1970's because they could not expand on the Key Biscayne site. There were no hurricanes in Miami from 1966 to 1992. We voted to fund the new zoo in a 1978 vote, the 1st I was able to vote in as I was born in the Gables in 1960. Please stop telling that story.
That small zoo in biscayne is full of the iguanas.
Mast academy
10 years of ABANDONED?! Man times flies by when you are watching buildings rot
I grew up in Miami in the 60'si, and went to MMS exactly once for an unlimited hydroplane race. I made exactly one scrapbook as a kid, and it was dedicated to hydroplanes and open water racing. The _Herald_ sports section provided the clippings.
As a person in the events business, it’s so sad to see a historic venue left to rot. Could you imagine a warm summer night out there listening to some great live music with a picturesque backdrop. I’d love to promote a show there one day.
Looking forward to it
I have to agree!!! What a amazing place it must have been to see the all the incredible artist, and performances of the great bands and solo acts of the 70's-80's... Wow!!!
A floating stage ....
Must be awesome
@@isyourshitfixed At one point they had it.
This guy designed this at the age of 28. I'm 29 and I'm trying to figure out when the grass is too tall just before cutting it.
Congratulations on 79 episodes of “Abandoned” Jake! Here’s to 79 more!
How bout wait till we get to 100.
This stadium actually makes a sneaky appearance in an episode of Miami Vice. It's used as a meeting point for a drug deal in the show, but all you really see of it are the first few rows of seats near the water as one of the characters from the show arrives by boat. Also, the way the scene is shot seems to make it appear that the stadium is on a much narrower river, even though anyone familiar with the stadium would know that's not the case.
Kinda insane that first photo of a packed stadium with floats in the water seems like such a vibe
Honestly I'm surprised this hasn't been turned into an underground rave spot considering the semi-brutalist aesthetic of the building covered in art with its run down appeal. All it needs is a wealthy yacht owner with a DJ set and a few laser machines on board and bam - another Miami nightlife hit. Insomniac and Pasquale seriously need to consider taking over this site and hosting water raves for smaller audiences. So much potential in such a historic and picturesque stadium.
Problem is those events will never stay "small" and it will just turn into a 2019 Ultra disaster and end as fast as it started
Raves and the sea are not a very safe mix….
Turning it into a pit for douchebags to do designer drugs would be a colossal waste of such a historic facility. Raves do just fine in dirty warehouses.
I don't think anyone would be able to get insurance for such an event - the risk of someone tripping balls falling into the water would be too high
People would definitely die
My father was the staff photographer for Mercury outboards in the 70s. They would send him to document any use of their engines, an as a result, i spent a fair amount of time in that amazing structure.
what a gorgeous stadium with a timeless design, thing is built like a military fort too. 60 years of water erosion, hurricanes, and negligent maintenance and she's still stood up right. Building deserves to be saved forget the history she's a soldier.
Massive kudos to the original builders who made a cast concrete structure that has aged that well, in such harsh conditions and with no notable upkeep for the last 30 years. Structures in the UK that used similar construction methods had many failures in the first couple of decades and either needed replacing or a LOT of money invested to keep them serviceable.
I wonder if famous landmarks like the Leaning Tower of Pisa and The Great Pyramid were considered “Abandoned” or slated for “Redevelopment” until people just decided “nah, that’s legendary!”
It’s funny you mention the pyramids of Giza, because they originally had a beautiful outer layer of white limestone that was slowly but surely stolen by future generations leaving the “stair step” appearance you see now.
Pretty recently (in the grand scheme of things) for the Great Pyramids, people have been disassembling and stealing stones from it for thousands of years. It's why only the facing stones near the pinnacle remain as they were too much work to cart away, the shear size of the thing is probably the only reason it existed long enough to achieve protected status.
The Leaning Tower of Pisa is literally the bell tower for the cathedral next door so it was never abandoned or slated for redevelopment. As for the Great Pyramids, well, the comment above mine says it all. The nearby Sphinx was buried in sand all the way up to its neck until the 20th century so yes the whole Giza area was very much abandoned until modern Egypt decided it would make a good tourist attraction (but being so close to Cairo has downsides too).
Alright im a early reply to this so i gotta, looks like itd be a nice shelter to dodge CHOCOLATE RAIIIIIIIN
How do I find your comments in most of the channels I follow lol
I went on field trips there as a kid, and it was a beautiful natural experience; the stadium actually sits over the water... There were floating stages with various forms on entertainment, and sometimes boat races there...
Dude I pass this place all the time, never knew why it was abandoned though!
As a Cuban American not only was this just a work of structural art but its a piece of Cuban American history, its remarkable how many took their talents with them and shared it with their new community at the time. It should not be forgotten by us or Floridians as a whole❤
I grew up in FL, and so much of what is Florida is because of Cuban Americans, I don't think people realize Cuban American history in FL goes back over 100 yrs.
Its American history bub. No hyphens or romanticizing necessary.
Minorities are hyphenated in the US because of ethnocentrism and racism. both in history and the present. Its not romanticizing history, bub. Cubans were even further hyphenated, Cuban families were divided by race laws, when you came to the US law enforcement that looked at you and picked a race for you, split families in half. A very real part of American history. Cuban Americans are also a really good study in systemic racism because of this, the "white" Cuban Americans fared much better than Afro-Cuban Americans, during the depression the Afro-Cuban Americans were the first to lose jobs. Little Havana in Miami was started as a "white" Cuban American community settlement, they weren't subject to the same restrictions and fared a lot better.
@@krane15 well duh thats why American is included, no diffrent than how we look at other groups of Americans and their impact on history. Its called heritage bub just like how the Irish, italian, Polish(etc.) Americans were the backbone of industry and construction in the 1800s so yes still talking about American history not "romanticization" lol
@@Gee-xb7rt that is very true many Cubans including Afro-Cubans faced much struggle during that time, also found it really intereting you mentioned the long history of Cuban migration since I actually grew up close to a Port Everglades in Ft Ladurdale which was first built in the 1800s and mostly used at the time for Cubans moving into FL
Great place for photography
Thank you Jake, this stadium was a BIG part of my childhood here in Miami. I saw that infamous Jimmy Buffet concert (part of which was on one of his live albums), and I saw Journey, The Who & Boston at the stadium....but what I remember most where the Easter Sunrise Serivces I attended every Easter Sunday for over 20 years. I was born in Miami (actually Coral Gables) in 1960 and still live here today. The stadium sits in some very prime property, as Virginia Key is about halfway between Coconut Grove and Key Biscayne. I truly miss it, with the beautiful view of my picturesque downtown Miami skyline as a backdrop to whoever was entertaining us, whether it be a boat race or a famous "Star" giving us a concert, or worshipping on an Easter morning Sunrise.....again thanks Jake !!!! So many memories....
Wait, this makes me so happy. I've grown up in Miami and always been around the Marine stadium, hearing stories of Jimmy Buffett concerts, gone boating and swimming in the waters in front of it, and even done school art projects on the stadium. Heck, we were there just last week or so for the boat show.
Brings joy to see its story covered by the legend himself. Thank you for capturing the heart of this great Miami relic. The history of the marine stadium is so important to so many people down here.
Just unfortunate that it doesn't get the same love from the city itself.
The way my Fridays turn around when I see you’ve posted a new abandoned episode! 😍
I live right by here! It’s always gated off though and security is super strict, we have never been able to get inside. Although the parking lot is a popular spot for car meets and cars doing donuts and street races for some reason. Always wanted to sneak in.
😲 Super🦸♀️ surprising 😯.
What a colorful🏳️🌈 discovery
It does tend to be like that, at least this place is iconic
@AzureWolf
😇 I like doing that. I can read 📚
So cool to see this on the channel! I lived in Miami when I was a kid up until I was 18 and I always explored the Marine Stadium!!
My dad saw The Who there in 1967. One of my favorite stories.
It's so beautiful. I live in Miami. I remember when they said it was closing. They said it would not handle hurricane Andrew that hit in 1992. It's 2023 and it STILL stands! abandoned. Real Shame.
Kinda unrelated to the topic but thanks for being honest about Vesi shoes and stating that the run warm. Most UA-camrs just lie about how cool and breathable they are. It's nice to see someone on this platform who isn't a sellout.
Fascinating. I don’t think I ever knew of this stadium. It is a fascinating example of mid-century modern architecture. I hope they do restore it eventually.
As a Massachusetts resident...this place holds dear memories...I went jet skiing here for the 1st time WOW what an experience...save the stadium!!
Another day, another awesome Bright Sun Films video.
As a Saint Petersburg, Florida resident I can definitely say that this is a great monument
Pulls on my heart strings to see it in this shape.
Abandonment of this structure is a total travesty. It's terrifying how often our history is buried--whether that be architectural, cultural, social, or economic.
You say that but where is the use case for this in modern times (i.e. a time when boat racing no longer exists)?
@@Taladar2003 I'm not necessarily saying that it has to be reused; but its memory needs to be preserved. I would argue that any new developments need to incorporate a part of the structure (no matter how small), plus interpretive signage and a museum-style exhibit on its history.
@@Taladar2003 I agree. The underlying issues - decline of boat racing and larger venues available - still remain. Why spend millions on a stadium that has no use? Is it actually going to bring in millions more in tourism? Doubtful. Restoration simply isn't a sensible use of resources.
@@jgood005 100%
@@jgood005 Your "throw away" attitude is one of the many things wrong with this country. A lot of time, money, effort and resources went into the construction of this structure that should not be wasted.
We used to take the family boat to that cove. I remember one time (probably around 2008-2010) I saw skateboarders atop the roof using those steep inclines as ramps. Very cool place to walk through.
Incredible video and top class drone shots massive like from me 🙂
The Architect, the Engineer and the General Contractor all did a fine job creating this building- which has that 60's fragile look. But after 60 years, including Hurricane Andrew, and a few others, we know it isn't.
Yeah, and the architect was only 28 when he designed it? Obviously a genius in his field. His last project before he retired, Epiphany Catholic Church, is also a beautiful work of art.
Candlestick Park.
It looks like it's about to eat itself since it's been built. You have to admire the beauty in it.
"Hi, Alex here. I'm here at beautiful Angola, because someone that heard about Angola knows the name Ramen from some anime..."
That cantilever is bonkers!
Bring back boat races! And ski shows
it's a beautiful structure.. should be saved
At 4:16: I knew I saw this stadium somewhere. "Clambake"! Thanks Bright Sun Films.
A new BSF video on my birthday?!
This day is getting better and better.
Happy birthday!
@@BrightSunFilms Thank You!
Keep up the great work!
I took a trip to Miami with my gf and did this insane bike ride to a path that we couldn’t even end up riding on. We rode back and on the way we found this, I made us stop by and when we were pulling up, people were sneaking out of the building. So we waiting for them to leave, and then we walked right in. It’s such a beautiful structure that is still very much sound. I recommend checking it out! The entrance is on the left side of the building, by the fence, when you’re facing the back (or in the parking lot)
see stuff like this make me wish i lived back in the day
Miami was an amazing place to grow up in the 1960's & 70's
As a kid my dad raced boats there in the 70s and luckily I was able to race there once in 1978 such a great memory and place. I wish they would restore it and use it for Racing and water related events like concerts flotilla’s etc…
Excellent documentary, remarkable research on this stadium.
Thank you very much!
As a third generation S Floridian I went to speedboat races here as a child. I can only hope something happens to preserve this landmark, and jumpstart this process by all of the new residents moving to our area.
As one of the few hydroplane racing enthusiasts left, thanks for making this video and shedding light on the awesome history of MMS! Hopefully the restoration continues to move forward and the stadium can finally reopen for racing and concerts!
79 episodes and yet I can’t get enough! Keep them coming!! 🫶🏼
10 year anniversary don’t feel like it, been watching since almost beginning congrats on 10 years!! Loves the series!
I WAS BORN IN KEY BISCAYNE IN 1943, I REMEMBER WHEN THIS WAS BUILT. I WAS BEHIND ENEMY LINES FOR 60 YEARS. I CAME BACK TO MY HOME IN KEY BISCAYNE IN 2008 AND THE STADIUM WAS STILL NOT RE-DONE.
Wow! I grew up in South Florin the late 1980s and must have taken 20 field trips to the old Miami arena in that time . Another great video idea would be about the old Miami sequoisium that is not too far from this spot perit's in severe disrepair But with new owners looks like it may be fixed up and brought back to life. They are currently trying to Re home Lolita the orca Back to the original spot where she was kidnapped from in the Pacific Northwest. The Miami sequoium was another very popular school/summer camp field trip destination. BTW my friend dropped his new kids on the block "Hagen tuff" tape under the bleachers at the arena so if anyone comes across it please return it to Javier.
I grew up with the "annual" school field trip to the Seaqarium....went to Kensington Park Elem....on NW 7th Street and 30th Ave
No longer live in Miami but did for about 5 years right before covid. Used to row with amateur dragon boat teams right by the stadium. They'd let anybody walk-in and row with them if there was space. We'd meet up in that abandoned parking lot at the other end from the stadium and row around in that waterway. I remember my first time pulling into that parking lot thinking I was lost. That big abandoned structure covered in graffiti really dominates your attention when you pull in. Thanks for sharing the story! (Shout out to Puff Dragon Boat team!)
I was there as a 6 month old baby sweating up a storm and being passed between my mom and grandma, but the home video my dad took of the jet ski stunt event lives on
There are actually two modern "marine stadiums" - Lake Lucas in Wheatland, MO still actively being used & Wild Horse Pass Motorsports Park in Chandler, AZ, which hosted its last race in 2022. Both amazing civil engineering efforts, but not architecturally significant.
Nice documentary....I love the history & how they turned it into concert location...and those Vessi's look kool....
Glad you enjoyed it
I'm sorry, 10 years of abandoned? Ive been watching these for 10 years! Congrats Jake and everyone involved in Bright Sun Films!!!🥳🥳🥳
Thank you!!
Didn’t know this existed, and now I’m emotionally invested!
Simply because it still stands doesn't mean it's still relevant. Everything changes. We had Long Beach marine stadium in So Cal for years. It's rarely used now. The events held there are no longer popular. The Reno Air races are being shut down because they are now poorly attended after being a premier event for decades. Over time people/fans move on to new events and venues. It happens. I don't know the best use for that Miami location but uselessly hanging on to the past is probably not one of them.
Could you imagine using this property as the setting for a music festival with this stadium acting as the grand stand. That would be a blast
This sight is familiar to anyone who has been to a coastal amusement park which used to have water skiing shows. Many parks (like Sea World San Diego and Six Flags Discovery Kingdom) still have large amphitheaters facing water because of the popularity of water skiing shows from the 60s to the 80s. Once interest in water skiing collapsed, most of these amphitheaters were abandoned within these working parks, hidden behind construction walls or newer attractions.
Hinchcliffe Stadium in Paterson, New Jersey would be a great topic for a video. It was a former negro league stadium that was used up until the mid-1990s. Then it was basically abandoned. Now it's been renovated and is currently hosting an independent minor league baseball team full time.
I had no clue it even existed. But this is such a cool, exciting structure with such strong potential. Boy would I love it if community members who genuinely want to see it updated, renovated, cleaned up and running consistently again come together to do a lot of the work as volunteers. Can you imagine the gratification, pride, and eternal memory you'd have to know you directly contributed your own passion, time, labor and money into restoring and opening such a place back up, since as usual government can never be trusted to get anything done? Imagine the powerful experience that'd be. I hope they'll pull off such a grassroots unheard of effort and get it done with or without the government and rich elites putting any money, time or effort into it themselves.
It's the perfect venue for all sorts of things, not in the least concerts and concert series, festivals, etc. Sure, you have the small indoor venues, the medium size venues and the large ones like stadiums and arenas, but you can never have too many options when it comes to stadiums as such a large metro area, let alone vacation destination. You'll never run out of demand for more if you play your cards right. Think of a festival for smaller acts, more niche genres, and of course older legendary bands who have experienced the popularity decline due to aging playing various concerts and again festivals/concert series' here - man... perfection! I traditionally complain and assert that all major cities and metro areas should have at least one, if not two major amphitheaters alongside their more typical venues. I think its just common sense and essential to also give people a choice in the type of experience like that. Annoying to see how lacking amphitheaters are in the US. And I mean proper concert venue amphitheaters. Well, this stadium here clearly fits right in-between the two types of venues, including in capacity, arguably making it even more perfect to fix up, revamp and reopen.
There is also plenty of other opportunities for other events to be hosted at a venue like this, outside of the usual water sports and concerts. Other types of festivals, various different kinds of community events, charity events, school events, ceremonies, so on. Imagine hosting something like a special graduation ceremony at a venue like this, and in true graduate fashion and south Florida fashion, to celebrate it and cap it all off, the students all jump into the water from the stage. Again, what a incredible opportunity with this stadium they have there. It'd be moronic to allow government to as always twiddle their fingers and not really do anything, yet just expect you to sit there and wait for them to do something, let alone to simply allow it to continue to sit there and slowly decay away.
I saw it while driving to Key Biscayne Tennis center, which now also looks rather rough compared to its glory days when it hosted the Miami Open. I wondered what it’s purpose was and why there was a massive stadium looking at the ocean
Love that you came to Miami for this gem. It’s just … there. Its potential … wasted.
Honestly. Using that for concerts and other shows is genius. I can't believe they opted to have concerts in a football stadium rather than on the water. The atmosphere at that place has to be 100x better than a football stadium.
That's an easy answer...... the amount of asses on seats in a stadium are a lot more than on the water.
100x more insects too 😄
@@RichPianasOilPump it's Florida. And the football stadium isn't a dome. There will be insects in both places.
It's not that easy when it comes to concerts. You have to worry about the logistics and the acustics, which I can assure you won't be the same as closed space built for said entertainment. Sound travels different on water as well
@wesch6354 but ones literally on the water
I was there in the early 70's.. 1St. mate on a 1928 Mathis Trumpy 86' Charter Yacht... We were based out of the Sheridan 4 Ambassadors Complex across on the mainland near downtown.. We took the bands "America", and "Leon Russel" to their concerts on the yacht.. We would cruise them around Miami and dock up to the back of the Bandshell barge.. The Band members would get off, do the Concert, and get back onboard and we would sail away... (VERY Fun Times)..
That is truely a beautifully designed grand stand. I hope it does get saved.
Here in Arizona, we have Wild Horse Pass with a dedicated water track across the parking lot from the drag strip. As a kid, we'd go to events there all the time, watching cars and boats racing at the same venue! Shame it's getting torn down this year, especially as these water tracks become more and more rare.
It’s a shame this structure has been abandoned because boat racing continues today. Miami still has a strong and dare I say the biggest and most prominent boat culture in America.
I agree very much.
I saw this video come up on my feed. It made me smile. I shot a music video here years ago. I'm a hairdresser and makeup artist an we shot at night. it was amazing as we started to shoot the music started bringing in curiosity seekers so many kids came they thought we were having a dance party! The interior walls are indeed covered in art and graffiti. It's magical in the right situation
I’ve done a photo shoot there about 10 years back now lol
Well done production about a unique & beautiful architectural sculpture, thanx !!!!
This was fascinating, thanks for sharing! One part of the stadium’s history that you missed is the massive amount of skateboarding history that happened here. In the early-mid 2000s, the stadium and its roof were a massive skate spot attracting skaters from around the world. The spot was referred to as MIA rooftops.
There are countless amounts of footage of people skating both the inside of the stadium and the roof. Skaters skated the banks on the roof, and built the inside of the stadium into a DIY skate spot. I remember visiting several times and having so much fun skating and exploring there!
Thanks for watching!
My Grand mother and Aunt took us to see the water skiing shows they used to have during our summer vacation from the Carolina's in the 70's. Most weekends this place was packed with tourists. Other attractions we were blessed to visit include the Miami seaquarium, Haulover park, beach and the Popeye fishing boat at the dock, the boardwalk up in Hollywood, Mario the baker, Carvel Ice cream and the North Miami 4th of July fireworks display. It is good to see some of these historic and long lived events and attractions are still available for others to enjoy.
Do Splendid China Florida next time on Abanonded!
It’s on the list!
@@BrightSunFilms is Grand Avenue Mall in Milwaukee on the list?
I would love to go here I am a Miami native and to see this place come back it’s has been and always be a part of Miami if the government and the city of Miami could work together I think it would be great
I explored this back in January, they've made progress but nothing significant. the parking lot is currently used for a live show of "Magic Mike" and any construction worker or security you'll see is for that venue.
i’ve had a couple open water swim meets here. took some drone shots of the building some people love it some people think it’s an eye soar
not the structure itself but the grafiti i personally like it i think it gives it character
Whenever my family goes to the beach at Bill Baggs State Park, we always past by this amazing structure. All I have ever known since I was born is that it has been abandoned. I’m a history major now with a deep love of architectural history. There is so much in and around it and nobody gives a damn. The folks in Tallahassee don’t care, but neither does Miami-Dade or the city. It’s crazy to see something I have seen abandoned all my life featured on this channel. Hits really close to home, literally and figuratively. We South Floridian need to do better.
Wow, I lived in Miami in the mid to late 90's, but never knew of this building. Cool to see this building has survived so much hurricane weather despite being abandoned with no maintenance for so long.
Nice to see Bright Sun pop up in my feeds again. I had a work event cruise while in Miami for a conference. It went into the stadium cove. I had totally forgotten about that and honestly would have assume it had been destroyed by now. Hoe they can save it. Can’t imagine how many hurricanes it has endured.
It’s amazing the stand is still, well, standing, give all the other concrete structures that have collapsed in Florida.
It always amazes me how cities can mismanage potential assets like this. This stadium is a potential one of its kind venue that could become the centerpiece of a new development. Imagine a music venue as unique as redrocks where yachts and sailors can pull right up to the stage. Imagine how a venue like that could be the center of a new waterfront residential development. Where you or I could watch a concert from the stands while Jeff Bezos watches the same concert from the bow of his yacht. One of a kind and a truly miami experience.
the cities learn from their big brother--- the US Govt
True.
@@tyronetrump1612the US government will often abandon perfectly working infrastructure.
I hope they get this done. There's a ton of different ways to utilize this venue. It doesn't have to be boat races or big headline concerts.
It would just be a really awesome place for community events. Boat shows. Car shows. Local live music. It would just be a really nice community center type venue.
Occasionally we'd go to the boat races. As a teenager, my buddy and I used to go to concerts there Saturday nights on his boat, an 18-foot Thunderbird, a cathedral-hulled runabout no longer made. We'd anchor in front of the barge, eat a bucket of chicken and drink a bottle of Boone's Farm. Occasionally, in a rainstorm, the power would fail onstage, causing the music to go acoustic by accident. The place actually had great acoustics, music sounded great over the water. It was during the best of times, the 60s and 70s.
You should really make another series based of Disney rides that were replaced with other rides.
Working on that literally as I type this comment haha!
@@BrightSunFilms>>> *20,000 LEAGUES UNDER THE SEA* at WDW.
I will _NEVER_ forgive DISNEY for closing that one.
Wow! I hadn’t even thought about this place for years. I do remember seeing Herb Alpert in concert here. In fact we got to meet him after his concert. Sad shape today
Great production as always Jake. Always sad to see abandoned icons, however, I can't help believe that boat racing, unlike Formula 1 and Stock Car races are a bit of a thing of the past. I assume they are still held, but the popularity isn't what they used to be for some reason.
My brother and I used to attend the Thunderboats races in the late 70's. Such a cool venue for that.
I genuinely hope this makes it into GTA 6
years before Miami had a MLS team the idea was floated of having the stadium used as a soccer stadium with a soccer pitch built on a barge floated in front of the grand stand with smaller floating stands placed around it. Always thought that was an interesting idea.
Abandoned was just a sign of the times. Wonder why not a couple of billionaires didn't save it for something cool. If you get on Google maps, the street views show its current state from many angles.
as many rich billionaires that do live (at least during the Winter) in or around Miami, you'd think one of them would have approached the City of Miami about purchasing it. The Matheson family also might have a say in what happens on this property, since they were the original owners
I love how well produced Bright Sun Films are
Nice vid...yeah boat racing has definitely been in decline...not unlike Air Racing...maybe you should do one on the facilities in Reno , post cancellation of the Air Races
the architecture of the grand stand is so nice i really appreciate it.
Cool I was wondering what this was we parked there to swim across the street
I walked around inside 7 years ago, it's a great place and should be restored, Miami has an interesting history to share and should be preserved.
It should be possible to keep it.
Great video. My son works at a golf course so wet shoes are an issue. Vessi is the only brand he wears.
Unreal! Clambake is my favorite Elvis movie!