Miami voters will decide whether the historic Miami Marine Stadium can move closer to restoration through a proposed management agreement that includes an investment of up to $10 million.
The measure will appear as Miami Referendum 2 on the August 18, 2026, ballot. A “Yes” vote would authorize the city to enter into a long-term agreement with Global Spectrum L.P. to manage events at the stadium and the surrounding Flex Park on Virginia Key.
Why Is the Miami Marine Stadium Still Closed?
The Miami Marine Stadium opened in 1963 and became one of the city’s most recognizable waterfront landmarks. Its grandstand, cantilevered concrete roof and views of Biscayne Bay made it a distinctive example of mid-century modern architecture.
For decades, the venue hosted powerboat races, concerts and community events. However, it was declared unsafe following Hurricane Andrew in 1992 and has remained unused ever since. Although Miami has completed some structural reinforcement work, the property still requires a much larger restoration effort before it can welcome crowds again.
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What Would Miami Referendum 2 Authorize?
The referendum would allow the City of Miami to approve an agreement with Global Spectrum L.P. for the operation of the Miami Marine Stadium and Flex Park at 3501 Rickenbacker Causeway.
Under the ballot proposal, the agreement could remain in effect for as long as 40 years. Global Spectrum would contribute up to $10 million toward the restoration of the stadium, but that amount may cover only part of the project’s total cost.
Approval would not mean the stadium could reopen immediately. Additional restoration plans, construction work, financing and safety approvals would still be necessary before events could return.
How Would Stadium Revenue Be Shared?
The proposed agreement establishes a revenue-sharing structure for future concerts, festivals, sporting events and other activities.
According to the official ballot language, Miami would receive 93% of gross event sales after deducting a monthly management fee of $33,333. The city would also retain 85% of sponsorship revenue.
The proposal also covers Flex Park, a multipurpose space surrounding the stadium that could host events while the larger restoration process continues.
When Is the Miami Marine Stadium Vote?
The Miami Marine Stadium referendum will be decided during the city’s special election on Tuesday, August 18, 2026. Early voting runs from August 3 through August 16, while the deadline to request a vote-by-mail ballot is August 6.
Voters will find the proposal listed as Referendum 2: Approve Management Agreement with Global Spectrum for Historic Miami Marine Stadium and Flex Park.
More than three decades after the venue closed, the vote could determine whether Miami moves forward with a new operating model and an initial restoration investment. It would not guarantee an immediate reopening, but it could become one of the most significant steps yet toward bringing events back to the stadium’s waterfront grandstands.
Note by AVG