State board to consider historic value of Miami Marine Stadium

A hearing has been set to consider whether the shuttered, graffiti-tagged Ralph Munroe Marine Stadium is deserving of a spot on the National Register of Historic Places.

On Sept. 23, the Florida National Register Review Board will consider whether the waterfront venue off the Rickenbacker Causeway is worthy of a place on the country’s official list of historic landmarks. The stadium, built in the 1960s, is already on the city’s list of historic places. It was nominated for the designation by the National Trust for Historic Preservation in part because it enabled supporters of a stadium restoration to seek up to $6 million in tax credits.

Before closing after Hurricane Andrew battered South Florida in 1992, the 6,500-seat stadium was a popular spot for speedboat races and concerts. The city has plans to restore the venue and redevelop the surrounding area. If the state board finds the stadium worthy, a formal nomination will be submitted to the Keeper of the National Register in Washington D.C., who will make a final decision.

This story was originally published August 31, 2015 at 6:42 PM with the headline "State board to consider historic value of Miami Marine Stadium."