Today we’d like to introduce you to Donald Worth.
Hi Donald, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
YOUR STORY Since 2008, I have spearheaded the effort to save and restore the Miami Marine Stadium; first as Co-Founder of Friends of Miami Marine Stadium (2008-2014) and from 2015-present as Co-Founder of Restore Miami Marine Stadium.
The Marine Stadium is widely considered to be an architectural marvel. When it was built, it featured the longest span of cantilevered concrete in the world. Before it was shuttered in 1992 after Hurricane Andrew (note: it was not damaged by the Hurricane) it hosted everything from boat races to rock and classical concerts to community events. Anyone who has ever been to the Stadium will tell you that it is truly a magical place, a stunningly unique venue.
Why restore the Marine Stadium? Easy question: Miami’s best physical asset is its access to water-but most waterfront property is owned by the wealthy. The Marine Stadium will give all Miami residents a chance to have unique waterfront experiences. Once restored, it will immediately become one of the five greatest open’ air venues in the world-it is really that special. The second reason is economic: Tourism comprises a large component of Miami’s economy, providing thousands of jobs at all levels. Our tourist economy is fragile and must compete with other emerging destinations. The Marine Stadium is a bold “new” tourist attraction which has generated significant international buzz for almost 20 years. It will be a strong driver to Miami’s event driven tourist economy.
If you want to learn more about the Marine Stadium, please check out this terrific video.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
There are two major challenges: First is feasibility. In the past, people have questioned whether the Stadium will be financially successful. We’ve finally answered that one. The City of Miami hired an independent, professional consulting firm that concluded the Stadium is not only unique but also will be in the “top tier” of all performing arts venues.” Last year, the City issued a Request for Proposals (RFP) to find an operator for the Marine Stadium. I was encouraged to see that the two largest-and best-facilities operators in the United States, turned in highly competitive bids to manage the Stadium.
The second major challenge is political. After years of work, we finally have a sustainable and compelling operating and financial plan for the Marine Stadium. To move forward, we must get approval from the Miami City Commission and the general public through a Referendum. For Marine Stadium supporters, it is our job to “sell it”. The time is now.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
Coming up on 19 years, my goal has been to lead the public advocacy for the Stadium. We have a website and an active facebook page. We’ve hosted many unique events over the years, such as giving original stadium seats to 58 artists to repurpose as artwork and we featured talks such as “From Havana to Miami: The Architectural and Cultural Significance of the Miami Marine Stadium”. I have also given over 120 presentations about the Marine Stadium to various community groups. If you know of a group that may be interested in a presentation, just let me know!
Also, because of my long-term involvement, I have a significant amount of knowledge about this project. I try to do everything I can-both substantively and politically-to move the project forward including working with and assisting the City of Miami.
We’d love to hear about any fond memories you have from when you were growing up?
I collected butterflies growing up. Trying doing that while you are in the 5th grade and see how popular you become.
But collecting butterflies provided me with a strong life lesson-something I find useful in my work on the Marine Stadium. It may be trite-but life is worth living when you have a passion and are not afraid to pursue it. It’s important to have an optimistic vision-but be grounded in reality. My work on the Marine Stadium has provided me with experiences that are both frustrating and exhilarating. Though it’s been almost 18 years, the project is just too good to give up-and I think we are closer than ever before to achieving success.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.restoremarinestadium.org
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/restoremarinestadium
