Gloria Estefan helps restore historic Miami stadium
Gloria Estefan is helping bring back a Miami gem by making a whopping donation, leaving many locals happy of her kind act. The Cuban-American singer…
FILE-Miami’s own Gloria Estefan is pitching in to help bring the Miami Marine Stadium back to life. (Photo by Frank Micelotta/Invision for People Espanol/AP Images)
Gloria Estefan is helping bring back a Miami gem by making a whopping donation, leaving many locals happy of her kind act.
The Cuban-American singer announced she will donate $500,000 to help restore the Miami Marine Stadium located in Key Biscayne, Fla., a landmark that is not found anywhere else in the world.
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Its almost a symbol of our community and how much were a part of Miami, Gloria Estefan, 56, reports The Miami Herald.
Estefan, a trustee of the National Trust for Historic Preservation, has been raising awareness to rescue the stadium since 2003.
Miami residents are thankful for Gloria Estefan’s kind act after donating $500,000 for the Miami Marine Stadium’s restoration. (Photo: Twitter/@GloriaEstefan)
“I would like to make the donation to demonstrate that my actions concord with my words,” said Estefan.
The 6,566-seat stadium, which faces the fresh and clear ocean waters of Miami, was built and completed in 1963 –it was the first structure in Miami built by a Cuban exile architect Hilaro Candela.
Though the facility’s purpose was for powerboat racing in the U.S., it later became a go-to venue for celebrities.
Music stars such as Aretha Franklin and Jimmy Buffet performed at the unique floating stage.
Gloria Estefan also rocked at the stadium, recalling a mid-1980 concert there after the Miami Sound Machines “Dr. Beat” became a hit. She said it felt like the first celebration of the bands arrival.
Unfortunately, the building was declared unsafe after being destroyed by Hurricane Andrew in 1992. It closed down on Sept. 18, 1992 and since has been abandoned and covered in graffiti by clandestine locals.
Concert-goers watch an evening concert on Biscayne Bay, 1967. (Photo: Wikimedia Commons)
According to the Miami Herald, Estefan pointed out that Miami is a relatively young city that needs to preserve its unique, iconic places.
Estefan, the National Trust for Historic Preservation, along with nine local artists are hoping to help restore this wonderful and one-of-its-kind Miami landmark by raising $30 million by January.
The creative local artists recently painted murals on the stadium and selling the prints to raise money, all proceeds will go to the stadium’s restoration.
“I know it will take some time to collect funds but we will achieve it to bring back this place to the community,” the GRAMMY-winning singer said.
By Estefan donating for the cause, she hopes others will support the restoration of the inactive stadium.
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Gloria Estefan and local Miami artists raise awareness for the endangered Marine Stadium in Miami. (Photo: Twitter/@GloriaEstefan)
