Miami Arena may regain shine as architectural gem [audio 4min]

In Miami, a coalition including preservationists and architects, known as Friends of Miami Marine Stadium, has taken up the cause of preserving the local landmark. The group, with the support of the Dade Heritage Trust, is lobbying the City of Miami and working to get the stadium designated a historic site in the hope of building public momentum for its restoration. Don Worth, who helped start the preservation group, says the Marine Stadium also has a rich cultural history. An Elvis Presley movie was filmed there. President Richard Nixon hugged Sammy Davis Jr. at a 1972 voters rally. And everyone from Mitch Miller to Jimmy Buffet and Bonnie Raitt held concerts from the stadium's floating stage. Worth envisions a revitalized stadium that could once again draw huge crowds with concerts and other events such as rowing and dragon boat races. Looking across the bay, with the Miami skyline rising in the distance, Worth says, "It's … the kind of place that gives a city 'soul.'" Webpage includes extended story, photos.