The dream of a new stadium for Inter Miami CF moved one step closer to reality on Tuesday.
The club cleared a major hurdle in its quest for a stadium after voters in Miami gave the green light for the city of Miami to negotiate a 99-year lease with club ownership for the construction of soccer stadium and adjacent commercial complex on what is now a city-owned golf course near Miami International Airport.
Owners Jorge Mas, David Beckham and club supporters celebrated the referendum results – 60 percent of voters backed the project – at an event held in Coral Gables and they were joined by Miami mayor Francis Suarez.
“We won tonight,” Mas said. “We showed the world what Miami can do.”
Following lease negotiations between city officials and club owners, final approval of the deal will be required from four of five city commissioners.
“Today is a historic day for the sport in our country, and another building block in our vision to become a soccer nation,” said Major League Soccer Commissioner Don Garber. “Inter Miami CF’s plan for a world-class soccer stadium as the keystone for Miami Freedom Park will help transform the City of Miami and be a hub for soccer fans from all over South Florida.
"On behalf of all of us at Major League Soccer, we thank the community for its support, and Miami city officials for their leadership. We also thank Jorge and Jose Mas, David Beckham and Marcelo Claure for their hard work and deep belief in MLS. We look forward to Inter Miami CF’s launch in 2020.”
