FE tAT in ern URE atSLUG ion a l ne w s
The released image shows that the complex will mix a 25,000-seat stadium with a 58-acre park and 23 acres of football fields
‘Beckham stadium’ moves forward Miami residents will vote in November on whether the city should negotiate an agreement to develop Miami Freedom Park, the proposed home of David Beckham’s MLS franchise
T
he group hoping to establish
Miami – can not begin negotiations about
a Major League Soccer (MLS)
the possible year it will join the MLS. “Bringing an MLS club to Miami has
franchise in Miami, Florida, US,
been a hell of a journey,” Beckham said at
has released the first image
the official launch event earlier this year.
of the proposed stadium complex.
“I promise you the team that we
Led by former England football captain David Beckham, the group is hoping
bring into this league will be one of
to establish the development – which
the best teams… the best team. “When I was awarded the team there
would mix a 25,000-seat stadium with a
was only one city for me and it was
park and commercial projects – on land currently occupied by a city-owned golf course near Miami International Airport. As well as the home of the Miami MLS team, the plans include 750 hotel rooms, restaurants, retail and entertainment,
Bringing an MLS club to Miami has been one hell of a journey David Beckham
same reason that millions of people are – the diversity, the culture, the weather, the beaches, the people.” Beckham also emphasised the need to foster homegrown talent in Miami,
along with a new 58-acre park and 23 acres of football fields for the public.
here. I was drawn to this city for the
nearly five years of negotiations.
rather than relying exclusively on
Beckham had exercised an option in his
signing seasoned pros from the more
Jorge Mas, of infrastructure firm MasTec,
contract with former side LA Galaxy to buy
competitive European leagues.
published the visual in July. In the same
an expansion franchise in 2014. He spent
“We want to bring in the top players
week, a decision was made that Miami
five years at LA Galaxy after signing from
from Europe, of course, but the thing we
residents will vote in November on whether
Real Madrid in 2007 and is set to become
are more interested in is home grown
to authorise the city to negotiate an
the first former MLS player to own a team.
talent. We will build a top-class academy
Beckham and development partner
agreement to develop Miami Freedom Park. Beckham officially launched his MLS venture in Miami on 29 January, following
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Issue 3 2018
Until a decision is reached about the
– that is how you build a team that
stadium in November, however, the Miami
everyone can be proud of,” Beckham said.
team – Club Internacional de Futbol
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