Inter Miami has officially opened Nu Stadium at Miami Freedom Park. Co-owner Sir David Beckham announced the event on Instagram before the team’s first MLS home game at the venue, which kicks off at 7:30 PM local time—12:30 AM UK time on Sunday, April 5.
Beckham shared photos of himself on the pitch, embracing Lionel Messi, and practicing with the staff. He wrote, “So excited to see our players and fans together in Miami Freedom Park for the first time. The open training session was great… bring on Saturday now.”
During the open training session on Friday, players including Messi, Luis Suarez, and former Manchester United defender Sergio Reguilon used the pitch for the first time, with fans present. Tonight’s match against Austin FC will mark the first competitive game at the new stadium.
What is Nu Stadium?
Nu Stadium was built at an estimated cost of $350 million, according to the Miami Herald. It is named after a sponsorship deal with Brazilian digital bank Nu and has a capacity of 26,700. The stadium replaces Chase Stadium in Fort Lauderdale, which Inter Miami used since joining the MLS.
The new venue is part of a larger Miami Freedom Park development that will include parks, hotels, commercial spaces, and offices. Notably, one of the stands has been named the Leo Messi Stand, making Messi the first active player to have a stand named after him at a stadium where he currently plays. This stand covers sections 117 to 121 in the lower bowl and 217 to 223 in the upper bowl.
Messi expressed his excitement in a video shared by Inter Miami, stating, “It’s spectacular, impressive… crazy. In such a short time, to have this stadium – it’s incredible.”
Beckham’s journey from a $25m option to a $350m stadium
The opening of Nu Stadium represents the culmination of a journey that began not with construction, but with a clause in a 2007 MLS contract.
When Beckham joined LA Galaxy that year, his deal included an option to buy an MLS expansion franchise for $25 million. He exercised this option in 2014, and Inter Miami was formally admitted to MLS in 2018, beginning play in 2020. Beckham is a co-owner along with José Mas, while Jorge Mas serves as the Managing Owner.
This $25 million option has led to the creation of a club whose stadium cost fourteen times that amount to build, making it one of the best individual investments in professional sports history.
What this means for MLS
Many believe that MLS has been struggling to attract the biggest global football names.
The Saudi Pro League has emerged as a serious contender, signing high-profile players like Cristiano Ronaldo, Karim Benzema, and Darwin Nunez, drawing attention and investments that MLS hoped to secure.
However, Nu Stadium represents MLS’s response to this challenge. While Saudi Arabia is purchasing players, Miami is establishing long-term infrastructure. A $350 million stadium, part of a broader urban development project, symbolizes permanence that salary deals do not offer.
The significance of tonight’s opener underscores this point. The stadium is inaugurated by a globally recognized football figure, who also owns the club. The first competitive match features the sport’s arguably greatest player, who has a stand named after him.
Lionel Messi has already led Inter Miami to significant successes, including the 2023 Leagues Cup and the 2024 MLS Supporters’ Shield, along with various other titles. He has accumulated 82 goals and 53 assists in 94 appearances across all competitions.
Inter Miami currently ranks third in the MLS Eastern Conference with three wins, one draw, and one loss. Their only defeat was a 3-0 loss to LAFC in the season opener, though their form has improved since then.
The Manchester United connection
For Manchester United supporters, tonight holds additional interest.
Beckham remains a legendary figure at the club and has a deep connection to Old Trafford. He has also overseen the construction and opening of a major football stadium, managing various project aspects including planning and financing.
When Beckham posted about the stadium opening, Gary Neville commented with three hearts on Instagram. This detail is worth noting.
Neville is a member of the Old Trafford Regeneration Task Force, which was formed to address what he termed “inaction for ten years” at the club. He has emphasized the need for Manchester United to have the best stadium and training facilities in the world.
Neville even cited Tottenham Hotspur Stadium as the current benchmark, calling it “stunning.” He also highlighted his potential role in this process, noting his experience in property development since retiring as a player in 2011.
The two share a long history that extends beyond their time as teammates at United. Together, they acquired Salford City and have worked on its growth while navigating ownership and football development challenges for over a decade. They converse regularly.
Neville is currently involved in significant stadium decisions for Manchester United, while Beckham has successfully delivered a new venue. The insights gained through such experience are invaluable.
As Neville remarked, what United must become is a club rooted in history but also modern in its approach—to evolve from not only a people perspective but also in terms of infrastructure.
Tonight in Miami, Beckham has achieved precisely that.
Inter Miami vs Austin FC kicks off at 7:30 PM local time tonight (12:30 AM UK time on Sunday, April 5). Inter Miami is currently third in the MLS Eastern Conference.
Add Footem.in As your Preferred Source on Google
Follow the latest on Footem WhatsApp Channel