Miami Freedom Park stadium vote a “transformational moment” for Inter Miami

The developments will only make Henderson’s job easier, he notes, as IMCF look to build upon their 2020 entry into the league. Players, especially from abroad, already strongly desire to play in Miami. Now, the project would be only more appealing to them.

“Right now we have what I feel is the best training facility in the league and we use that as part of our recruitment pitch today,” Henderson said. “We show players and many comments we get is it’s as good as any place in the world. Ownership, their commitment to the facilities side to support our first team, academy, second team – it’s top.

“Now the new stadium, I’m sure we’ll be in the same ballpark with how it helps recruit players. Everything will be state-of-the-art and at a high level globally. All of that put together and building a team that can be sustainable and successful over the long-term, that’s the goal of the club and eventually winning trophies.”

Miami Freedom Park, once completed, would join a groundswell of stadium investments across the league. By 2023, as venues launch in Nashville and St. Louis, there will be 26 stadiums built or reimagined for MLS clubs.

The Herons getting their own “cathedral,” as Henderson phrased it, after ownership drove the project ahead? It’ll be just another step forward for the beautiful game in the US and Canada.

“For me, it’s a transformational moment for the city of Miami, Inter Miami as a club, all of South Florida’s soccer community and for MLS,” Henderson said. “It really is a legacy for Jorge and Jose Mas, the Mas family, David Beckham.”