Inter Miami begins construction on its $1billion Miami Freedom Park with Lionel Messi, David Beckham and co. set to move into their new 25,000-seat home in 2025
- The 2025 timeline aligns with the final year of Lionel Messi’s Inter Miami contract
- The billion-dollar project also includes a park, hotel, office space and retail
- DailyMail.com provides all the latest international sports news
Inter Miami began construction on its new stadium, the club announced Monday, unveiling new photos of the $1 billion complex.
Lionel Messi, David Beckham and co. are set to move into their new home in 2025 after playing at DRV PNK Stadium in Fort Lauderdale, Florida since Miami’s inaugural season in 2020.
The goal timeline for the new 25,000-seat soccer-specific stadium aligns with the final year of Messi’s contract after he joined the Herons in mid-July.
‘With Inter Miami, my family set out to build something truly transformational. In just four years we have changed the perception worldwide of American soccer. As we commence construction of Miami Freedom Park that same vision guides us,’ Jorge Mas, Inter Miami’s managing owner, said in a release.
‘In creating a multi-faceted space we will set a new standard of what sport complexes can be. We look forward to delivering a food and entertainment destination for families to enjoy year-round. I can’t wait to welcome our fans to our state-of-the-art stadium and hear the chants as Messi and your Inter Miami players take the pitch for the first time in 2025.’
The billion-dollar project expands beyond MLS with the complex also set to include a 58-acre public park that will be the largest new park in Miami, soccer and youth athletic fields for the community, and commercial and entertainment offerings, featuring a luxury 750-room hotel, a retail center and office space.
The local businesses on the complex – in particular the hotel and shops in the retail center – will be expected to feel the benefit of the match-day goers flooding into the area to get a glimpse of Messi.
Groundwork has already begun on the 131-acre construction site with an official groundbreaking ceremony to take place later this year.
Devon McCorkle, recently-appointed president of the Miami Freedom Park, said the arrival of World Cup winner Messi to Miami last month has already had a massive positive impact on the project.
‘The level of attention and the influx of inquiries we are receiving have been incredible, a testament to the positive impact of Lionel Messi on Inter Miami CF and the City of Miami,’ said McCorkle, who is an experienced veteran in megaproject and sports-anchored real estate investment and development.
‘Everyone wants to be part of what we’re creating, a new entertainment district that will be the centerpiece of family activities and experiences in Miami.
‘We are in discussions with stadium sponsors, hotel brands, major attractions operators, restaurant groups, cultural institutions and many other exciting potential partners. We will deliver an incredible home for them at Miami Freedom Park.’
Messi mania has already taken Miami by storm with the club adding approximately 3,000 seats to DRV PNK Stadium to accommodate the demand of clamoring fans wanting to see the the seven-time Ballon d’Or winner.
And, Messi has delivered magic and more, bagging 11 goals in nine games since making his debut against Cruz Azul on July 21.
Architectural firm Arquitectonica, stadium design company Manica, and project management specialists CAA Icon are also contributing to the ambitious design.
The project, which is 100 percent privately funded, is expected to be a big boost to the city of Miami.
The Miami Freedom Park will lease 73 acres from the city, paying $2.67 billion in rent to the city over the lease term and will contribute a further $6.3 bn in tax revenue.
