Inter Miami CF Home At Last

After playing in a temporary venue for six years, Inter Miami FC came home Saturday night to a new $350 million hometown pitch – Nu Stadium in Miami.

The match, which ended in a 2-2 tie against Austin FC, signaled a flashy new chapter for Inter Miami, which is co-owned by David Beckham and Jorge Mas.

The 26,700-seat venue was well received by fans, even though some areas are still not complete. At gametime, the City of Miami had not issued a temporary certificate of occupancy, but the competition kicked off with a limited event permit, which set limits for opening day as well as other restrictions and additional precautions.

On the cusp of the FIFA World Cub being hosted in the city in June, Inter Miami CF is one of three MLS clubs opening soccer-specific venues in the next few years including New York City FC in 2027 and Chicago Fire FC in 2028. Meanwhile, Toyota Stadium, home of FC Dallas, is being renovated with construction scheduled to be completed in 2028.

After playing at Inter Miami CF Stadium in Fort Lauderdale since the club’s MLS debut in 2020, the Herons’ opener was an anxiously awaited debut of the state-of-the art stadium – which also features the Leo Messi Stand. It’s rare in global sports for an athlete playing at his home stadium to have a stand named in his honor.

Nu Stadium is part of Miami Freedom Park, a privately funded 131-acre, $1.3 billion develop near Miami International Airport. Fans arrived early and passed the time in the Fan Zone, awaiting the opening of the gates. The facility is the centerpiece of Miami Freedom Park with panoramic views of downtown while also being steps away from public transit.

The opener was pure Miami spectacle from the ribbon cutting to the National Anthem performed by Mark Anthony. The Latin star is a team supporter and friend of Beckham’s – who has the translation of Inter Miami’s motto, “Libertad Para Soñar,” (the Freedom to Dream) tattooed in Anthony’s handwriting.

The debut included activities in the Baptist Health Fan Zone, co-branded bucket hats for the first 10,000 fans and special gifts at each seat including a rally towel and lite stick.

Inter Miami CF also hosted “Icons In Training” in conjunction with Royal Caribbean Group. All ticketed guests ages 5 to 14 were invited to participate in a special pre-match training session led by Inter Miami CF Academy coaches at the Baptist Health Sports Fields. 

Inter Miami CF also debuted the team store, which spans 11,000 square feet over two levels making it the largest team store in all of MLS. The store offers fans the opportunity to customize jerseys with exclusive numbers inspired by the store’s hand-painted mural from Miami-based artist Nico.

The shop also features more than 40 footwear styles on display – another MLS first – and the Funko Experience, with life-size Inter Miami CF Pop! Box and Pop! Lionel Messi statue in addition to the company’s Popular Funko Pop! Collectibles, Loungefly accessories and Pop! Yourself personalized items, which are shipped to the buyer seven days later. Each figure arrives in a custom Inter Miami CF Funko box.  

Festivities didn’t conclude with the final whistle. Post match activities were highlighted by the Modelo After Party on the Terraces, which featured a set from Grammy award-winning producer/DJ Cedric Gervais.