David Beckham’s hopes of building a new stadium for his Inter Miami franchise in the MLS moved a step closer to being realized after a vote by residents.
About 60% of the city’s voters opted to allow the club to negotiate to build on a 73-acre site that is currently a council-owned golf course.
The complex would house a stadium, shopping mall, hotel and public park.
Beckham’s group now has to get the backing of four of the city’s five commissioners. That is not guaranteed as two of them, Willy Gort and Manolo Reyes, have voiced opposition to the plans.
“I need to say a big thanks to the fans who have stuck by us,” said former England captain Beckham.
“Today is an exciting day. We have had a dream of bringing a team to this great city. We want to create a legacy, something our children will aspire to.
“But we also want to win. I am not coming here just to have a pretty team. Winning championships [is] important to me.”
MLS Commissioner Don Garber hailed “a historic day for the sport in our country and another building block in our vision to become a soccer nation”.
Garber added: “Inter Miami CF’s plan for a world-class soccer stadium as the keystone for Miami Freedom Park will help transform the city of Miami and be a hub for soccer fans from all over South Florida.”
Inter Miami are due to begin playing in the 2020 MLS season, initially at a temporary home that is likely to be either Miami Dolphins’ Hard Rock Stadium or Marlins Park.
