David Beckham’s proposed US$200m (€145m, £120m) Miami football stadium has been almost universally accepted by all sectors of the city. The only thing that can’t be decided upon is the stadium’s location.
Beckham’s new Major League Soccer franchise is hoping to build on the port of Miami, but the plan's chief opponent is the Miami Seaport Alliance, a coalition of business and political leaders that operates in the dock.
The alliance contends the stadium would threaten cruise and cargo operations, creating increased traffic and security risks — concerns Beckham's partners insist are unfounded. The coalition also argues a stadium would endanger the 207,000 jobs the port supports, while creating less-lucrative working positions in their place.
The conglomerate of investors – Miami Beckham United (MBU) – is hoping to establish the Major League Soccer (MLS) franchise in Miami with the view of having the team and stadium ready for the 2018 season.
Designed by Arquitectonica and 360 Architecture, the stadium is based on an open-air design with an undulating roof and a maximum capacity of 35,000.
MBU's stadium plans in Miami have secured the backing of Miami mayor Carlos Giménez, who described the proposed venue as "iconic".
"We're going to do all we can to get this stadium built ASAP and start enjoying football matches," Giménez said.
Alternative riverside venues have been suggested, but Beckham's camp insists that the stadium must be built in the downtown area of Miami to be successful.
The last MLS team in the Miami area, Miami Fusion, folded after being in existence for four seasons. Fusion struggled with poor attendance and had the lowest income in the MLS during its run between 1998 and 2001.
