Report: Beckham Eyeing 75,000 Seat Soccer Stadium In Miami?
DAVIE (CBSMiami) – International soccer star David Beckham wants to bring a Major League Soccer team to Miami, but needs a home. After touring Sun Life Stadium, FIU Stadium, and Marlins Park, Beckham has a plan, according to the London Mirror.
The Mirror reported Sunday the soccer star plans to develop a 75,000-seat capacity complex with a hotel and shops for the new Miami team. According to the Mirror report, Beckham has already "found some land and it's pretty much all ready to go."
One of the many problems facing Beckham, other than the typical building/licensing issues, is money. He's worth more than $100 million Euros and is able to buy a MLS team for just $25 million, well below the typical rate, as part of his original MLS contract.
Major League Soccer has said in the past that in order for a new franchise to be awarded, a new soccer-only stadium would have to be built. But, building a 75,000 seat stadium takes things to another level completely and would require a lot of extra financing.
Beckham has been seen talking with Bolivian billionaire Marcelo Claure about a possible partnership. In addition, Miami Heat superstar LeBron James is reportedly interested in becoming a partner with Beckham for a new MLS team.
"David has become a good friend of mine over the last few years," James said previously. "I think it'd be great for this city to have a football club for sure. So there's interest on both sides. But it's preliminary talks but there is an open dialogue."
According to the Mirror report, while a new stadium is being built, the "team will use Sun Life Stadium," as a home field; however that's not been made official. The Mirror also reported that the hope is the stadium will also be used for concerts.
