Recently taking to social media, Inter Miami released new renderings of Miami Freedom Park, a 25,000-seat soccer-specific stadium where they plan to play home matches beginning in 2026.
Inter Miami, also known as The Herons, entered MLS in 2020, playing games near Fort Lauderdale, Florida at Chase Stadium. While the nearby area is the location of the club’s exceptional $60 million training facility, the Florida Blue Training Centre, David Beckham’s club is finally set to move to Miami proper.
“The next stages of the Miami Freedom Park project bring us closer to reaching our dream of making it the official home of Inter Miami CF,” said managing owner Jorge Mas. “Embodying our ethos of ‘Freedom to Dream,’ we’ve been diligently building something extraordinary—a place where every fan will cherish unforgettable fútbol moments.”
In June 2023, Inter Miami realized another dream—when World Cup champion Lionel Messi chose Inter Miami as his new home over a potentially more lucrative deal in Saudi Arabia. Messi agreed to a two-year deal worth at least $50 million annually.
While Messi remains injured, Inter Miami will most likely want the professional soccer player to stay on the roster for the debut season in the new home, assisting with the launch of Miami Freedom Park. The hope is that Messi’s presence will help attract attention and new signings, while also keeping the franchise relevant both before and after the big move is made.
Formally named Club Internacional de Fútbol Miami, or IMCF for short, Inter Miami is also known as The Herons because of the two Great White Heron birds on their crest, which interlock legs to form an “M” shape. The Heron was chosen as the team’s mascot back in 2018, and Inter Miami fans have embraced the nickname, as it highlights the team’s location and culture.
The large, wading bird species reside permanently in South Florida across the Miami-Fort Lauderdale area. But the Heron also serves as a reflection of the team’s ambition, as the bird often symbolizes power, protection, and patience in mythologies across the globe, as well as thought of as a symbol of success.
Last Wednesday, the team took to social media to give fans an insight into the future of the club, releasing new renderings of a state-of-the-art soccer stadium that will serve as the anchor to the 131-acre development, making it the largest activated park in Magic City.
The stadium will be located next to Miami International Airport, on the site of the former Melreese golf course.
The development will include youth athletic fields for the community, entertainment-based retail and attractions, restaurants, hotels, shops, office space, and an entertainment venue that will host major international stars and concerts.
“After years of dreaming, it is so exciting to be sharing that in 2026, Inter Miami will be moving to its long-term home at Miami Freedom Park,” said co-owner David Beckham.
“Miami Freedom Park is the culmination of years of hard work and a desire to realize a vision and create a lasting legacy for the fans and the community of Miami and South Florida. I’m so happy to see that dream finally coming to life.”
The first phase of construction of Miami Freedom Park is already underway. The plans are to complete Miami Freedom Park in stages beginning in late 2025 that will include the new stadium, the public park, roadway, and parking infrastructure, plus additional entertainment and hospitality concepts within the district.
“As we look ahead to the opening of our new stadium, we eagerly anticipate creating a world-class venue that reflects our passion, commitment, and the collective dreams of our South Florida community,” stated managing owner Jorge Mas.
