University of Miami, David Beckham could team up for new stadium

Author Photo
Don Garber, David Beckham and Carlos Gimenez

The Miami Hurricanes want a smaller stadium to call home. David Beckham just wants a stadium of any kind in Miami.

The two parties may join forces to accomplish both goals.

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The Miami Herald reports Beckham, MLS commissioner Don Garber and outgoing University of Miami president Donna Shalala will meet Friday about a potential joint stadium project.

But there are plenty of hurdles left to clear before the deal becomes a reality.

Miami currently plays its home games at the Dolphins' Sun Life Stadium, which university officials believe is too large for their needs. The Hurricanes averaged 52,518 at seven homes games last season; the Dolphins averaged 70,035 for their eight games there.

But the school has 17 years remaining on its lease, which could cause problems. One potential solution, reports the Herald, would be continuing to play potential high-attendance games at Sun Life while holding the bulk of games at the new facility, which would seat around 40,000.

Beckham, meanwhile, is now years into the process of trying to get a stadium deal that would allow MLS to return to Miami. Local government officials already have rejected two sites proposed by the legendary player's group.

As that effort has floundered, the second-tier NASL stepped in this week to raise the stakes by announcing it would put a team in Miami beginning in 2016. That club will play in an existing stadium to be determined, according to the NASL.

MLS remains committed to Beckham and Miami, provided the stadium puzzle can be solved. And there is some reciprocal interest; Beckham's group is supposed to meet later Friday with Miami-Dade Mayor Carlos Gimenez.

Author(s)
Marc Lancaster Photo

Marc Lancaster is a senior editor at The Sporting News