As the search continues for a location to build a stadium for David Beckham’s Miami MLS franchise, city officials have discussed the potential of a 180-acre site on Melreese Golf Course.
The MLS officially awarded the franchise in January and the David Beckham ownership group had inherited plans to build a stadium on a nine-acre plot in Overtown. However, opposition from locals and the franchise’s interest in finding more acreage have led Jorge Mas, a partner in the group, to discuss the possibility of renting a large area of the 18-hole golf course, according to a report by the Miami Herald.
With the team behind the Miami franchise wishing to not only build a stadium but also to include a sports complex, retail and restaurant spaces, offices and a youth academy, the original Overtown site may be inadequate.
However, after meeting city manager Emilio Gonzalez, it was suggested that the team build on a portion of Miami’s largest park and public golf course, which is near Miami International Airport and owned by the city.
“The plan would be to lease a portion of Melreese to the Beckham group, with some areas of the existing park offerings remaining. That could include a reduced golf facility – such as a nine-hole course or a driving range,” claimed the report.
While the plan offers promise for the Miami franchise and its plan to build its stadium by 2021, it is likely that the ambitious project will first have to gain approval from a number of city authorities and win a referendum.
March 8, 2018
