David Beckham’s MLS Miami saga continues as new stadium rendering surfaces

David Beckham’s quest to bring an MLS franchise to Miami continued last night at the Overtown YWCA, where his reps pitched residents on their updated stadium plans and unveiled a new rendering.

The new design shows an open 25,000-seat venue — an estimated cost of $500 million — with a canopy and without parking, located a block from the Miami River. The Miami Beckham United team, which has made it clear the stadium will not cost taxpayers a penny, is “encouraging the use of Metromover, Metrorail, water taxis, and ride-sharing,” per the Miami Herald, and says the stadium would create 50 permanent jobs.

To address parking concerns, Leiweke unveiled a strategy he said would help keep cars away from the stadium area. He said the team plans to arrange for a dinner-cruise boat to deliver fans to the Miami River a few blocks away, and would arrange for shuttle buses from parking garages in Miami. The team plans to secure at least 2,000 spaces a game, he said. The main focus would be on the nearby Metrorail station, with the Beckham group relying on soccer’s tradition of fans “marching” to the game.

With funding now finalized and two-thirds of the needed land purchased, one major hurdle remains before receiving formal MLS approval: the go-ahead for buying the remaining county-owned parcel. However, there was some opposition at the town hall meeting from local residents, with some wondering whether Beckham’s team is doing enough for the area.

A county vote is expected in a few weeks.