Beckham reveals new design of Miami soccer stadium in Overtown

Miami Beckham United unveiled a new design of Miami’s first Major League Soccer stadium. David Beckham’s group revealed updated plans of the more than $300 million, 25,000-seat stadium that will be built in Overtown at a town hall meeting on May 17.

At the meeting, requested by Commissioner Audrey Edmonson, a Beckham attorney reiterated that the stadium design lacks parking, and that the use of public transportation will be encouraged. The group’s plan is to have a dinner-cruise boat transport fans to the Miami River, in addition to arranging for shuttle buses from parking garages.

Zoning changes and a street closure could take about a year, which means the stadium wouldn’t open until 2021. The attorney said the team could play in a temporary venue in the meantime. The stadium will be privately funded, the attorney said.

 

Neighborhood group bashes plan

Meanwhile, a neighborhood that’s a short walk from David Beckham’s stadium site in Overtown is accusing Miami-Dade of trying to “steamroll” residents by rushing approval of a land deal needed for the 25,000-seat facility.

An email from the Spring Garden Civic Association blasted Miami-Dade for a rushing to hold a community meeting on the plan, and noted Beckham’s plan for the stadium has no plans for parking facilities. Spring Garden sits on the other side of a bridge from Overtown and a few blocks from the Beckham site.

“In an obvious attempt to steamroll the so-called soccer stadium through the Board of County Commissioners, the County is conducting a ‘public hearing’ with two days notice to approve David Beckham’s 25,000 seat concert venue in Spring Garden and Overtown,” read the email from Ernest Martin, president of the association.

Spring Garden has been a top critic of Beckham’s plans for Overtown, arguing the stadium will flood the adjoining neighborhood with soccer fans driving to the games or seeking street parking.

Last week, it was reported that the Beckham group is ready to close on the 3 acres of Miami-Dade County-owned land needed to build the stadium, now that it has the financial backing – Los Angeles Dodgers owner Todd Boehly – to fund the stadium.

Miami Beckham United would pay the appraised value of $9 million for the land, which is being used as a county bus depot. The group needs a land agreement with the county to get formal approval from the MLS organization. After sites at PortMiami and other locations in Miami failed to gain traction, Beckham moved onto Overtown, last year paying $19 million for 6 privately owned acres next to the county’s 3 acres.

The commission will vote on the deal June 6. The deal includes a promise to create 50 permanent jobs at the stadium.

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