David Beckham reaches agreement to build new MLS stadium next to Miami Marlin’s baseball park

Initial deal with city officials could see 25,000-seat arena next door to Marlins arena, described by Beckham partner Marcelo Claure as ‘the moment of truth’.

David Beckham’s proposed Miami MLS franchise plans to play its home games in a brand new stadium on the former site of the city’s famous Orange Bowl, according to media reports.

During a meeting with local officials on July 17, partners of the former England skipper reached an initial agreement for a privately funded 25,000-seater arena, next door to the Miami Marlins’ baseball park.

The announcement, which arrives just as hopes of a deal ever being reached had started to fade, was called a “milestone” by Miami mayor Tomas Regalado.

Jubilant Beckham partner Marcelo Claure said: “The time is now … This is the moment of truth.” He later tweeted: “Great meeting with @Tomas_Regalado we have presented him our intentions to bring Futbol and a new soccer stadium in the former Orange Bowl.”

Beckham and Major League Soccer want the as-yet-unnamed expansion team to take the field in time for the start of the 2018 campaign, and Mayor Regalado will now take proposals to city commissioners for approval.

A spokesman for Beckham Miami United, the investment group backing the MLS team for Miami, said: “Today’s meeting with Mayor Regalado was another positive step toward bringing a world class soccer club to Miami. We’re still in the early planning stages and several viable options still exist, but our preferred stadium location is the former Orange Bowl site.

“David, Marcelo and Simon are thrilled by the initial outpouring of support we’ve received from our fans and we’re excited about sharing our plans with the city, county and community soon.”

The accord comes after almost 18 months of haggling with city lawmakers over the potential location, which had tested the patience of MLS officials and threatened to derail the hopes of an MLS franchise ever coming to the city.

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