Inter Miami CF managing owner Jorge Mas confirmed in a press conference Thursday that the team intends to play its first two Major League Soccer seasons at a stadium it would build at the current site of Lockhart Stadium.
Since the end of January, Inter Miami CF and FXE Futbol, LLC have vied in legal filings and public relations to build support for their proposed renovations of Lockhart Stadium. On Tuesday afternoon, the public finally had the opportunity to review the full proposals submitted by the groups to the City of Fort Lauderdale.
Hard Rock Stadium announced this week that the stadium will be hosting two friendlies this year, including Brazil, Colombia, Ecuador and Venezuela.
On June 1, Venezuela and Ecuador will face off. On Sept. 6, Colombia will play Brazil.
Brazil faced off against Colombia at the stadium in 2014, fresh off its 7-1 thrashing at the hands of Germany in the 2014 FIFA World Cup. The Brazilians defeated Los Cafeteros 1-0.
The City of Fort Lauderdale on Tuesday released the full proposals for Lockhart Stadium redevelopment offered by Inter Miami CF and FXE Futbol, LLC.
Fourteen youth programs throughout the state of Florida are planning to form the “Florida Academy League” for U12 boys competition, according to coordinated statements released last week. Programs that confirmed their participation include local names Kendall SC and The Miami FC’s NPSL foe, Jacksonville Armada. According to multiple statements, Major League Soccer sides Orlando City and Inter Miami CF will be including their U12 programs as well.
Saturday was a day of high honor for David Beckham. The legendary winger returned to Los Angeles, where the LA Galaxy unveiled a Beckham statue. It is the first statue of any Major League Soccer player by a MLS team. However, as always, at least a little bit of attention was dedicated to another MLS club(-to-be), Inter Miami CF.
Inter Miami CF and FXE Futbol, LLC released video renderings of their Lockhart Stadium renovation proposals Friday, just hours before a 5 p.m. deadline imposed by the City of Fort Lauderdale. The city’s commission will consider both proposals, as well as any others offered before the deadline.
Last month, Inter Miami CF scored a youth soccer coup when it announced the hiring of Juan Carlos Michia and Victor Pastora, formerly of Weston FC, to lead the team’s youth academy. On Friday, the club added to the ranks, poaching Javier Morales from FC Dallas’ U-13s side.
FXE Futbol, LLC has a sell to make in the next few weeks. The ownership group needs to convince the City of Fort Lauderdale and its commissioners that its plan for soccer at Lockhart Stadium is better than one proposed by Inter Miami CF. Before closing the deal with the city, however, the group attepted to close the deal with fans and supporters of soccer in Broward County on Wednesday night.
Miami-Dade County is responsible for three of the 10 teams competing for a state championship in boys soccer this week. Palmer Trinity (Class 1A), Immaculata-LaSalle (Class 2A) and Felix Varela (Class 5A) high schools will all attempt to bring home FHSAA boys soccer titles in games at Spec Martin Stadium in DeLand.