FORT LAUDERDALE, FLA. (WSVN) - Inter Miami CF has officially started demolition of Lockhart Stadium in Fort Lauderdale.
The demolition ceremony was held on Wednesday morning at the abandoned stadium, located at 1350 NW 55th St., where a new 18,000 seat stadium is set to be constructed.
Members of the soccer organization and officials from the City of Fort Lauderdale were in attendance at the event.
“As Ray Hudson very eloquently said, we’re going to turn a chapter on the past for the future,” said Inter Miami CF Managing Owner Jorge Mas. “For us, it’s a very important day of finally making this dream a reality.”
The demolition was approved by Fort Lauderdale City Commissioners on April 2 after Inter Miami CF and FXE Futbol entered a bidding war for the property.
“It rekindled the Lockhart spirit of excitement, camaraderie and engagement with this new partnership that brings substantial investment in this property, in our community and, yes, in our future,” said Fort Lauderdale Mayor Dean Trantalis.
The stadium was once home to the Fort Lauderdale Strikers and the Miami Fusion.
The new stadium is scheduled to open in February of 2020 and will also include a training academy, a youth academy and community space.
Mas and David Beckham plan on creating the new stadium as a temporary home for the Inter Miami CF soccer organization while Freedom Park in Miami is developed for their permanent stadium.
Inter Miami CF fans are already celebrating and showing their support for the soccer team.
“I’m glad that we finally have a home, we have a place that we can come, sit and cheer for our team. All we want to do is support the club,” said fan Cesar Molero.
Deposits for ticket reservations have opened where fans can access their seats. To get your seat, click here.
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