FORT LAUDERDALE, FLA. (WSVN) - Fort Lauderdale commissioners have unanimously voted to begin negotiations with David Beckham’s Inter Miami CF ownership group over a disused soccer stadium.
The vote took place at a meeting Tuesday as Beckham’s group and FXE Futbol pitched their proposed renovations for Lockhart Stadium, at 1350 NW 55th St., the former home of the Fort Lauderdale Strikers.
Before the vote, Inter Miami CF co-owner Jorge Mas said, “It’s always been our aspiration through Inter Miami that the eyes of the world see the potential of our community and our city, so we’ve put our best foot forward with our proposal here in Fort Lauderdale. I’m very confident that we will be given a green light to be able to move forward. We’re looking forward to bring our vision and execute on what, I think, will be a global soccer-centric project for South Florida based here in Fort Lauderdale.”
Inter Miami CF plans on building a new $60 million, 18,000 seat stadium to include a Major League Soccer franchise, a training facility, a youth academy and community space.
Beckham’s group said Inter Miami CF would play at the location for two years while Freedom Park in Miami is under construction.
Commissioners chose the plan over competitor FXE Futbol’s plan.
Their proposal, which managing partner John Paul Reynal said they had been working on for two years, included a renovated stadium, a United Soccer League franchise, a Topgolf facility and community spaces.
FXE Futbol said they will sit down, explore their options and see if there’s a way to repeal the decision.
Some soccer fans are upset the team ultimately wants to be based in Miami-Dade County.
“It doesn’t have Fort Lauderdale on their jersey,” Tara Reese said. “It’s Inter Miami. It’s Miami’s team, not Fort Lauderdale’s.”
Fort Lauderdale Mayor Dean Trantalis spoke after the vote.
“Well, guess what? We get a stadium. All right? There’s no downside for the city,” Trantalis said.
Beckham’s group said they will pay for the stadium as long as they have broken ground on the new stadium by July.
The 2020 Major League Soccer season is scheduled to begin next March.
“We’d like to have this ready for March of next year, March of 2020, and hopefully, have our opening game in front of a full house,” Mas said.
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