The Rising of a Team: A Brief History of Inter Miami CF
Inter Miami CF is a professional soccer team based in Miami, Florida. The team was founded in 2018 and began playing in Major League Soccer (MLS) in 2020. However, the history of Inter Miami dates back to several years before its official establishment.
In 2013, English football superstar David Beckham announced his intention to bring an MLS team to Miami. As part of his contract with the Los Angeles Galaxy, Beckham had the option to purchase an MLS expansion team at a discounted price of $25 million. He exercised this option and chose Miami as the location for his new team.
However, the road to establishing Inter Miami was not smooth. The team faced numerous challenges, including difficulties in securing a suitable stadium site. Beckham and his ownership group initially planned to build a stadium in downtown Miami, but faced opposition from local residents and politicians. Eventually, they settled on a site in the city’s Overtown neighborhood, but encountered further obstacles in acquiring the necessary land.
In 2018, Beckham’s ownership group, which included several other prominent figures such as Jorge Mas and Marcelo Claure, secured a new stadium site in the city of Fort Lauderdale. The team would play its first two seasons at the newly constructed Inter Miami CF Stadium, also known as DRV PNK Stadium, while their permanent home stadium, Miami Freedom Park, was being built.
Inter Miami played its inaugural MLS match on March 1, 2020, against Los Angeles FC. The team’s first season was challenging, as they finished 10th in the Eastern Conference and failed to qualify for the playoffs. However, the team showed promise with a young and talented roster, including players like Rodolfo Pizarro and Gonzalo Higuain.
Off the field, Inter Miami has been successful in building a strong brand and attracting a passionate fan base. The team’s name, Inter Miami, pays homage to the international character of the city and its diverse population. The club’s logo features two herons, which are native to the region and symbolize freedom and strength.
Inter Miami’s ownership group has also made significant investments in the team’s infrastructure and facilities. Miami Freedom Park, the team’s future home stadium, is set to be a state-of-the-art facility with a capacity of 25,000 seats. The team has also invested in a world-class training complex, the Inter Miami CF Training Center, which includes multiple fields, a gym, and other amenities.
At a Glance:
Full name: Club Internacional de Fútbol Miami
Nickname(s): The Herons
Vice City
El Inter/Inter
Short name: Inter Miami
Founded: January 29, 2018; 5 years ago
Stadium: DRV PNK Stadium Fort Lauderdale, Florida
Capacity: 25,000 seats
OWNERS:
1. Devoid Beckham
2. JORGE MAS
3. Jose mas
President: David Beckham
Head coach: Gerardo Martino
League: Major League Soccer
2022 Eastern Conference : 6th
Overall: 12th
Playoffs: First round
Website: https://www.intermiamicf.com/
Overall, while Inter Miami is a relatively new team in MLS, it has already made a significant impact both on and off the field. With a strong ownership group, dedicated fan base, and ambitious plans for the future, the team is poised to become a major force in American soccer.