David Beckham and his group of investors have talked about having fans march to the proposed soccer-specific stadium for their team in Miami since Day 1, but their new desired location might force more supporters to have to walk than was originally envisioned.
A representative for Miami Beckham United, the name for the group of investors led by the global icon, discussed on Tuesday the topic of commuting to the targeted stadium location in Overtown that was announced in December. The representative, Spencer Crowley, said that Miami Beckham United is counting on locals to take mass transit – the Metrorail station that is three blocks away is one example – and walks to the stadium.
The site at Overtown has 7,000 parking spaces within half a mile, but that amount for a stadium expected to have around 25,000 seats has left some to question whether Miami Beckham United’s plan is a good one.
“It’s natural, those of us who live and grew up in South Florida, to have some degree of skepticism on the parking issue. … I know Floridians like to drive,” said Crowley. “In order to really change, I think we have to give it a chance. This is a really exciting opportunity. It’s a really exciting experiment for this county and for this city.
“Our clients are convinced it will work,” he continued. “They’re convinced they’re going to create a product that will excite people and bring them to the stadium, no matter what they have to do.”
Beckham announced his plans to launch an MLS expansion franchise in Miami nearly two years ago. He ran into resistance at three locations before buying some land in Overtown last month with his investors.
MLS has said that it will not officially award Beckham a club until a stadium deal is in place.
What do you think of this development? Do you see Miami fans embracing walks to the stadium? See Beckham and his group striking a deal in the near future?
Share your thoughts below.