Quick Read
- Inter Miami CF inaugurated its new $350 million Nu Stadium with a 2-2 draw against Austin FC.
- Lionel Messi scored the first goal for Inter Miami at the new venue, while Luis Suárez secured the equalizer.
- The opening marks a significant step for Inter Miami, providing a dedicated, state-of-the-art home after years of temporary facilities.
MIAMI (Azat TV) – Inter Miami CF officially opened the doors to their new $350 million home, Nu Stadium, on Saturday night with a thrilling 2-2 draw against Austin FC. The highly anticipated debut marked a significant milestone for the club, co-owned by David Beckham and Jorge Mas, signaling a new era after six years of playing in temporary venues.
Nu Stadium Debuts Amidst Fanfare and Incomplete Sections
The state-of-the-art, 26,700-seat Nu Stadium, part of the larger $1.3 billion Miami Freedom Park development near Miami International Airport, was unveiled to a passionate crowd. Despite some areas still under construction and the City of Miami not yet issuing a temporary certificate of occupancy, the match proceeded under a limited event permit, complete with pre-game festivities. These included a ribbon-cutting ceremony, a National Anthem performance by Latin star Mark Anthony, and activities in the Baptist Health Fan Zone. The first 10,000 fans received co-branded bucket hats, and special gifts, including rally towels and lite sticks, were distributed at each seat.
Messi and Suárez Score in Historic Inaugural Match
The inaugural game saw both teams find the net, with Inter Miami’s stars making their mark. Austin FC took an early lead in the sixth minute with a header from Guilherme Biro, marking the first official goal in the new stadium. However, Lionel Messi quickly responded for Inter Miami just four minutes later, netting the equalizer with a header from an Ian Fray cross, sending the stadium into a frenzy. In the second half, Austin FC regained the lead through Jayden Nelson in the 53rd minute. Inter Miami pushed for an equalizer, which came late in the game when Luis Suárez tapped in at the back post in the 81st minute, assisted by Germán Berterame, to seal the 2-2 draw. The match was a significant occasion for Messi, who scored the first goal in the club’s history at this new venue.
A New Era for Inter Miami and MLS Stadiums
Nu Stadium’s opening is part of a broader trend of MLS clubs investing in soccer-specific venues. Inter Miami CF had previously played at DRV PNK Stadium in Fort Lauderdale since their MLS debut in 2020. The new stadium features the unique Leo Messi Stand, a rare honor for a player at his home ground. Alongside the stadium, the club also launched an 11,000-square-foot, two-level team store, the largest in MLS, offering customizable jerseys and extensive footwear collections. The opening festivities also included a pre-match training session for young fans and a post-match party. The debut of Nu Stadium is particularly timely with Miami set to co-host the FIFA World Cup in June 2026. Other MLS clubs are also set to open new soccer-specific venues in the coming years, including New York City FC in 2027 and Chicago Fire FC in 2028, with Toyota Stadium undergoing renovations through 2028.
The inauguration of Nu Stadium underscores Inter Miami’s commitment to establishing a premier club identity, leveraging star power and significant infrastructure investment to enhance fan experience and solidify its presence in Major League Soccer.