Nu Stadium: The New Home of Inter Miami CF
Nu Stadium is a state-of-the-art, soccer-specific stadium located in Miami, Florida. Opened in April 2026, this 26,700-seat venue serves as the permanent home field for Inter Miami of Major League Soccer (MLS), marking the end of the club's tenure at the interim Chase Stadium in Fort Lauderdale.
The stadium is the crown jewel of Miami Freedom Park, a massive mixed-use development situated near Miami International Airport. This urban project integrates the stadium with office spaces, retail hubs, commercial areas, and expansive public parks, creating a sports and entertainment destination for the city.
Key Facts
- Capacity: 26,700 seats.
- Opening Date: April 4, 2026.
- Primary Tenant: Inter Miami CF (MLS).
- Naming Rights: Sponsored by Brazilian fintech company Nubank.
- Location: 1900 NW 37th Avenue, Miami, Florida.
- Special Feature: Includes the dedicated "Leo Messi Stand."
The Long Road to Construction
The journey to establish a permanent home for Inter Miami was a decade-long process involving numerous proposed sites and political negotiations. Co-founder David Beckham first unveiled stadium plans in 2018, though the search for a location began as early as 2014.
Early Proposals and Setbacks
The initial vision focused on downtown Miami. In 2014, a proposal was made for a 25,000-seat stadium at PortMiami on Dodge Island. However, this plan faced significant political opposition and was rejected by Miami-Dade County commissioners.
A second attempt focused on Museum Park, which would have involved filling in a boat slip to create new land. Despite being labeled "Plan A" for a short period, the proposal was rejected in June 2014 due to disagreements over rent and the logistical difficulty of the land reclamation.
Other sites considered included a parcel of land in Little Havana next to LoanDepot Park and a potential joint venture with the University of Miami Hurricanes. Neither of these options materialized into a final agreement.
The Overtown and Freedom Park Transitions
By late 2015, the group shifted focus to Overtown, securing private and county land. While this site was endorsed by the MLS governing board, the vision eventually evolved into the more ambitious Miami Freedom Park project.
In July 2018, plans were unveiled for the site of the city-owned Melreese Country Club. This 131-acre development promised not only a stadium but also 1 million square feet of commercial space, 750 hotel rooms, and 58 acres of public parkland. Despite discovering significant soil contamination—including unsafe levels of arsenic, barium, and lead—the project moved forward after the Miami City Council granted a 99-year lease in April 2022.
Construction and Design
Construction officially began in August 2023 following the closure of the Melreese Golf Course. The project received a boost in August 2024 when Governor Ron DeSantis provided an $8 million grant from the Governor's Job Growth Grant Fund to improve surrounding road infrastructure.
Designed by MANICA Architecture and Arquitectonica, the stadium features a natural grass surface. In early 2026, the venue secured naming rights with Nubank and designated a specific section of the east stand—covering blocks 117–121 of the lower bowl and 217–223 of the upper bowl—as the Leo Messi Stand.
Opening and Early Milestones
Nu Stadium opened its doors on April 4, 2026, for a match against Austin FC. The game ended in a 2–2 draw, with Guilherme Biro scoring the first goal in the stadium's history and Lionel Messi scoring the first goal for Inter Miami at the venue.
The stadium quickly became a versatile venue, hosting its first international match on June 5, 2026, where Peru defeated Haiti 2–1. It also expanded into entertainment, hosting Mexican musician Carín León for the first concert on June 28, 2026.
Transportation and Accessibility
To manage the influx of fans, Nu Stadium boasts over 4,500 on-site parking spaces, the highest capacity of any MLS stadium. It is served by the Miami Intermodal Center, providing access to Tri-Rail, Miami Metrorail, and the MIA Mover.
To further improve connectivity, a 1,450-foot grade-separated pedestrian bridge linking the transit hub to Miami Freedom Park is scheduled for construction in 2027, with completion expected by the second quarter of 2029.
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Owner/Operator | Inter Miami |
| Capacity | 26,700 |
| Surface | Grass |
| Architects | MANICA Architecture & Arquitectonica |
| Address | 1900 NW 37th Avenue, Miami, FL |
Frequently Asked Questions
When did Nu Stadium officially open?
Nu Stadium opened on April 4, 2026, with an inaugural match against Austin FC.
Who is the primary tenant of the stadium?
The stadium is the home field for Inter Miami CF of Major League Soccer (MLS).
What is the Leo Messi Stand?
The Leo Messi Stand is a designated portion of the stadium's east stand, encompassing blocks 117–121 in the lower bowl and 217–223 in the upper bowl.
How do fans get to the stadium via public transit?
Fans can use the Miami Intermodal Center, which provides access to the Tri-Rail, Miami Metrorail, and the MIA Mover.
What is Miami Freedom Park?
Miami Freedom Park is the larger mixed-use development surrounding the stadium, featuring public parks, retail, office space, and commercial areas.