FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. – Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis visited South Florida on Thursday to announce a major state investment in support of Miami Freedom Park, Inter Miami CF’s new stadium.
DeSantis, who was joined by Lieutenant Governor Jeanette Nuñez and the secretary of commerce at Chase Stadium, announced that the state will grant $8 million to Miami-Dade County to construct new roadways around the stadium to improve traffic flow.
While Miami Freedom Park is privately funded, DeSantis said that the development will boost the local economy and that the new Miami Freedom Park Drive will make accessing the stadium more efficient.
“Today’s award will significantly boost job creation and attract businesses to South Florida,” said DeSantis. “This investment in roadway and transit infrastructure will ensure a greater capacity of people can travel efficiently through Miami as new projects like the Miami Freedom Park reach completion.”
Inter Miami is expected to play at Chase Stadium in Fort Lauderdale until at least the end of the 2025 MLS season.
The club is then scheduled to move into its new 25,000-seat home stadium, Miami Freedom Park, in 2026.
The $350 million stadium will be part of the $1 billion Miami Freedom Park development, which will also include a 58-acre public park and entertainment district.
Construction on the stadium began in August 2023, and a groundbreaking ceremony is scheduled for later this year.
During the event, DeSantis also commented on the presidential race, criticizing Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz, the Democratic vice presidential candidate, over his COVID-19 restrictions and policies for transgender children.
DeSantis was also joined by Florida Commerce Secretary Alex Kelly Inter Miami CF and Inter Miami CF Managing Owners Jorge and José Mas.
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