Last time Miami got a Major League Soccer team, it actually played in Fort Lauderdale. Could history be repeating itself? The Miami Herald reports David Beckham and his Miami Beckham United partners are set to talk to Broward County commissioners about the possibility of building a stadium there.
Is it an actual possibility or a bit of a negotiating move designed to scare leaders in Miami-Dade?
See also: Here's What Beckham's Soccer Stadium Next To Marlins Park Would Look Like
Though Beckham and his group have said repeatedly they want a soccer stadium somewhere in downtown Miami, that hasn't stopped others from trying to attract his attention. Florida Atlantic University has offered its football stadium, while leaders in Homestead and Florida City have thrown their hats into the ring. It's unsurprising that Broward County also has interest, and the Herald's Barry Jackson reports that Beckham is at least willing to listen.
See also: Rep. Joe Garcia Wants Beckham to Build Stadium in Homestead or Florida City
Jackson reports that team lobbyist Brian Ballard has told Broward County Commissioner Stacy Ritter that they're open to hearing what BroCo has to say.
The Miami Fusion played in west Fort Lauderdale in Lockhart Stadium. Attendance suffered, and games attracted only about 9,403 people before the team folded in 2001. However, it's a possibly that Broward could offer a spot to build a shiny, new downtown stadium of its own.
Granted, we wouldn't be surprised if Beckham and his partners are using the negotiations with Broward as a bargaining chip with Miami-Dade. This seems like basically the equivalent of a sports team threatening to move if it doesn't get a new stadium (cough Marlins), except in this case the team doesn't exist yet.
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