Miami Native David Ruiz Excited for Inter Miami's New Stadium Opening

Midfielder looks forward to playing in his hometown, just miles from his mother's restaurant in Little Havana.

Apr. 1, 2026 at 3:13am

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Inter Miami midfielder David Ruiz, a Miami native, is excited to play in his team's brand-new stadium, which is just a short drive from where he grew up and his mother's restaurant in the Little Havana neighborhood. Ruiz discussed the pride of representing his city and how special it is to share this moment with his mother, who made many sacrifices to support his soccer dreams growing up.

Why it matters

Ruiz's story highlights the personal connection and community pride that can come with a professional sports team establishing roots in its local market. The new stadium opening represents a homecoming for Ruiz, allowing him to play professionally in the city he grew up in and cementing Inter Miami's ties to the local Miami community.

The details

The new Miami Freedom Park stadium is located just 3 miles from Ruiz's childhood home and his mother's restaurant, Alba's Café and Restaurant, on Calle Ocho in Little Havana. Ruiz recalled going to a nearby water park as a kid and watching the stadium site transform from dirt to the finished product. Ruiz's mother has proudly displayed all of his soccer achievements at the restaurant, which has become a gathering spot for Inter Miami fans and supporters.

  • Inter Miami will officially open their new stadium on Saturday, April 5, 2026.
  • Ruiz grew up near the stadium site, which used to be the location of a water park he visited as a child.

The players

David Ruiz

A Miami native and midfielder for Inter Miami CF, who is excited to play in his hometown's new stadium just miles from where he grew up and his mother's restaurant in Little Havana.

Alba's Café and Restaurant

A family-owned restaurant on Calle Ocho in Miami's Little Havana neighborhood, run by Ruiz's mother, where she has proudly displayed his soccer achievements over the years.

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What they’re saying

“I used to go to a water park, literally right next to a [Grape Land] water park. I literally live 3 miles away from where it's at right now. And just seeing how it went from being straight dirt to where it's at right now is incredible.”

— David Ruiz, Midfielder, Inter Miami CF

“I get the pollo chuco. It's just amazing. It's literally chicken with plantains, and it's just the Sazón that they use. It's just amazing.”

— David Ruiz, Midfielder, Inter Miami CF

“I just feel like a lot of things happen for a reason. You know, my mom has been through it all, all the sacrifices that she's made. Playing locally, we'd have to have one game, and we'd have to go to Tampa, we'd have to go to Orlando, and it was just trips that she probably had to call the day off. But yes, she'll do it with a smile on her face.”

— David Ruiz, Midfielder, Inter Miami CF

What’s next

Ruiz and Inter Miami will officially open their new stadium this Saturday, April 5, 2026, when they host their first match at the new Miami Freedom Park.

The takeaway

Ruiz's story exemplifies the deep personal and community connections that can be forged when a professional sports team establishes roots in its local market. Playing in his hometown stadium, just miles from where he grew up and his family's restaurant, allows Ruiz to share this milestone moment with the people and places that shaped him, making his professional success all the more meaningful.