Nu Stadium's Inaugural Game Celebrates Beckham's Miami MLS Vision

Inter Miami's new home arena opens with the team as reigning MLS champions and Lionel Messi as their star player.

Apr. 6, 2026 at 3:35pm

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An abstract, expressionist painting in vibrant neon colors featuring dynamic, gestural brushstrokes that capture the raw energy and excitement of a soccer match, with players' forms dissolving into unrecognizable shapes and splatters of pink, white, and black paint.The electric atmosphere and celebratory mood of Inter Miami's inaugural game at the brand-new Nu Stadium captures the club's hard-won journey to establish a world-class soccer franchise in Miami.Today in Miami

Inter Miami's inaugural game at the newly opened Nu Stadium was the culmination of co-owner David Beckham's 13-year effort to establish an MLS team in Miami, build a world-class arena, and assemble a championship-caliber squad led by global superstar Lionel Messi. The state-of-the-art stadium, with its pink, white, and black color scheme and neon lighting, has been praised as a spectacular venue that captures the vibrant spirit of Miami.

Why it matters

The opening of Nu Stadium marks a significant milestone in Beckham's long-standing vision to bring top-level professional soccer to Miami. After years of setbacks and challenges, the new arena and Inter Miami's success on the field have validated Beckham's ambition and the club's growing popularity in the city.

The details

The $1 billion Nu Stadium project, a key part of the Miami Freedom Park development, features a single-tiered bowl design that creates an intimate atmosphere while also feeling spacious. The stadium's pink, white, and black color scheme and neon lighting give it a distinctly 'Miami' feel. Co-owners David Beckham, Jorge Mas, and Jose Mas were on hand for the pregame ribbon-cutting ceremony, with Jorge Mas telling the sold-out crowd of 26,700 that the team is 'finally home' after playing in nearby Ft. Lauderdale.

  • Inter Miami played its inaugural game at Nu Stadium on April 5, 2026.
  • Beckham first claimed Miami as the city for his MLS expansion team 13 years ago in 2013.

The players

David Beckham

Co-owner of Inter Miami CF and the driving force behind bringing an MLS team to Miami over the past 13 years.

Jorge Mas

Co-owner of Inter Miami CF and a Miami businessman who used his resources and political influence to help get the Nu Stadium project completed.

Jose Mas

Co-owner of Inter Miami CF and Jorge Mas' brother, also a Miami businessman who contributed to the club's stadium efforts.

Lionel Messi

Superstar player who joined Inter Miami as a marquee signing, helping the club win the MLS championship in their inaugural season at Nu Stadium.

Don Garber

MLS Commissioner who praised the Nu Stadium as a world-class sports facility that could rival any in the world.

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What they’re saying

“We had no name. We had no fans. We had no stadium. Today I stand in our new home. We are the champions of MLS. We have the best player in the history of the game playing in Miami.”

— David Beckham, Co-owner, Inter Miami CF

“It's absolutely spectacular. It feels to me like a building that could rival any sports facility anywhere in the world. Not just soccer stadiums, but any sports building.”

— Don Garber, MLS Commissioner

“We are finally home.”

— Jorge Mas, Co-owner, Inter Miami CF

What’s next

Inter Miami will look to build on their inaugural MLS championship season and continue to grow their fanbase in the new Nu Stadium.

The takeaway

The opening of Nu Stadium represents the culmination of David Beckham's long-held vision to establish a successful MLS franchise in Miami. With a world-class stadium, a championship-winning team, and the addition of global superstar Lionel Messi, Inter Miami has firmly planted its roots in the city and is poised to become a dominant force in American soccer.