MLS commissioner Don Garber on Inter Miami: ‘They will not stay in Fort Lauderdale’
Major League Soccer commissioner Don Garber, who was at Banc of California Stadium on Sunday for Inter Miami’s debut match against Los Angeles FC, said he is eager to get Miami’s permanent stadium project finalized so the team can move from Fort Lauderdale to its intended home in the urban core of Miami.
“I’ll be at the [home-opening] game on March 14, I think their temporary stadium will be terrific, and we hope to get the big stadium in downtown Miami over the finish line,” Garber said. “They’re going to play [in Fort Lauderdale] as long as they have to, but they are not going to stay in Fort Lauderdale. There will come a time where we’re going to have to push the envelope and get that deal finalized. We’ve been doing it for 10 years.
“This is a Miami team playing temporary in Fort Lauderdale. The training environment is state of the art, absolutely awe-inspiring. They need to move out of there, get their academy programs and USL teams playing there and they need to get downtown.”
The lease agreement for Inter Miami’s proposed long-term home at Miami Freedom Park, the site of the Melreese Golf Course, awaits political approval. At the rate things are going, the expected 2022 opening could be delayed a year.
“I’m very confident that in the next 60 to 90 days we’ll get a green light,” Inter Miami co-owner Jorge Mas said in New York on Wednesday. “The more it’s delayed, the more spillover we will have into potentially being [in Fort Lauderdale] three years. But I don’t foresee us being in Fort Lauderdale more than three years.”
Garber expects Inter Miami to have a big impact on MLS worldwide.
“Already there’s a lot of excitement around that team,” Garber said. “They have a very focused ownership group, made an ambitious signing with their coach. Their facilities are going to be great. This is a gateway city to the southern part of the world, and we are so committed to seeing this complicated deal all the way through.”
Garber on coronavirus
“We are being very, very focused and observant,” said Garber. “We formed a task force. We’re in touch with the CDC. We’re not different from any other league or business that’s catering to the public, whether it’s here or around the world. We’re monitoring it closely. The leagues are in contact with each other.”
Ralph Lauren partnership?
Don’t be surprised if Inter Miami soon announces a partnership with fashion brand Ralph Lauren. David Beckham hinted as much during his media tour and on social media last week.
Beckham wore a navy pinstripe Ralph Lauren suit on “The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon.” On Sunday, Mas tweeted a photo of his game-day wardrobe, including pink socks, Ralph Lauren black tie-up shoes and a black and pink striped tie with the team logo on it.
Mas wrote: “Game day!! Super excited for our InterMiamiCF fans. Players aren’t the only ones with kits. Lol Starting to suit up. Thank you @RalphLauren for designing our owner’s gear!!”
A few days earlier, Beckham posted on Instagram: “Great spending the day with the amazing Ralph Lauren at his office, someone I truly admire ... working with him on a project close to my heart,” and he added Inter Miami and Ralph Lauren tags at the end.
It is a common practice for fashion houses around the world to partner with soccer teams to dress them with formal wear for road travel, and casual non-athletic clothing. Beckham is a fashion and soccer icon, so a partnership would make sense.
Welcome Back, Lee Nguyen
Inter Miami midfielder Lee Nguyen got a rousing ovation from the fans at Banc of California, including a special welcome from the stadium announcer. When he came off the bench in the second half, the crowd roared. Nguyen played for LAFC the past two seasons, was beloved in the community, and said last week that he expected an emotional return.
“I was there for two seasons and built a great relationship with my teammates, the staff, front office, the fans. It was a big part of my career. I enjoyed my time there, so it will be great to see everyone.”
