Miami

Beckham Looking to Team Up With UM to Get Stadium

Worldwide soccer star David Beckham and University of Miami president Donna Shalala are talking about partnering on a stadium for both soccer and football.

And Miami-Dade county mayor Carlos Gimenez is encouraging the partnership between Beckham's group and UM.

"Something I actually asked them to do some time ago, so I'm happy we're at this point," Mayor Gimenez said. "I don't know how far into it they are... it's a good development."

The parking lots next to Marlins Park are one of the sites being considered. The land is owned by the county and it would be a much shorter drive for UM students to watch a game compared to Sun Life Stadium.

UM still has a long term contract with Sun Life Stadium, but President Shalala in the past has said she thinks it's too big for Canes games.

Two other sites being considered are the old Bertram Yacht yard just east Of Miami International Airport and a property in Overtown, just south of Interstate 395.

"I'll be happy to support the team wherever they decide to go," said soccer enthusiast Mitchell Torres, who is very involved in Beckham's plan to bring a soccer to South Florida.

Miami already has professional soccer, a team in the the North American Soccer League, and two clubs with the National Premier Soccer League, but they are considered lower tiered teams.

But MLS, says Torres, is considered the top tier, "You are looking at the top players, you're looking at the best product on the field, you are looking at big money, you are looking at global recognition," he said.

This effort is Beckham's third attempt to bring a club to Miami. People like Torres are hoping the third time's the charm.

All you have to do is look at any soccer event that happens in South Florida, it is sold out so I am certain that once this happens the support is going to be overwhelming.

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