David Beckham’s plans for a Major League Soccer stadium in Miami may have to face the voters before all is said and done.
According to the Miami Herald, Miami Mayor Tomas Regalado said the city will require a voter referendum if Beckham plans to build in an area near the AmericanAirlines Center along Biscayne Boulevard.
At the same time, Miami-Dade Mayor Carlos Gimenez said the county may also seek voter approval through a referendum if Beckham’s group chooses a site in PortMiami, according to the Herald.
Beckham’s plans for a stadium seemed to be on a fast-track when he first announced his new MLS franchise in Miami. His group originally planned to have a stadium plan in place, possibly as early as the end of the summer.
However, if a vote is sought, the earliest it could take place is in August, with November a more likely date, according to the Herald.
Beckham has pledged to finance the stadium with private money, but did receive some tax help from the state in the recent legislative session. According to the Herald, the stadium is expected to hold 25,000 and cost around $250 million.
There have been talks the University of Miami could be interested in playing in the stadium if it’s large enough, but the Canes’ actual level of interest isn’t known. Previous reports have stated the stadium would need to hold at least 40,000 for UM to consider playing there.
