Miami FC, which is joining NASL in 2016, will play home matches at Ocean Bank Field at FIU Stadium, on the campus of Florida International University in University Park.
“This is Miami’s team,” said Miami FC co-owner Riccardo Silva. “By calling the FIU stadium home, we are taking a step further to building a strong and passionate fan base in our city.”
The stadium was once pitched as a temporary home for David Beckham’s MLS effort and served as home to Miami’s USL team in 2009, so soccer is a known quantity. And with a capacity of 20,000, Ocean Bank Field at FIU Stadium isn’t too large for an NASL team.
Miami FC is led by Silva, president and founder of one of the worldwide leaders in the distribution of sports media rights, MP & Silva, and former soccer star Paolo Maldini, who played for AC Milan and the Italian national team.
“This is a great win for soccer fans in this community,” Miami-Dade County Mayor Carlos Gimenez said.
NASL Commissioner Bill Peterson added, “The club is being built through knowledge and through passion.”
FIU President Mark B. Rosenberg said that the university is excited to be the new club’s home, beginning with the 2016 NASL Spring Season, which is scheduled to kick off in April.
“FIU is all about win-win partnerships,” Rosenberg said. “We are thrilled to be working with Riccardo Silva.”