Inter Miami opens training camp Monday. Here’s everything you need to know
David Beckham’s six-year odyssey to bring Major League Soccer to Miami takes a giant step on Monday as Inter Miami opens its inaugural preseason training camp at Barry University. The season-opening game is on the road Mar. 1 against Los Angeles FC, one of the top teams in the league. The team has six weeks to get ready.
Here’ what fans need to know:
Dates of training camp? Mon. Jan. 20 through Fri. Feb. 28
Training camp location? Many MLS teams do preseason training in Florida, and Inter Miami is no different. The team will train in five Florida cities over the course of six weeks. The first five days will be in Miami Shores at Barry University. They will then move to Port Saint Lucie from Jan. 25-31. From Feb. 1-6 the team will train in Bradenton before coming back to Fort Lauderdale for its first week of training at the team’s training facility/temporary stadium, which is under construction. On Feb. 15, the team moves to St. Petersburg, where it will practice until Feb. 23, and then head back to Fort Lauderdale for the final week.
Are the training sessions open to the public? For the most part, no. The practices at Barry University, and in Port Saint Lucie, Bradenton, first week in Fort Lauderdale and St. Petersburg are scheduled to be closed to the public. Scrimmages Feb. 7 against the Charleston Battery and Feb. 12 against New York City FC are also closed. There are two friendly matches at St. Petersburg’s Al Lang Stadium that are open to the public, and free of charge – Feb. 15 against the Philadelphia Union at 4 p.m. and Feb. 22 against the Tampa Bay Rowdies at 7 p.m. The team also plans some open sessions in Fort Lauderdale the final week of camp.
Why aren’t more sessions open to fans? Inter Miami sporting director Paul McDonough explains: “We understand the unique position we are in as an expansion club coming into a new preseason with players and coaches moving into town for the first time. For us, it is important to bring the players together away from distractions, so they get to know each other, train and buy into our culture and coaching philosophies in a short period of time.”
How many players have been signed? Twenty-two so far (of 30 roster limit), and the team is in negotiations with several internationals and two higher-priced Designated Players. Reports from Scotland say Inter Miami has agreed to terms with 23-year-old Celtic winger Lewis Morgan for a $300,000 transfer, which is expected to be announced in the coming days. Manchester City star David Silva is the biggest name that has been linked to the team for several months, with reports in England saying the four-time Premier League champion would likely join the team when his contract expires in June.
Others who could end up here include Augstin Almendra (Boca Juniors, Argentina), Roger Martinez (Club America, Mexico), Dorlan Pabon (Monterrey, Mexico).
When will the uniforms be revealed? On Feb. 5, adidas and MLS will unveil the league’s complete collection of 2020 jerseys in advance of New York City’s Fashion Week. Celebrities from the sports and entertainment world will model the uniforms, which will commemorate the league’s 25th anniversary. Inter Miami’s home uniform is expected to be revealed at a separate time, perhaps before Feb. 5.
How do I buy tickets for the regular season? www.intermiamicf.com/tickets
This story was originally published January 19, 2020 at 12:48 PM.