Inter Miami responds to Billy Corben/David Samson anti-Miami Freedom Park video
Inter Miami on Thursday responded to a social media video by filmmaker Billy Corben and former Marlins president David Samson that was highly critical of the club’s Miami Freedom Park stadium project, which is up for vote in the Miami city commission next week.
“The team is aware of a social media campaign aiming to misinform and confuse the public about the impact the Miami Freedom Park will have of the City and its residents,” the statement reads. “We believe that everyone has the undeniable right to expect timely, truthful, and accurate information. Here are the facts:
“Miami Freedom Park is a 100 percent privately funded project. Marlins Stadium was a publicly funded stadium.
“Miami Freedom Park went through the best type of bidding process, the voter process. The majority of the City’s voters sent their Commissioners a clear message to advance with this project: a 25,000-seat stadium, 750 hotel rooms, commercial and office space, community fields and the largest public park in the City generating jobs and tax revenue.
“Miami Freedom Park would contribute $6.3 billion in tax revenue to the City of Miami over the life of the lease.
“Based on studies by three independent appraisers selected by the City of Miami... Miami Freedom Park will pay in excess of 56 percent over fair market rent, which totals $2.6 billion in rent of life of the lease.
“During the first 30 years, Miami Freedom Park will generate more than $11 billion in economic activity.
“Miami Freedom Park would create the single largest park in the City of Miami. Additionally, Inter Miami would contribute $25 million to the City of Miami Parks Department.
“The Miami Freedom Project would create more than 15,000 direct and indirect jobs paying $15/hour or more.”
Inter Miami might play Barcelona
Spanish giant FC Barcelona might include a preseason match against Inter Miami this summer, according to Spanish news outlet Mundo Deportivo.
Barcelona is planning a friendly tour of the United States in mid-late July, and it is expected to include matches against Real Madrid, Juventus and Inter Milan. The match dates and venues are still being negotiated, but Las Vegas and Los Angeles were mentioned as possibilities. It is unknown if a potential match against Inter Miami would be at DRV PNK Stadium or another site.
In 2019, Barcelona traveled to Miami and Michigan to play two matches against Napoli.
Inter Miami learns next U.S. Open opponent
The U.S. Open Round of 32 draw was on Thursday, and Inter Miami’s next opponent is South Georgia Tormenta FC, which plays in the third-tier USL League One. The game will be on May 10 at 8 p.m. at DRV PNK Stadium. Ticket information will be announced at a later date.
Inter Miami advanced to the Round of 32 with a 1-0 win over Miami FC on Tuesday. Most of the MLS teams will be playing other MLS teams in this next round, but Inter Miami is one of a handful that drew lower-division opponents. The winner of the 103-year-old tournament earns $300,000 and a spot in the 2023 CONCACAF Champions League.