Inter Miami

Everything fans need to know before heading to Nu Stadium opening game Saturday

Inter Miami CF fans Oscar Cifuentes and son Noah Cifuentes Toledano, 2, react as they arrive at Miami Freedom Park Nu Stadium to watch Inter Miami CF practice, in Miami, Florida, on Thursday, April 2, 2026. Miami Freedom Park is a privately funded, 131-acre, $1.3 billion development near Miami International Airport. It includes Nu Stadium, a 26,700-seat home for Inter Miami CF and scheduled to open April 4, 2026.
Inter Miami CF fans Oscar Cifuentes and son Noah Cifuentes Toledano, 2, react as they arrive at Miami Freedom Park Nu Stadium to watch Inter Miami CF practice, in Miami, Florida, on Thursday, April 2, 2026. Miami Freedom Park is a privately funded, 131-acre, $1.3 billion development near Miami International Airport. It includes Nu Stadium, a 26,700-seat home for Inter Miami CF and scheduled to open April 4, 2026. adiaz@miamiherald.com

So, you plan to be at the grand opening of Nu Stadium on Saturday to see Lionel Messi and his Inter Miami teammates take on Austin FC in the historic match at 7:30 p.m. Here is everything you need to know before heading to the game:

First and foremost, arrive early!

Getting There, Arrival Times

Heavy traffic will be unavoidable as it is the first game at the new venue, so everyone will be figuring out how to get around. Public transportation is encouraged (see below). For those who drive, parking passes must be purchased in advance (see below). No parking passes will be for sale on site. Fans driving to the stadium are advised to use only designated entrances: NW 37th Avenue (Douglas Road), NW 42nd Ave (Le Jeune Rd.), and NW 14th Street (between NW 37th and NW 42nd avenues Eastbound only. Westbound closed to traffic other than rideshare vehicles). Parking lots open at 2:30 p.m., Baptist Health Fan Zone opens at 3:30 p.m., stadium gates open just after 5:15 p.m. ribbon cutting ceremonies.

Pre-game Festivities

Ribbon Cutting Ceremonies To commemorate Nu Stadium opening its doors to the public for the first time, fans are invited to be part of the opening ribbon cutting ceremonies. Special guests will be cutting the ribbon at each gate (South Gate, Royal Caribbean East Gate, North Gate) The celebration begins at 5:15 p.m. ET.

Baptist Health Fan Zone

La Bresh Party: Arrive early and enjoy the party, as International party collective Bresh will be setting the mood pre-game at the Baptist Health Fan Zone. The party is set to begin at 3:30 p.m. and will go until 8:30 p.m.

Icons in Training: Inter Miami CF will host an Academy initiative, in conjunction with Royal Caribbean Group, that will bring the Inter Miami Academy experience home to Nu Stadium. All guests ages 5 - 14 with a ticket to the match are invited to “Icons in Training,” a special pre-match training session for kids led by Inter Miami CF Academy coaches at the Baptist Health Sports Fields.

The special training will run from 4 p.m. ET to 6:30 p.m welcoming kids of all skill levels. Participants will rotate through Inter Miami Academy-style training stations led by Academy coaches. Participants will also receive a limited-edition “Icons in Training” T-shirt, courtesy of Royal Caribbean, while supplies last.

Partner Activations: Royal Caribbean will bring its immersive fútbol experiences and fun prizes, Lowe’s will set up an interactive Bucket Challenge and photo booth experience, Baptist Health will create a family-friendly wellness zone with a host of exciting activities, Florida Blue will showcase an interactive trailer experience complete with games, giveaways, and more, Modelo will turn up the energy with a lively bar-themed activation, Pura Vida will bring its signature Beach Club pop-up to the event, Café Bustelo will energize fans with samples of its cold ready-to-drink coffee from a branded tent, Continental will feature a large-scale branded trailer and photo booth activation, and UNICEF brings the freedom to dream through sport and play and the opportunity to get your IMCF fútbol training card.

Giveaways The first 10,000 fans to walk through the gates will take home a bucket hat. Fans will also get a commemorative rally towel and light stick at their seats.

National Anthem

Marc Anthony will sing the national anthem.

Halftime

There will be a halftime light show.

After Party

Modelo After Party Festivities aren’t over after the final whistle! Post-match festivities at Nu Stadium will be highlighted by the Modelo After Party on the Terraces, which will feature a set from world-renowned, Grammy award-winning producer/DJ, Cedric Gervais.

Location: The Terraces Start Time: After the final whistle (approximately 9:30 p.m. ET) End Time: 90 minutes after the final whistle (approximately 11 p.m. ET) Access: Free for everyone Food and Beverage: Bars at the Terraces will operate as cash bars during the Modelo After Party. Live Music: 90 minute set from world-renowned, Grammy award-winning producer/DJ Cedric Gervais.

Can I still buy game tickets? Check intermiamicf.com/tickets

Where can I park?

Fans driving to the game must buy a parking pass in advance through the team website. On-site purchases will not be available on match day. Parking lots open at 2:30 p.m. Fans driving to the stadium are advised to use only designated entrances: Northwest 37th Avenue (Douglas Road) and Northwest 14th Street (between Northwest 37th and Northwest 42nd avenues) Details here.

How can I get to Nu Stadium on public transportation?

Trains, buses and the Metrorail will drop fans off at the Miami Intermodal Center, which is adjacent to Miami International Airport and across the street from the stadium grounds. Ticket holders who travel to matches using public transportation (Tri-Rail, Metrorail, Metrobus, Trolley, or Broward County Transit) will receive a $10 food and beverage credit upon arrival at Nu Stadium. Details here.

To redeem, fans should visit the Guest Services Booth located outside Section 101 and present proof of public transportation use along with their match ticket (example: public transportation receipt, and match ticket). One credit will be issued per person. The credit is valid for the specific match attended and does not carry over to future matches. The credit has no cash value if not redeemed.

Recommended public transit options

Miami Intermodal Center: The most convenient mass transit station to Nu Stadium is the Miami Intermodal Center. This station is listed as Miami International Airport in Metrorail, Miami Airport in Tri-Rail, Miami Intermodal Center in Trolley, Airport Station in Metrobus, and Miami Airport Station in the Broward County Transport bus route.

Designated Walking Route from Miami Intermodal Center: Upon arriving at the station, fans should travel South to the signalized intersection of NW 21st Street/NW 38th Court. Using the signalized crosswalk, cross to the South side of NW 21st Street and walk West along the Sheraton Miami Airport Hotel access road. Wayfinding signage will direct you to the pedestrian bridge over the canal, which leads directly to Miami Freedom Park and Nu Stadium.

ADA Shuttle: Look for signage directing you to an ADA shuttle that will be available to pick you up at the Miami Intermodal Center and drop you off at Nu Stadium.

TRAINS:

METROMOVER

Route | Station: Omni Loop | Government Center Station (Connection with the Metrorail. See Metrorail information below)

Route | Station: Brickell Loop | Government Center Station, Brickell Station (Connection with the Metrorail. See Metrorail information below)

Route | Station: Inner Loop | Government Center Station (Connection with the Metrorail. See Metrorail information below)

Hours of Operation

About the Metromover: Metromover services 21 stations from the Financial District Station in Brickell to the School Board Station in the Omni area. More details here.

METRORAIL

Station: Miami International Airport

Hours of Operation (Service Hours: 5 a.m.-midnight, 7 days a week)

Weekday Frequency: Trains depart approximately every 15 minutes during the day, with 30-minute frequencies after 8 p.m. ET

Weekend Frequency: Service runs every 30 minutes.

Lines: The Orange Line serves the airport, providing direct service to downtown/Dadeland, while the Green Line requires a transfer at Earlington Heights.

About the Metrorail: 25-mile dual track that provides service to Miami International Airport (MIA) and runs from Kendall through South Miami, Coral Gables, and downtown Miami; to the Civic Center/Jackson Memorial Hospital area; and to Brownsville, Liberty City, Hialeah, and Medley in northwest Miami-Dade, with connections to Broward and Palm Beach counties at three locations: Historic Overtown Lyric Theatre station – transfer to Brightline, MIA (Orange Line) and the Tri-Rail (Green Line) stations – transfer to Tri-Rail. More details here.

TRI-RAIL

Station: Miami Airport

Hours of Operation: Weekday Schedule | Weekend Schedule

Please Note: Tri-Rail will provide an additional train departing at approximately 10 p.m. from the Miami Airport Station for the following Inter Miami CF matches. Special train times may be added for additional matches and will be communicated in advance if applicable.

Saturday Matches (Latest Special Departure Time: 10 p.m. (30-45 minutes after the match): April 4 vs. Austin FC, April 11 vs. RBNY, April 25 vs. New England, May 2 vs. Orlando City, May 24 vs. Philadelphia, Aug. 1 vs. Columbus, Aug. 22 vs. Toronto, Aug. 29 vs. Montreal, Sep. 5 vs. Atlanta, Sep. 12 vs. Nashville, Sep. 20 vs. San Diego, Oct. 10 vs. DC.

Sunday Matches (Latest Departure Time: 8:52 p.m.): May 17 vs. Portland

Wednesday Matches (Latest Departure Time: 9:50 p.m.): July 22 vs. Chicago, October 14 vs. NYCFC, October 28 vs. Cincinnati

About the Tri-Rail: Tri-Rail serves as South Florida’s regional commuter rail, linking Miami-Dade, Broward, and Palm Beach counties. For more information, including details on the specific schedules, routes, and fares, click HERE.

BRIGHTLINE

Station: Miami

The Miami Brightline station is located 0.2 miles from the Historic Overtown / Lyric Theatre Metrorail station (see above for Metrorail information)

The Miami Brightline station is located by the Metrobus stop NW 6 St. & 1 Ave, which Metrobus Route 7 covers (see above).

Hours of Operation

About Brightline: Brightline connects travelers between Central and South Florida with stations in Miami, Aventura, Fort Lauderdale, Boca Raton, West Palm Beach, and Orlando. More information here.

MIAMI TROLLEY

Route: Flagami Trolley Route

Stops: Miami Intermodal Center

Hours of Operation

About the Miami Trolley: The Trolley is free and accessible to all.

BUSES:

METROBUS

Hours of Operation/Schedule

Route: 7, End Stop: Airport Station

Travels from Dolphin Mall terminal to Miami-Dade College Wolfson campus via NW 7 St.

Stops include the Downtown Metrobus terminal, the College North Metromover station, and the Historic Overtown / Lyric Theatre Metrorail station.

Route: 20, End Stop: Airport Station

Travels from South Beach to Miami International Airport Metrorail Station along Alton Rd, MacArthur Cswy, NW 20 St, and NW 36 St.

Stops include the Adrienne Arsht Center Metromover Station / Omni Metrobus Terminal.

Route: 36, End Stop: Airport Station

Travels from Downtown Doral to South Beach along NW/NE 36 St, the Julia Tuttle Causeway and Collins Ave

Stops include Allapattah Metrorail station.

Route: 37, End Stop: Airport Station

Travels from Miami Lakes to South Miami along Palm Ave, LeJeune Rd, and Douglas Rd.

Stops include Hialeah, Douglas Road, South Miami and Miami International Airport Metrorail station

Route: 42, End Stop: Airport Station

Travels from Douglas Road Metrorail Station to Opa-locka Tri-Rail Station along NW 42 Ave.

Stops include Miami International Airport Metrorail Station.

Route 57, End Stop: Airport Station

Travels from University Metrorail Station to Miami International Airport Station along Coral Gables, SW 57 Ave and Blue Lagoon Dr.

Stops include Nicklaus Children’s Hospital.

Route: 150, End Stop: Airport Station

Express service from Miami International Airport Metrorail station to Mid Beach along the Julia Tuttle Causeway.

Limited-stop service from Mid Beach to South Beach along Collins Ave / Indian Creek Dr and Washington Ave.

Route: 338, End Stop: Airport Station

Travels from Miami International Airport Metrorail station to Miami International Mall and Dolphin Mall Metrobus terminal along SR 836

Route: Flagami Route, End Stop: Miami Intermodal Center

BROWARD COUNTY TRANSIT

Route: 115, End Stop: Miami Airport Station

Stops at Miramar Park and Ride, Hampton Inn - Miami Airport, West Jackson West Medical Center, The Landing at MIA, Miami Intermodal Center Hours of Operation

This story was originally published April 4, 2026 at 1:05 AM.

Michelle Kaufman
Miami Herald
Miami Herald sportswriter Michelle Kaufman has covered 14 Olympics, six World Cups, Wimbledon, U.S. Open, NCAA Basketball Tournaments, NBA Playoffs, Super Bowls and has been the soccer writer and University of Miami basketball beat writer for 25 years. She was born in Frederick, Md., and grew up in Miami.
Sports Pass is your ticket to Miami sports
#ReadLocal

Get in-depth, sideline coverage of Miami area sports - only $1 a month

VIEW OFFER