The 1970s Expansion Era

Lore & Background

Inter Miami's official history begins with David Beckham joining Jorge Mas to launch the franchise in 2017, aiming to bring top-tier talent back to South Florida. While the spirit of soccer passion from the NASL era lingers among local supporters, there is no direct organizational continuity between those vintage teams and the current MLS side. Fans often view the 1970s as a 'spiritual' root rather than an administrative one.

In Their Own Story

Beside him, his grandson wears the new Inter Miami jersey, vibrant and modern. The old man speaks of the roar of the crowd back then, while the boy points to the pitch where today's stars play. Two generations, one love for the game in Miami, bridging decades of silence between eras.

Reader's Guide

Inter Miami CF is a relatively young franchise within Major League Soccer, officially established in late 2018 and beginning competitive play in 2020. While the club often celebrates soccer culture in South Florida, its direct lineage does not extend back to the 1970s NASL era. Fans sometimes conflate Inter Miami with historic teams like the Fort Lauderdale Strikers or Miami Toros due to shared geography and passion for the sport. However, these were separate organizations operating under different leagues and ownership structures. Understanding this distinction is key to appreciating Inter Miami's unique identity as a modern expansion team focused on global stars and youth development. The club honors local history without claiming false continuity from decades past.

Did You Know?

• The first MLS season for Inter Miami started in 2020 at Lockhart Stadium, before the naming rights were secured later.

Visionary Origins and Private Financing

This project was historically significant as it became the first multipurpose stadium in the United States to be entirely privately financed, marking a shift away from public funding models common at the time. Robbie's foresight extended beyond football; anticipating the arrival of Major League Baseball in South Florida, he mandated a rectangular configuration with a wider-than-standard field. This design choice facilitated easier conversion for soccer and baseball but resulted in a less intimate atmosphere for football fans, as the first row of seats was positioned 90 feet from the sideline. Originally located in unincorporated Miami-Dade County near Scott Lake, the facility now sits within the incorporated city of Miami Gardens, reflecting its evolution alongside the surrounding community.

A Legacy of Premier Sporting Events

Since opening its doors, this stadium has established itself as a premier global stage for high-stakes competition across multiple sports. It has been the host site for six Super Bowls, including editions XXIII, XXIX, XXXIII, XLI, XLIV, and LIV, solidifying its status within the National Football League's history. Beyond professional football, the venue has accommodated four BCS National Championship Games and two College Football Playoff National Championships, serving as a critical backdrop for college athletics. Most recently, the grounds were transformed into the Miami International Autodrome to host Formula One's Miami Grand Prix starting in 2022, showcasing an unprecedented ability to adapt for diverse motorsport requirements.

The Era of the Florida Marlins

This tenure was a direct result of Joe Robbie's original design philosophy, which prioritized baseball compatibility to attract an expansion franchise. The Marlins eventually relocated to LoanDepot Park in 2012, ending a nearly two-decade era where the stadium successfully bridged professional football and baseball.

Dolphins Tenure and Notable Moments

For the Miami Dolphins, this facility has been their home since replacing the Orange Bowl after twenty-one seasons. While the team faced challenges early on, including canceled games due to labor disputes, they have since built a formidable record at this venue, defeating every NFL opponent at least once and maintaining an unbeaten streak against the Rams. Despite some losses in recent years, such as a defeat to the Baltimore Ravens in January 2009, the venue remains central to the team's identity.