David Beckham may have retired from playing soccer, but he’s far from finished with the sport. The former English soccer star recently announced plans for a new state-of-the-art stadium to house his Major League Soccer franchise on Miami’s waterfront. Designed by firms Arquitectonica and 360 Architecture, the curvaceous, open-air stadium boasts views of the downtown skyline, and if approved it could open as early as 2018.
The privately funded stadium is expected to seat at least 25,000 people and include additional dining and entertainment options such as shops, restaurants, nightclubs, an outdoor screening venue and a possible football museum. The architects have also included a pedestrian plaza and bridge for fans to walk to the stadium from the mainland.
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Beckham’s architects and advisers recommended the publicly-owned and sought-after Port of Miami site for its spectacular views of the bay and the downtown skyline. “[The stadium] will create an unparalleled experience in soccer in the United States,” says Beckham’s real estate advisor John Alschuler, who adds that the proposed location could also spur greater economic investment in downtown Miami. Current port tenant Royal Caribbean Cruises, however, has raised opposition to the plan, citing potential traffic and parking conflicts.
Via Dezeen
Images via Visual House
