(Le Floridien) — Governor Ron DeSantis just announced a $8 million infrastructure grant to the Inter Miami Stadium project as part of the state’s broader effort to support infrastructure development in Miami-Dade County.
The republican Governor was at the team’s temporary home, Chase Stadium in Fort Lauderdale, on Thursday to make the official announcement. According to DeSantis, this from the Governor’s Job Growth Grant Fund will be used specifically to improve infrastructure around the new Miami Freedom Park project, such as constructing a roadway to ease traffic congestion around the stadium, which is adjacent to Miami International Airport.
In addition to a 26,700-seat stadium, the project includes a 58-acre park, hotels, offices, retail and entertainment venues.
During the presentation of the check, the republican governor emphasized that while the state does not fund the construction of sports stadiums, it plays a critical role in creating an environment that facilitates access and success for such projects.
“As much as I love sports, we just don’t believe that we give money to build sports stadiums, we’ve never done that with our state money,” DeSantis said. “Local governments sometimes make those decisions, but from the state perspective, it’s not anything we’ve ever done and not anything we are going to do.
He highlighted the importance of infrastructure in ensuring that people can easily access the stadium and surrounding areas, noting that this benefits not just soccer fans but anyone traveling in the region.
“As Florida continues to boom, we will continue to keep pace with the demands on our infrastructure. Today’s Job Growth Grant Fund award will fund roadway and transit improvements at the Miami Freedom Park and create nearly 1,800 jobs. This investment is not just about supporting a sports venue; it’s about enhancing the overall economic environment by improving access to the adjacent park, hotels, offices, and entertainment venues, making Miami Freedom Park a significant economic engine for the community,” DeSantis said.
“Miami Freedom Park is a large project and will attract a lot of people. When these projects are being done, people are going to want to go, and are they going to be able to get there, will it cause more traffic? And that’s particularly true in South Florida because anything can happen, and all of a sudden you have a backup and it’s very difficult…our role as that state government is not to give money to a team, but to create an environment where everyone can be successful. The roadway will help accommodate the traffic.”
Inter Miami managing owner Jorge Mas praised the grant, noting that the project will generate over 13,000 direct and indirect jobs and more than $40 million in tax revenue, transforming the area into a major destination, further underscoring its potential economic impact.
The state’s involvement is focused on infrastructure, aligning with its commitment to fostering job growth and development in Florida, particularly in areas that have been historically underserved.
The new Inter Miami stadium in Miami is not scheduled to open until the start of the 2026 MLS season.
