DeSantis Allocates $8 Million for Inter Miami Stadium Improvements

In a surprising move, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis announced an $8 million grant to Miami-Dade County aimed at enhancing infrastructure around the new stadium for the Inter Miami soccer team. Speaking at a press conference in Fort Lauderdale, DeSantis, known for his opposition to state funding for sports facilities, justified the grant by emphasizing its role in improving roads and supporting local businesses in the area. The stadium, set to open late next year, is expected to attract significant traffic, prompting the need for better access. DeSantis reiterated his stance against using taxpayer money for sports venues, stating, “We just don’t believe that we give money to build a sports stadium.” However, he acknowledged the necessity of ensuring that infrastructure can accommodate the influx of visitors to the stadium. He framed the funding as a means to foster a successful environment for the community rather than direct support for the soccer team itself. The new stadium, which will seat 26,700 fans, is being constructed near Miami International Airport on city-leased land. The specifics of the stadium's overall infrastructure budget remain unclear, raising questions about the significance of the state’s financial contribution. Critics, including J.C. Bradbury, an economics professor, argue that public funds should not be allocated to stadium projects, suggesting that this investment may not be the most pressing infrastructure need in Florida. Bradbury remarked, “Helping people get to soccer matches isn’t all that important,” highlighting skepticism about the efficacy of such funding initiatives.