DeSantis Allocates $8M for Miami Soccer Complex Roads

Florida Governor Ron DeSantis has expressed his opposition to using state funds for the construction of sports stadiums. However, he announced on Thursday that the state will allocate $8 million from the Governors’ Job Growth Grant Fund to improve road infrastructure surrounding the new Miami Freedom Park, a project by the ownership of the Inter Miami soccer club. DeSantis emphasized that this funding is aimed at enhancing access for attendees and local residents, rather than directly supporting a sports venue. The governor reiterated his stance against public funding for sports stadiums, stating, “We have not been willing, we just don’t give money to build a sports stadium.” He pointed out that economists have frequently criticized public financing for such projects, arguing that they fail to deliver the anticipated economic benefits. J.C. Bradbury, an economist from Kennesaw State University, commented on the situation, highlighting the irony of a fiscal conservative using taxpayer dollars to support professional sports teams. Miami Freedom Park is set to feature a 25,000-seat soccer stadium, a 58-acre public park, a tech hub, and 750 hotel rooms, all part of a $1 billion privately funded initiative. The project aims to be completed by late 2025, with Inter Miami expected to begin playing at the new stadium in 2026. Currently, the team plays at the 19,100-seat Chase Stadium in Fort Lauderdale.