Major League Soccer fans will have a historic date to remember: April 4, the night Miami Freedom Park hosts its first-ever MLS regular-season match as Inter Miami CF welcomes Austin FC to South Florida. This game marks the grand opening of Inter Miami’s long-awaited 25,000-seat soccer-specific stadium, officially launching a new era for the club, its fans, and the city of Miami.
What Is Miami Freedom Park?
Miami Freedom Park is a landmark project featuring a 25,000-seat soccer stadium, a 58-acre public park, youth soccer fields, entertainment zones, and retail and dining areas. Located near Miami International Airport, it is designed not just as a stadium but as a destination — combining professional sports, community recreation, business spaces, and entertainment into one vibrant hub.
The venue will serve as Inter Miami’s permanent home, replacing Chase Stadium in Fort Lauderdale.
April 4 Home Opener: Inter Miami vs. Austin FC
The stadium’s official debut is set for April 4, 2026, when Inter Miami hosts Austin FC in a regular-season MLS matchup.
Match Details:
- Date: April 4, 2026
- Teams: Inter Miami CF vs. Austin FC
- Location: Miami Freedom Park, Miami, Florida
- Event: Inaugural match at the stadium
The match is expected to attract international attention, especially with Lionel Messi leading Inter Miami.
Lionel Messi Brings Global Spotlight to Miami
With Lionel Messi on the pitch, Miami Freedom Park’s debut becomes one of the most anticipated events in MLS history. Messi’s global influence will elevate the opening night into a worldwide spectacle, attracting massive media coverage, unprecedented ticket demand, and international broadcast exposure.
The April 4 debut marks not just the opening of a stadium — it represents the convergence of world-class talent, modern infrastructure, and the rising profile of soccer in North America ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Stadium Features and Fan Experience
Miami Freedom Park is designed to deliver an unforgettable matchday and visitor experience, offering:
- Soccer-specific bowl design with optimal sightlines
- Entertainment and dining district surrounding the venue
- Large public green spaces and community athletic fields
- Easy access via the Miami Intermodal Center with Metrorail and Tri-Rail
- Retail, office, and hospitality spaces integrated into a year-round destination
The stadium is also expected to become a major contributor to the local economy, creating thousands of jobs during construction and operations.
Place in the 2026 MLS Season
Miami Freedom Park’s debut is strategically placed within an impactful MLS season, which includes:
- Season opener: February 21 (Inter Miami vs. LAFC)
- Stadium debut: April 4 (Inter Miami vs. Austin FC)
- World Cup break: May 25 – July 16, as MLS pauses for the 2026 FIFA World Cup
- Decision Day: November 7
- Audi MLS Cup Playoffs: Starting November 18
With the World Cup hosted in North America in 2026, Miami Freedom Park will debut during a period of unprecedented global soccer interest.
Why the April 4 Debut Matters
This stadium opening is significant because it:
- Establishes Inter Miami’s permanent home in Miami
- Creates a new soccer landmark in North America
- Showcases a world-class venue in time for the World Cup
- Highlights MLS growth and Miami’s rise as a global soccer destination
- Combines top-tier talent (Messi) with a state-of-the-art stadium