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Nu Stadium party! Inter Miami host epic home opener | MLSSoccer.com

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Nu Stadium party! Inter Miami host epic home opener | MLSSoccer.com


MIAMI – Fans, celebrities and media flocked to Nu Stadium on Saturday to experience opening night at Inter Miami CF’s brand new, soccer-specific venue.

The Herons were up for the occasion, throwing an epic housewarming party capped by a 2-2 comeback draw against Austin FC. 

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Club legends Lionel Messi and Luis Suárez provided the goals that paced Miami to a dramatic start to life in their new home. 

“Today, it’s clear that for the last 20 to 25 minutes, we took a lot of risks,” head coach Javier Mascherano told reporters post-match.

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“But we’re at home. We’re MLS [Cup] champions, and we have to show it.”

Electric atmosphere

The Herons went all out to make Nu Stadium’s opening match one to remember, christening their state-of-the-art Downtown Miami digs with fireworks and rousing pre-game speeches from co-owners Jorge Mas and David Beckham. 

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Famed Miami resident and four-time Grammy Award winner Marc Anthony then belted out a stirring rendition of the national anthem, setting the stage for 90-plus minutes of non-stop chanting, cheering, and drumming from the sellout crowd of 26,700. 

“It was beautiful. A sold-out crowd of people who made the effort to come and see us. And honestly, they cheered us from beginning to end,” said defender Maxi Falcón. 

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“For them to welcome us like that, with today’s spectacle, it was beautiful for us.”

That electric atmosphere helped the Herons recover quickly from Guilherme Biro’s sixth-minute opener for Austin, with Messi responding four minutes later to score Miami’s first-ever goal at their new home with a precise header.

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A similar scenario played out in the second half, with fans spurring the Herons on as Suárez came off the bench to cancel out Jayden Nelson’s go-ahead strike by rifling home from close range in the 82nd minute. 

Nu Stadium briefly erupted in pandemonium after Suárez appeared to score a last-gasp winner, only for the goal to be called off. 

“On the field, you could definitely feel the atmosphere – especially when you score a goal to tie it up late,” said goalkeeper Dayne St. Clair.

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“We pushed for the winner as well, and we felt that the crowd was really with us and pushing and kind of suffocating them.”

World-class venue

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While Saturday’s draw wasn’t the result they wanted, Inter Miami can take pride in boasting one of the best sporting venues in the world, according to MLS Commissioner Don Garber. 

“They’ve done the unthinkable. The stadium is spectacular, it’s breathtaking,” Garber said. “Jose and Jorge [Mas] spoke to me this morning and they said, ‘I wish I could be with you when you walk in because it will take your breath away.’ And it did. It’s absolutely spectacular.”

“It feels to me like a building that can rival any sports facility anywhere in the world. Not just soccer stadiums, but any sports building. I’m very proud of them.”

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For Mas, the venue that anchors the broader Miami Freedom Park project could launch the club to transformative heights. 

“Today we’re home,” Mas told the crowd during his pre-game speech. “I think this is a personification of what’s possible. I think it’s an amazing stadium, an amazing environment. 

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“And, listen, our goal is to lift trophies and win championships, and I think this will be a proper home to do that with and for our fans.”

Made in Miami 

Saturday’s match carried extra meaning for Miami beyond the outcome. 

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After six years playing 30 miles to the north in Fort Lauderdale, the Herons are now officially setting roots in Miami proper. 

“[For the] fans to be able to have a permanent home where they know they’ll be here,” said St. Clair. “So I think for us, you just want to be able to reward the fans and give them wins and show them the effort. And be willing to do everything for the badge and for the club.” 

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Beckham, who helped plant the seeds of Inter Miami over a decade ago, was especially proud. 

“To see this stadium come to life after years and years of trying to get this stadium up and running in Miami is something very special,” said the England and LA Galaxy legend. “I came to America and the MLS 20 years ago and I made a lot of promises. And 13 years ago, I made a lot of promises again, announcing that I was coming to Miami. 

“And today is just a dream come true for us.”

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In with the Nu

With Nu Stadium’s first match in the books, Inter Miami are looking to build on the legacy they’ve already created with MLS Cup 2025, 2024 Supporters’ Shield and Leagues Cup 2023 titles. 

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“I think the favorite part is still to come,” said Mas. “Everything to now has been frankly extremely stressful, the last few months. But I think the culmination of lifting an MLS Cup, us together here in December, would be a great shining cap off to an amazing year.” 

Miami’s players, meanwhile, are more focused on the short-term. 

“We’re a little bitter about not taking all three points because we know we’re a strong team,” said Falcón.

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“…. We showed it last year, especially towards the end of the season. We have to get back to that, get our heads together and prepare well for our next game.”





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Every Dolphins head coach’s start in Miami from worst to best

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Every Dolphins head coach’s start in Miami from worst to best


Jeff Hafley became the 12th full-time head coach in Miami Dolphins history following the firing of Mike McDaniel in January.

Most of the previous coaches began their careers with a decent roster to work with. That isn’t the case for Hafley, who, like Brian Flores, will begin his NFL career with a gutted roster full of question marks but a better hope for the future.

Hafley will be safe in his job for at least three seasons, barring something unforeseen. Stephen Ross likes the direction the team is heading, and he understands that patience is needed. In 2019, his patience with Flores was quickly lost for many reasons.

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Hafley will face one of the toughest schedules in the NFL this year. He isn’t likely to get off to a quick start in his coaching career. Looking at other former Dolphins’ coaches, it will be interesting to see how he stacks up, despite the roster.

Jeff Hafley has a tough road to make a first year impact as the Miami Dolphins head coach

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Cam Cameron – 0-13

To be fair to Cameron, he did open his first and only season as the Dolphins’ HC with an overtime loss to the then Washington Redskins. Cameron started with 13 consecutive losses before beating the Ravens two weeks before the end of the season. Six of his losses were by three points.

Brian Flores – 0-7

Flores and the Dolphins’ management team gutted the roster. The epic 2019 rebuild never materialized on the field, but the Dolphins were not expected to do much that season. Flores’ hardliner decisions were a huge change to the previous coaching staff, eventually wearing thin.

The Dolphins managed to finish the year with five wins, which was a bigger accomplishment than many had believed possible. This is the season that Hafley will be compared to the most. He is inheriting the same level of roster experience, with a tough schedule. Five wins would be an exceptional start.

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George Wilson – 0-5

Wilson spent the majority of his career coaching the NFL’s Detroit Lions before switching to the AFL’s Dolphins. He would spend three years coaching the Dolphins, but his first season wouldn’t see a victory until week six against the Broncos. Wilson lost his first five games, with the closest being a 5-point loss in week two to the Jets. Miami would beat the Broncos and Oilers in back-to-back weeks, then beat the Oilers again in the final game of the season, to finish 3-11.

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Tony Sparano – 0-2

In what remains one of the best turnarounds in NFL history, Sparano inherited Cameron’s 1-11 roster. He led the Dolphins to an AFC East title and the playoffs in his first season, but he didn’t get off to a great start early.

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Sparano’s Dolphins lost their first two games, but the implementation and debut of the WildCat would change their fortunes. Miami won nine of its final 10 games to finish 11-5.

Adam Gase – 0-2

Gase was supposed to be the next offensive genius. For a short time, he appeared to be heading in the direction of proving everyone right. The Dolphins got off to a slow start in his first season, eventually finishing 10-6. Miami took second place in the AFC East and earned a playoff spot, but the Dolphins lost in the Wild Card round to the Steelers.

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Joe Philibin – 0-1

The start of Joe Philbin’s career in Miami was much like his final year, uninspiring. Miami lost their first game, but managed to turn the season into something promising. They finished 7-9, but had opportunities. Philbin wasn’t a bad coach; he just wasn’t a good one either.

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Dave Wannstedt – 0-1

Wannstedt had the rare privilege of taking over a well-built roster. After spending a season working under Johnson as a Dolphins coach, he took over after Johnson abruptly retired from the league. He would win his first game, lose his second, and then run off four consecutive wins. Miami won the AFC East in 2000 and advanced to the playoffs, where they lost to the Raiders. They finished 11-5.

Don Shula – 0-1

Shula got off to a fast start after leading the Colts to Super Bowl III. The loss to the Jets was the catalyst for his departure. In Miami, Shula would become a legend. Taking over for Wilson, Shula lost his first game as the Dolphins’ HC.

The 27-14 drubbing of the Boston Patriots would lead to a four-game winning streak, followed by a three-game losing streak. In traditional Shula fashion, the Dolphins would turn it all around and run off six straight victories, earning them their first playoff appearance in franchise history with a 10-4 record.

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Jimmy Johnson – 3-0

Many fans believed it was time for a coaching change, and so did owner Wayne Huizenga. Shula retired, and Johnson was the big-name hire. Johnson wasn’t able to develop the Dolphins into a dynasty as he did with the Cowboys; in fact, he couldn’t get them deep into the playoffs.

To a lesser degree, Johnson began making wholesale changes to the Dolphins roster to build it in his own vision. His first season was an average .500 at 8-8, but his quick start had fans believing the right decision was made. Johnson’s team won three straight to kick off the coach’s career in Miami, but they would only win five games the rest of the year.

Mike McDaniel – 3-0

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McDaniel was the complete opposite of Flores. He inherited a good football team in need of direction. He was another offensive guru who didn’t come in kicking down doors like Flores, but instead brought a youthful energy that the players immediately gravitated toward.

Under McDaniel, the Dolphins would rattle off 9 wins and squeak into the playoffs, where they lost to the Bills by three, without their starting quarterback, Tua Tagovailoa. McDaniel’s exuberance was greatly needed, but as the seasons continued, his energy wasn’t enough to win games when the players needed more discipline. McDaniel couldn’t find the right balance between the two.

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Bradley Beal to Miami Heat rumors draw skepticism

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Bradley Beal to Miami Heat rumors draw skepticism


Bradley Beal is reportedly a free agent after declining his player option to return to the Los Angeles Clippers. The Miami Heat have been linked to him with the start of NBA free agency looming.

Miami is looking to add floor spacers following its trade for Giannis Antetokounmpo. Beal fits the bill as he’s a career 37.6% shooter from beyond the arc and would provide the team with a lot of experience.

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MORE: Projecting the 2026 Milwaukee Bucks starting lineup after Giannis Antetokounmpo trade

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Underdog NBA shared the update reported by NBA Prime’s Chris Haynes on X. However, fans expressed skepticism about his fit and what he would bring to the franchise.

“Bradley Beal about to scam the Miami Heat like he did the Phoenix Suns and the LA Clippers,” one fan wrote.

“He said watch out like if Beal is still a good player,” a comment read.

“not a soul is worried about where bradley beal is going. we waiting on the jaylen brown trade,” one user said.

“That’s suppose to scare the Celtics ?” posted another.

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“How can any team want this dude?” a comment read.

“Their whole team will be over 30 years old at this rate,” another fan commented.

Beal signed a two-year, $11 million deal with the Clippers on July 18, 2025. However, he played only six games last season as doctors performed a season-ending surgery to repair a hip fracture.

Bradley Beal’s career stats

The 33-year-old is coming off a major injury and hasn’t played a full season since 2018-19. However, he last received All-Star honors in 2021 and could still be a solid contributor if given ample playing time. Beal averages 21.4 points, 4.0 rebounds, 4.3 assists, 1.1 steals and 2.1 3PM in his career.

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He could sign a one-year, veteran’s minimum deal, which would give him a chance to secure a more lucrative contract if he performs well. A low-risk, high-reward scenario will work well for Miami as it maneuvers its salary cap situation.



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Person hospitalized after fire breaks out at North Miami Beach apartment building

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Person hospitalized after fire breaks out at North Miami Beach apartment building


A person was hospitalized after a fire broke out at an apartment building in North Miami Beach on Monday, officials said.

The fire happened at the 7-story building at 16850 S. Glades Drive.

Miami-Dade Fire Rescue officials said crews found smoke and flames coming from a unit on the sixth floor.

Firefighters worked to extinguish the flames and were able to bring it under control before checking to see if other units were damaged.

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Officials said two patients were assessed including one who was taken to a local hospital for treatment.

No other details were immediately known.

Check back with NBC6 for updates.



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