Like the man, like the stadium: David Beckham's Miami spectacular

David Beckham revealed design plans on Monday for a new state-of-the-art football stadium he hopes will be the eventual Miami waterfront home of his Major League Soccer franchise.

David Beckham talks to reporters at Miami Dade College in downtown Miami, March 24, 2014. A group led by English soccer star David Beckham unveiled plans on Monday to build a 25,000-seat soccer stadium on Miami's waterfront for the Major League Soccer team he will own, but the proposal is already facing some opposition. (REUTERS)

David Beckham speaks during a news conference, Monday, March 24, 2014 in Miami. Beckham's architects and advisers have recommended the Port of Miami as the stadium site for the Major League Soccer expansion team that will be owned by the former English national team captain. The plan announced Monday would have an open-air stadium with views of the bay and the downtown skyline. The capacity could be as low as 21,000 or as high as 35,000. (AP)

The English football icon unveiled plans for the open-air stadium with a design that features a curving rooftop canopy that would protect up to 35,000 spectators from the elements but also have an open centre, providing bay front and skyline views.

"When people think of Miami, they immediately think about being near or on the water," the 38-year-old Beckham said during a news conference in downtown Miami on Monday.

This image courtesy of Miami Beckham United shows an artist rendering of a proposed stadium for a Major League Soccer (MLS) team backed by retired English soccer star David Beckham of the group's preferred location for the arena seated in between Biscayne Bay and downtown Miami, Florida in this handout image released on March 24, 2014. (REUTERS)

"I asked my team to develop ideas for a stadium that embraces the best of the destination.

"Even though we are in the early stages of building the franchise, I believe we have a vision that not only Miami would be proud of, but one that will resonate around the world."

The plans also call for an adjacent complex that would include a commercial development and a public plaza.

This image courtesy of Miami Beckham United shows an artist rendering of a proposed stadium for a Major League Soccer (MLS) team backed by retired English soccer star David Beckham of the group's preferred location for the arena seated in between Biscayne Bay and downtown Miami, Florida in this handout image released on March 24, 2014. (REUTERS)

But the center piece would be the stadium with steep grandstands which provide sweeping views of the field and give fans the feeling of being on top of the action.

Beckham is hoping that by releasing some details of the proposed stadium that he can help drum up support for the project.

The retired soccer icon announced last month that he plans to build a MLS club from scratch in Miami.

This image courtesy of Miami Beckham United shows an artist rendering of a proposed stadium for a Major League Soccer (MLS) team backed by retired English soccer star David Beckham of the group's preferred location for the arena seated in between Biscayne Bay and downtown Miami, Florida in this handout image released on March 24, 2014. (REUTERS)

The former Manchester United and England player, together with an investment group that could yet include Miami Heat basketball icon LeBron James, is forking out a reported $25 million for the ambitious franchise.

Beckham, who retired last year after a career that also took him to Real Madrid, LA Galaxy and Paris Saint-Germain, is banking on his star pulling power and growing prominence in the US to create what he called a "global" team that can attract the best players in the world.

Beckham said by placing the stadium in the downtown waterfront area they can also find the same commercial success that the NBA Heat have enjoyed in Miami.

"I see the atmosphere that goes on down there. I have been to Heat games," Beckham said Monday. "We want to be part of that."

But not everyone is on board with the downtown site, including Royal Caribbean Cruises which is located next to the proposed stadium.

This image courtesy Miami Beckham United shows an artist rendering of a proposed stadium for a Major League Soccer (MLS) team backed by retired English soccer star David Beckham of the group's preferred location for the arena seated in between Biscayne Bay and downtown Miami, Florida in this handout image released on March 24, 2014. (REUTERS)

Some civic officials have also expressed concerns about potential parking and traffic problems.

John Alschuler, Beckham's New York-based real estate adviser, said they wanted to get the plans out there so that people could discuss the pros and cons.

"We think it is time to share our vision," Alschuler told the Miami Herald. "Let's have a full, vigorous public debate about it.

"We feel a stadium downtown can be a key contributor to the revival of a great city. David loves what it is becoming, and much of that energy is downtown."
 

In this Feb. 5, 2014 file photo, former English soccer star David Beckham, third from left, poses with MLS Commissioner Don Garber, left, Miami-Dade County mayor Carlos Gimenez, right, and soccer fans with the Southern Legion at a news conference where he announced he will exercise his option to purchase a Major League Soccer expansion team in Miami. Beckham's architects have recommended the Port of Miami as the stadium site for the Major League Soccer expansion team. The plan announced Monday, March 24, 2014, would have a 25,000-seat, open-air stadium with views of the bay and the downtown skyline. (AP)

Alschuler said the matches would be played at night which wouldn't conflict with the cruise ships coming and going.

Beckham's investor group has other sites in mind if the waterfront one fails, including one near the Miami International Airport and another at Florida International University.

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