#INSERT type:image caption:Miami Beckham United has requested formal discussions with the Miami mayor about building a new stadium next to Marlins Park. END#
David Beckham's investment group, Miami Beckham United, has informed Miami mayor Tomas Regalado via a letter that the group would like to begin formal discussions about building a new soccer stadium adjacent to Marlins Park.
The letter, a copy of which was obtained by ESPNFC.com, indicated that the investment group -- which includes Simon Fuller and Marcelo Claure -- has visited the site, and that it is now the preferred location for the new venue.
The delivery of the letter to the Miami mayor was first disclosed by the Miami Herald, and comes on the heels of an announcement last week by Regalado and Claure that Miami Beckham United had agreed to build the stadium next to Marlins Park.
"We have done a considerable amount of work to understand the requirements of the Site and its potential as the home of our Major League Soccer franchise," the letter read, which was signed by Beckham, Fuller, and Claure. "While there is work to be done, including completing the land assembly, we firmly believe that we can build a world-class stadium at the Site."
The site has long been pushed by Miami politicians as the best location for a potential stadium. Beckham, along with Claure and Fuller weren't always convinced.
Fuller even called the site "spiritually tainted" given the controversy surrounding the stadium financing deal for Marlins Park back in 2009. Miami Beckham United had two attempts to secure sites closer to the waterfront rebuffed by Miami politicians.
The letter not only indicates the change in approach by Miami Beckham United, but also that the site has the backing of MLS. The stadium will also require the cooperation of Miami-Dade County.
"Our partners at MLS have visited, and reviewed general information regarding the Site," the letter read. "They are supportive of our efforts to build a soccer specific stadium on the Site, subject to receiving and reviewing the final timeline and agreement with The City of Miami and the final stadium plans.
"Subject to your guidance, and in cooperation with Miami-Dade County, we would look to commence the necessary discussions with all interested parties regarding the Site."
A spokesman for Miami Beckham United confirmed in an email to ESPNFC.com that the letter had been sent to Mayor Regalado, and stressed that the stadium will be funded by private sources.
"Miami Beckham United looks forward to entering into formal discussions with the City and, ultimately, Miami-Dade County en route to launching an MLS club in Miami within the coming years," the spokesman said.
"Exact timing and important details will be agreed upon shortly, but two things are for certain: the soccer stadium will be privately funded without taxpayer dollars, and the finished product will be something that makes the South Florida community proud."