David Beckham said he is frustrated with the delays in his efforts to build an MLS stadium in Miami, but confirmed his group will “get it right and it will happen.” Speaking to the BBC during an event announcing a new initiative with UNICEF, Beckham said, “It’s taking a little bit longer than we thought, but it will happen.” He added, “We’re making some really good progress and some real positive progress. At some point in the next couple of months there will be some announcements” (BBC.com, 2/9). In Miami, Patricia Mazzei reports Miami-Dade County Commissioner Bruno Barreiro has "introduced legislation asking Beckham to consider building on a site mostly owned by the city of Miami next to Marlins Park." The resolution requests that Mayor Carlos Gimenez "negotiate with Beckham over the potential site, part of the larger Little Havana property that housed the old Orange Bowl." The commission’s economic prosperity committee is "scheduled to consider Barreiro’s proposal Thursday." While Gimenez could "suggest ideas to Beckham’s investment group," the organization is not obligated "to discuss any of them." The city, not the county, would be the "key government player in any Little Havana stadium deal." Beckham and his business partners -- XIX Entertainment Founder Simon Fuller and Sprint CEO Marcelo Claure -- had been "cool to the Marlins Park site from the start, citing the unpopular public financing for the ballpark and the fact that the remaining property would only be able to fit a relatively modest soccer stadium" (MIAMI HERALD, 2/10).
