Beckham's architects eye PortMiami stadium site

David Beckham, center with MLS commissioner Don Garber (L) and Miami mayor Carlos Gimenez (R), is eyeing the Port of Miami for his future MLS expansion franchise's stadium location.

Aaron Davidson/Getty Images

MIAMI (AP) - David 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.

More than 30 sites were evaluated for the stadium. In addition to the recommended site, Marlins Park, Florida International University and a site near the city's airport remain under consideration for the team.

There is no year set for the team to start play.

John Alschuler, chairman of the consulting firm HR&A, said the earliest the new stadium could be ready was 2018. If the team starts play earlier, it would have to play in a temporary home, such as Marlins Park or FIU.

Alschuler said a stadium at the Port of Miami would be built without the use of taxpayer money and that fans could drive there by using the Port of Miami tunnel and seeking limited parking spaces.

Beckham's group envisions perhaps as many as 4,000 fans per game making a ''seven- or eight- minute walk'' across the bridge from where the Miami Heat plays its NBA home games at AmericanAirlines Arena.

''The March to the Match' is a soccer tradition common in Europe and in certain parts of the United States,'' Alschuler said. ''They hang out in bars and march to the match.''

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Beckham's architects eye PortMiami stadium site